New Balance's global sales rose slightly in 2008 as a modest decline in domestic sales was offset by strength in international sales. Worldwide sales inched ahead 0.6% to $1.64 billion from $1.63 billion, according to its recently-released fact sheet. Domestic sales slid 3.6% to $1.07 billion in 2008 from $1.11 billion in 2007 while international sales, – including estimated sales by joint ventures and distributors-climbed 9.6% to $570 million from $520 million.
The U.S. numbers include the Vital Apparel business, including InSport, that was acquired in Dec. 2007. In 2006, revenues were $1.55 billion with domestic sales of $1.08 billion and international sales of $470 million. Besides New Balance, the brand portfolio now includes Dunham, PF Flyers, Aravon, Warrior Sports, Brine, InSport and Vital.
New Balance also last week launched an initiative to promote its domestic manufacturing workforce through an online documentary and awareness campaign, including print, radio and online advertising. The documentary, downloadable at New Balances website at newbalance.com/USA, highlights the companys domestic manufacturing history, facilities and footwear products. Digital Kitchen, which produced the documentary, spent a week in Skowhegan, ME filming the companys associates at work and at home.
New Balance has five U.S. manufacturing facilities in Boston and Lawrence, MA and Norway, Norridgewock and Skowhegan, ME as well as one in Flimby, U.K. A quarter of the companys total athletic footwear production is currently made or assembled in the U.S. each year.
