SPORTS EXECUTIVE WEEKLY last week had a chance to take a sneak peek at the new GBMI incarnation of the Pony brand at the recent FFANY show in NYC. Some product will be available for late Holiday delivery with a full launch in spring of 2004.

As retro begins to morph into a broader based athletic lifestyle trend, Pony is well positioned to make a strong statement in this emerging category. The line is divided into 3 parts:

· Pony Archive, about 30% of the total, which represents the retro statement

· Pony Style, 55% of the total, which encompasses the athletic lifestyle looks

· Pony Move, 15% of the total, which covers the “performance” looks

The bulk of the merchandise is priced in the “kill zone”, below $75 retail, although some items in style can go up to the $100 range.

The brand will initially be sold into specialty shoe stores (such as Journey’s), better department stores (such as Nordstrom) and better athletic specialty retailers (such as Finish Line), as well as some better sporting goods retailers (such as Galyan’s).

This is a tighter, but differently focused distribution than obvious rival Puma, who has so far eschewed the sporting goods sector.

Said David Orr, recently appointed VP of Sales, “The fashion athletic consumer demands fresh, compelling product. That is now what PONY is all about. Based on retailers overwhelming reaction here at FFANY we are right on track with our 550 SKU Spring 04 collection. The new PONY is definitely going to turn some heads and be good for the marketplace.”