Robeez® by Stride Rite® Introduces Robeez Layette, a Sweet and Soft Head-To-Toe Apparel Collection as the Perfect Shower Gift For New Mom and Baby

LEXINGTON, Mass., Sept. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Stride Rite Children's Group (SRCG), the number one footwear brand and retailer of shoes for children under age two years old*, launches Robeez® by Stride Rite® Layette, marking Stride Rite's first expansion into infant apparel.  Since the birth of Robeez Soft Soles in 1994, the distinctly styled footwear has been the "must have" for new moms and a popular baby shower gift for gift givers. Now moms and gift givers can coordinate the beloved Robeez kick-proof socks and Robeez Soft Soles, such as the Ballerina Bear, with the new Robeez Layette, to create the perfectly coordinated head-to-toe gift set.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110920/NY71281LOGO )

As a premium infant brand, Robeez by Stride Rite was created by a mom for moms who want only the best for their children by providing the perfect learning-to-walk experience.  The Robeez by Stride Rite Soft Soles feature leather uppers, a suede non-slip sole and an elasticized easy-on, stay-on design to protect little feet and give them room to grow.  From the fit to the finishing details, the Fall 2011 Robeez Layette apparel items are designed to complement the Soft Soles with two-piece bodysuit-pant sets and two-piece footie-cap sets featuring cuddly soft 100% brushed cotton, signature Robeez embroidered motifs, and kimono snap closures for easy changing.  The bodysuit-pant sets feature sweet ruffle details for girls and stylish cargo pant pockets for boys.

Robeez Layette is made with 100% cotton, wears and washes well for durability and great fit and is available in three easy to shop for sizes (3 months, 6 months and 9 months) in the following styles:

• Boys: Up, Up & Away Airplane, Monkeying Around
• Girls: Ballerina Bear, Secret Garden, Crafty Owl
• Unisex: Lil' Lamb Footie-Cap, Lil' Chicadee Bodysuit-Pant

The suggested retail price for the Layette two-piece bodysuit-pants set and two-piece footie-cap set is $35.00. The collection is pre-packaged in premium gift boxes and is currently available exclusively in select Stride Rite retail stores, online at www.striderite.com as well as through Stride Rite wholesale partners including Amazon.com and Diapers.com. Visit www.striderite.com to find a retail store near you.

*Source: NPD US Consumer Footwear Panel Data, Dollar Sales, 12 months ending April 2011.

About Stride Rite Children's Group and Collective Brands, Inc.
About Stride Rite Children's Group, Inc. and Collective Brands, Inc.

The Stride Rite Children's Group, part of the Performance + Lifestyle Group of Collective Brands, Inc., markets leading brands of premium children's footwear in the United States, including  stride rite® , Robeez for stride rite®, Saucony® Kids, Keds® Kids and Sperry Top-Sider® Kids, among others. For over 90 years, the company has designed and engineered footwear specifically to meet the needs of growing children. Through our sole commitment to "Kid-RITE" innovation, quality, health and style, Stride Rite Children's Group's mission is to be the first choice for premium authentic footwear brands that kids love and moms trust.

About Collective Brands, Inc.

Collective Brands, Inc. (NYSE: PSS) is a leader in bringing compelling lifestyle, fashion and performance brands for footwear and related accessories to consumers worldwide.   The company operates three strategic units covering a powerful brand portfolio, as well as multiple price points and selling channels including retail, wholesale, ecommerce and licensing.  Collective Brands, Inc. includes Payless ShoeSource, focused on democratizing fashion and design in footwear and accessories through its nearly 4,500-store retail chain, with its brands Airwalk®, Dexter®, Champion® and designer collections Lela Rose for Payless, Christian Siriano for Payless and Isabel Toledo for Payless, among others;  Collective Brands Performance + Lifestyle Group, focused on lifestyle and performance branded footwear sold primarily through wholesale and retail, with brands including Stride Rite®, Keds®, Sperry Top-Sider®,  and Saucony®; and Collective Licensing International, the brand development, management and global licensing unit, with such youth lifestyle brands as Airwalk®, Vision Street Wear®, Sims®, Lamar® and LTD®.  Information about, and links for shopping on, each of the Collective Brand's units can be found at www.collectivebrands.com.

Media Contacts:
Stride Rite: Malinda Freitas, [email protected], 617-824-6231
RF|Binder: Madhu Katta, [email protected], 212-994-7522

SOURCE Stride Rite Children's Group