Stride Rite Children's Group Named Company of the Year by Earnshaw's Magazine

LEXINGTON, Mass., Sept. 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Stride Rite Children's Group (SRCG) announced today that it has been named the 2012 Company of the Year by Earnshaw's magazine.

Earnshaw's recognizes stand-out children's product companies with the prestigious 35-year old Earnie Awards. The Earnie Awards are nominated and voted upon by top industry leaders, and winners receive the retail community's seal of approval in areas including design, quality and overall excellence.

With its powerful portfolio of brands, including Stride Rite, Saucony Kids, Sperry Top-Sider Kids, Keds Kids and Jessica Simpson Kids, SRCG is able to provide a compelling collection of quality children's shoes that meet a variety of consumer needs. SRCG distributes this portfolio through its 300+ retail locations and valued wholesale partnerships across the United States and internationally. 

"We're incredibly honored to be named the 2012 Company of the Year by Earnshaw's magazine, particularly given that this award is selected by industry leaders," said Sharon John, president of Stride Rite Children's Group. "It is important to us that we continue the 92 year legacy of the Stride Rite brand by delivering 'kid-rite' innovation, quality, fit and style to enrich the journey of childhood one step at a time. From great product design, to powerful licensed partnerships such as Disney and Star Wars, to our outstanding fit measurement and service model at retail, we strive everyday to be the choice that moms trust and kids love."

"I am incredibly proud of the Stride Rite team for receiving this award," said Gregg Ribatt, president and chief executive officer of Performance + Lifestyle Group. "The Stride Rite team has done an amazing job of transforming our business and the consumer experience and is a critical part of the Performance + Lifestyle Group's success. It is great to see the team honored for their efforts by the children's product industry."

SRCG today also announced that another member of its family, Robeez shoes, was named the 2012 Best Footwear brand by Earnshaw's magazine.

To learn more and to find a retail store near you, visit www.striderite.com.   

About Stride Rite Children's Group
The Stride Rite Children's Group, part of the Performance + Lifestyle Group, markets leading brands of premium children's footwear in the United States, including Stride Rite®, Saucony® Kids, Keds® Kids and Sperry Top-Sider® Kids, among others. For over 92 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. Visit www.striderite.com to learn more.

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