Posted: November 30, 2007

Athletics (RWire): Saucony Named "Vendor of the Year" by Independent Running Retailers Association

Brand also honored with "Product of the Year" Award for ProGrid Omni 6 LEXINGTON, Mass. - (November 28, 2007) - Saucony, Inc., a subsidiary of Collective Brands, Inc. (NYSE: PSS), and a leading global supplier of performance athletic footwear and apparel, was recognized as "Vendor of the Year" and the brand's ProGrid Omni 6 named "Product of the Year" by the Independent Running Retailers Association (IRRA). The awards were presented to Saucony at The Running Event, an annual running conference and expo for independent specialty running retailers recently held in Austin, Texas. "The 'Vendor of the Year' award is given to the company that best meets the IRRA's performance criteria," said John Rogers, a founding member and executive director of the Independent Running Retailers Association and owner of Maine Running Company in Portland, Maine. "Saucony has set the bar exceptionally high this year, delivering best-in-class service and consistency of product to the specialty run channel," added Rogers. "The entire Saucony team is extremely proud to be recognized by the IRRA," said Richie Woodworth, president of Saucony. "We view our retail partners as an extension of the Saucony team, so this honor is really a collaboration as we continue to make significant headway in the independent specialty running channel," added Woodworth. Saucony was also honored with the IRRA's "Product of the Year" award for the ProGrid Omni 6, the brand's flagship stability shoe that comes in moderate or ultimate options. "Over 70 percent of our members voted, and the Omni 6 was the clear choice for the award," said Rogers. "The Omni continues to be the 'go-to' shoe for retailers in this highly competitive category, based on product consistency and Saucony's unrivaled replenishment program," he added. "The IRRA is an integral part of our running community and is dedicated to the growth and health of our sport," said Woodworth. "Their standards and expectations are high and we will continue to strive to exceed them with great products and excellent service," added Woodworth. For more information, go to: Saucony.com. Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Director (805) 696-6232; Fax = (805) 659-0016 Ryan@RunningUSA.org www.RunningUSA.org. Subscribe to the Runner's Web Weekly Digest