NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC FOOTWEAR DEBUTS IN EUROPE AT GDS SHOW

WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 2001)—The leading name in exploration, conservation, and education, National Geographic™ is the authentic brand for a line of hiking, trail, and marine shoes. Its Spring 2002 collection will be shown at GDS (September 13-16, Messe Düsseldorf Hall 12, 12F01) in Germany.

In addition, Steven Tower has been named Director of Sales for E.R.E., the licensee for National Geographic Footwear worldwide. Formerly the Vice-President of Sales for Tommy Hilfiger Footwear, Tower will oversee an independent sales rep team, which will carry and market the National Geographic Footwear collection nationwide to better specialty retail operations.

The appointment of Tower represents a continuing strong commitment being given the footwear brand by its licensee, a joint venture between K·Swiss and Rugged Shark. In his new position, Tower will report to Dennis Walker, President of E.R.E.

For Spring 2002, National Geographic will showcase its new collection of rugged, outdoor adventure footwear under several distinct categories: Expedition, Adventure, and Travel. The footwear features such functional elements as waterproof leather uppers, dual air sock liners, polyurethane midsoles and high abrasion rubber outsoles. Expedition footwear will incorporate the finest technology and input from National Geographic photographers and Explorers-in-Residence who spend their lives traversing the roughest terrain in search of the latest discovery. Over the next year, National Geographic will send these professional explorers on over 500 expeditions. On any given day, an average of 250 explorers, photographers, or filmmakers are in the field on assignment for National Geographic.

Founded in 1888 for the increase and diffusion of geographic knowledge, The National Geographic Society is one of the world’s largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. National Geographic’s net proceeds support vital exploration, conservation, research, and education programs.

The Society reflects the world through magazines, books, maps, television, and interactive media. Recently launched in the U.S., the National Geographic Channel broadcasts in 134 countries and reaches nearly 120 million households in 20 languages worldwide.

National Geographic magazine reaches more than 40 million readers worldwide every month. The Society’s three other magazines—Adventure, Traveler, and World—reach another five million readers. National Geographic Enterprises includes licensing, a catalog business, travel expeditions, e-commerce, and retail. These units oversee the merchandise related to the National Geographic brand worldwide. Recent licensing partnerships have included agreements for luggage with Interbrand LLC as well as outerwear and sportswear with Bailo S.p.A. (Trento, Italy). To learn more about National Geographic, log onto www.nationalgeographic.com.

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August 2001