Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Shade Clothing - 3 years and counting

American Fork, Utah,(September 2007) Shade Clothing, the first company to infuse modest clothing into today's hottest fashion trends, is celebrating its third anniversary this September. The company marked this milestone by announcing it had completed $8.275 million in sales during its third year, more than tripling the $2.2 million in sales in Shade's debut year.

In addition to continued sales growth, Shade is also generating attention for its commitment to modest fashion. Over the past year, Shade has been featured in dozens of media outlets, including New York Times Magazine, U.S. News & World Report, Newsweek, Good Morning America and Your World with Neil Cavuto on FOX News.

"When I launched Shade three years ago, my thought was that if I needed more modest tops, maybe there would be a few other women who were looking for something more modest as well," said Chelsea Rippy, Shade founder and CEO. "Now as I look into the future, I really understand the demand and the opportunity for Shade in this niche market, which we really created. There will always be women who want to look fashionable and feel comfortable, and regardless of what trends other designers embrace, Shade will always offer stylish and modest clothing."

Key growth factors over the past year include the debut of several new brands, including Basic Black, a semiformal dress collection; and Shade Swim, flattering and stylish swim separates. Shade also added new products and colors to its popular Basics, Girly and Maternity clothing lines. In addition to Shade's growing product lines, Shade significantly expanded its distribution in retail locations. Shade products are now available in high-end fashion boutiques in 30 U.S. states and Canada. Shade also entered into a relationship with Macy's department stores, which currently carries Basic Black in select locations.

"Women want options when it comes to their wardrobe, and retailers know it," said Rippy. "Not everyone is comfortable showing off their midsection or their upper arms or too much cleavage. Shade allows women to feel trendy and stylish, but also feel comfortable and covered. Retailers want to give their customers that choice."

Shade's plans for the upcoming year include the continued updating of Shade's lines with the hottest looks and trends for each season; expanding Shade Swim to include more separates; launching a new line, Shade Solutions, which will feature slimming slips and extender slips; and the continued growth of retail locations and number of Personal Shoppers that sell Shade products.

Shade fashions, including Shade shirts, Basic Black, Shade Swim, and Shade Solutions, can be purchased online, in select retail locations, or through Shade Personal Shoppers. Visit www.shadeclothing.com to locate the nearest Personal Shopper or retail location.

Shade Clothing's new COO

Marshall McCauley Joins Shade with Operations Experience at Kohl's, Gymboree, Gap

American Fork, UTah,(September 12, 2007) Shade Clothing, the first company to infuse modesty into today's hottest fashion trends, today announced the hiring of Marshall McCauley as COO. McCauley will oversee sales and financial growth strategies at Shade Clothing. He will also be deeply involved in expanding Shade's retail presence, as well as further developing the Personal Shopper program.

McCauley joins Shade with nearly 10 years of operations experience in the fashion and retail industries, most recently as the divisional planning manager of the children's division at Kohl's. Prior to Kohl's, McCauley served as the financial, inventory and logistics manager for Janie and Jack, a Gymboree retail concept. He also held several positions with Gap, including senior director of planning and senior director of inventory optimization; and worked on inventory control at Best Buy, collaborating with a strategic team in opening new Best Buy locations around the country.

"My main objective here at Shade is to help the company evolve into a mainstream brand through aggressive sales strategies while maintaining our independent spirit and unique company culture, as well as our commitment to modest fashions," said McCauley.

McCauley received his Bachelor of Arts from Brigham Young University

About Shade Clothing

Shade Clothing is a company with a simple mission: make clothes that help women feel comfortable and happy. Launched from the basement of CEO and founder Chelsea Rippy's home, Shade has quickly become the leading provider of hip, modest clothing. Shade products allow women to wear all the latest styles without feeling uncomfortable and uncovered. Shade now offers layering pieces and stand-alone tops, as well as an expanded product collection: Shade Swim, Basic Black, Girly, Shade Maternity and Shade Solutions. For more information, visit www.shadeclothing.com.