ASICS America Corp. was awarded the title of Footwear Vendor of the Year by Fleet Feet, Inc. during their National Franchise Conference on July 10th in Chicago. ASICS was selected by the majority of the 67 franchised athletic US retail stores. The award is traditionally based on the vendor’s footwear sales, support, and customer service.

ASICS last received this award in 1999 and has held the number one spot in marketshare within Fleet Feet for the last several years. Jim Hoff, vice president of ASICS America attended the event and remarked, “ASICS is very honored to know that the individual Fleet Feet franchises have the confidence in our products and services.”

Jeff Phillips, president of Fleet Feet acknowledges that ASICS had an exceptional year in 2004. “ASICS marketshare gains in footwear have been extraordinary considering the competitive landscape for performance running product. Consistently outstanding product and service has enabled ASICS to solidify their hold on the top footwear position within our franchise stores.”

ASICS continues its streak of success into the first half of 2005 with sales up over 40% over first half of last year, this number being dominated by footwear.