Rhode Island Textile, Co., owners of the Shoe Gear and High Country Brands and manufacturers of high quality shoe care, laces and outdoors accessories announced today an exclusive distribution agreement with TJ Sports, Seoul, S. Korea. TJ Sports will market and sell the Shoe Gear brand through its own retail outlets, as well as relationships currently existing in S. Korea. The terms and length of the agreement were not disclosed.

This is the first of many such agreements expected to be announced this year under new General Manager F Christian Nelson. Mr. Nelson is currently interviewing distributors in S. America, Europe and Australia.

Rhode Island Textile, Co. has been in operation since 1913 and manufactures woven and braided products for the US Military, Wal*Mart, CVS, Sara Lee, Cabelas, Academy, etc. and OEM laces for many of the US's major athletic footwear and boot manufacturers. 2005 revenues exceeded $150MM.