By John Stouffer

November 1, 1998

Oxbow may be better known in Europe as a surf, snowboard, windsurf, and motocross apparel manufacturer, but things are going to change in the United States soon. Ivan Linde, a former executive of Reebok apparel, has set up a distribution company in San Diego to handle the importation of the premier lifestyle brand in the U.S.

According to Linde, the brand ranks among the top twenty in France as most recognizable by French teenagers-right up there with Coca-Cola and Nike. He hopes this popularity, along with the high quality and unique styling, will carry over to the domestic market.

Oxbow Europe will have an interest in the U.S. distributorship. That's what sets this deal apart from Oxbow's other attempts to enter the U.S. market in the past. Also lending warehouse, shipping, and logistical support is an apparel specialist called The Weekend Exercise Company, which manufactures and distributes work-out apparel.

Oxbow is looking to get involved with some grassroots snowboarding events around the country and hopes to focus on boardercross in particular. In fact, the Europeans will host a second-annual boardercross challenge at Corcheval resort in France this January.

The brand already has reps in California, including Terry English in Santa Cruz. English and Linde will show the Winter '99 line at trade shows this winter. For more information, contact Linde at: (619) 537-5342.

-John Stouffer