Timberland Opens First-Ever Retail Location In Minneapolis This Fall; Hosts U.S. Pond Hockey Kick-Off Event

STRATHAM, N.H., Oct. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Timberland announced details about its new Minneapolis retail location, part of the Calhoun Square shopping area in the Uptown district.  Located at 3001 Hennepin Avenue, doors officially open on Friday, November 18 at 10am, just one week prior to Black Friday.  For the first time ever, Minneapolis locals will be able to experience the renowned outdoor retailer's footwear, apparel and accessories first-hand in one of the city's busiest retail destinations.

"As a brand rooted in the outdoors, extending our presence in Minnesota is a natural fit," said John Pazzani, vice president, direct to consumer for Timberland. "Minneapolis is one of this country's great cities and much like New England, locals are encouraged to explore the outdoors, even in the frigid, winter months. With this new store location, we aim to prepare consumers for their next adventure, providing footwear and apparel that is built to last, and will keep them protected against the elements and looking great all season long."

In step with Timberland® stores around the world, the new 2,000 sq. foot retail space is designed to reflect the company's long-standing commitment to sustainability, and was built with the environment in mind. Build-out features include the use of reclaimed wood and industrial machinery (used for table bases); "Ecotech" recycled stoneware floor tiles; FSC certified woods; reduced-wattage LED lighting; Energy Star-eligible equipment and appliances; low volatile organic compound (VOC) paints; and water-conserving plumbing fixtures. The space also features a custom-designed mural themed around the Great Lakes.

From a product perspective, the store will offer a full range of outdoor apparel, footwear and accessories, including Timberland's popular Earthkeepers® boots and apparel – the company's most eco-minded collection.  Shoppers will also find the latest Timberland® performance offerings for their next outdoor adventure, and elite collections such as Timberland Boot Company® and the Abington Collection.  In addition, the store has created an exclusive, Minnesota-themed Timberland® t-shirt.

Building upon the excitement in Minneapolis, Timberland will host a Boot Hockey exhibition game in early December in conjunction with the U.S. Pond Hockey Association.  Former NHL players will come together to participate in a fun and friendly game to help celebrate the store opening and kick-off the 2012 U.S. Pond Hockey festivities taking place in January, where Timberland will sponsor the Boot Hockey category for the second year running. This exhibition event is free and open to the public; additional details will be available in the coming weeks. For more information on the U.S. Pond Hockey Championships visit http://www.uspondhockey.com.

Timberland's new Minneapolis location is part of an aggressive retail expansion effort by the outdoor company.  Within the past year, Timberland has opened new retail locations in New York City, San Francisco, Boston and Chicago.  Others are in consideration for 2012.

The Timberland® Minneapolis store is located at 3001 Hennepin Avenue, Suite 1170, Minneapolis, MN, 55408. Store phone: (612) 825-1142. Hours: Monday – Saturday, 10 am – 8:30 pm; Sunday 10 am – 7 pm.

About Timberland

Timberland, a wholly owned subsidiary of VF Corporation, is a global leader in the design, engineering and marketing of premium-quality footwear, apparel and accessories for consumers who value the outdoors and their time in it. Timberland markets products under the Timberland®, Timberland PRO®, Mountain Athletics®, Timberland Boot Company® and howies® brands, all of which offer quality workmanship and detailing and are built to withstand the elements of nature.  The company's products can be found in leading department and specialty stores as well as Timberland® retail stores throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Latin America, South America, South Africa and the Middle East.  Timberland's dedication to making quality products is matched by the company's commitment to "doing well and doing good" -- forging powerful partnerships among employees, consumers and service partners to transform the communities in which they live and work.  To learn more about Timberland, please visit www.timberland.com. 

MEDIA CONTACT FOR TIMBERLAND:
Christina Petroni, Porter Novelli
[email protected]
(212) 601-8164

SOURCE Timberland