Business identities in Fashion are blurring as traditional apparel and footwear companies continue moving into their own retail operations while traditional retailers expand into private labels. Successful verticalization requires a deep understanding of the diverse needs of each business as well as capturing the benefits from the big picture integration.

Hear how Wolverine World Wide, owners of global brands such as Merrell, have successfully grown global retail operations while improving sell-through and enhancing visibility into supply chain operations.

From AMR Research, understand the challenges facing companies moving towards a unified apparel model. Understand how SAP has helped companies such as Wolverine move towards increasing verticalization.

During the web seminar, you will learn:

1. The do’s and don’ts of starting a vertical integration
2. Aligning expectations with the business case
3. Using ERP to deliver scalable cross-business processes and plan for global growth
4. What are the real pitfalls and how to manage those
5. How to implement the right enabling technology

When:
Wednesday, November 18, 2009 11 a.m. ET

Duration:
1 Hour

Featured Speakers:

Dee Slater,
CIO,
Wolverine World Wide

David Aquino,
Research Analyst,
AMR Research

Peter Akbar,
Solution Director Fashion,
SAP

Learn more about the event and learn about how to register at ApparelMag.com

Wolverine, the brand known for creating comfortable and innovative footwear, apparel and gear, is celebrating its landmark 125th anniversary in 2008. To commemorate such a momentous year, Wolverine will be holding an anniversary sweepstakes.

From Sept. 20, 2008 to Nov. 29, 2008, Wolverine patrons can enter to win prizes including cash, head-to-toe Wolverine outfits, outdoor gear and more by visiting www.wolverine125years.com or filling out a ballot at key Wolverine retailers.

Wolverine was established in 1883 by G.A. Krause in Rockford, Mich., which yet today remains home to the corporate offices. In the early years, the founder and his sons built a shoe factory that manufactured 300 pairs of work boots a year and a tannery that supplied tough, durable leather, one of the core components of today’s footwear. Over the years, Wolverine expanded its portfolio to include hunting and rugged outdoor footwear as well as a full-line of apparel and gear.

Wolverine has been a leader in creating innovative comfort technologies for its work footwear, such as Wolverine DuraShocks^™ and Wolverine Contour Welt^®. In 2008 Wolverine received its ninth consecutive Plus Award for excellence in design in the work footwear category from Footwear Plus, a footwear trade publication, which surveyed thousands of footwear retailers nationwide. Recently Wolverine has also introduced its patented comfort technologies into hunting and rugged outdoor styles.

While Wolverine first created gloves during World War II, its apparel and gear line truly took off in 2006. In 2007, Wolverine took home its first-ever Polartec^® APEX Design Award for the outstanding and innovative use of Polartec fabric in its Pioneer jacket. Today, Wolverine’s apparel and gear lines also include such items as shirts, pants, hats and gloves to outfit the rugged Wolverine consumer.

“For a footwear and apparel company to have been in business for well over a century is no doubt an accomplishment, but it is also a testament to our connection with our Wolverine customers,” said Ted Gedra, president of Wolverine Footwear Group. “Our anniversary sweepstakes is a way to thank those that have been loyal over the years.”

For product and sweepstakes information or to locate the nearest retailer, visit www.wolverine.com or call 800-270-6079. The Wolverine brand is part of the Wolverine Footwear Group, a division of Wolverine World Wide Inc. (NYSE:WWW), manufacturers and marketers of branded and licensed footwear and performance leathers. Wolverine offers a wide range of footwear, apparel and gear in the work, outdoor sport and rugged casual categories. Patented footwear technology systems for guaranteed comfort and performance include Wolverine MultiShox^™, Wolverine DuraShocks^®, Wolverine Compressor^™, Wolverine DuraShocks^® SR, Wolverine Fusion^™, Wolverine CarbonMax^™ and the new Wolverine Contour Welt^™.

Wolverine World Wide, Inc. (NYSE: WWW) CEO and President Blake W. Krueger will be presenting at the Citi Investment Research 5th Annual Small and Midcap Conference at the Four Seasons Hotel in Las Vegas on March 18, 2008.

Wolverine World Wide, Inc. (NYSE: WWW) this week reported record revenue and earnings per share for its fourth quarter and 2007 fiscal year, marking its seventh consecutive year of both record revenue and earnings per share. The Company also increased its earnings per share estimate for 2008.

    "Our exceptional financial performance in 2007 underscores the strength of our global business model," stated Blake W. Krueger, the Company's CEO and President. "Wolverine has a unique operating platform consisting of a powerful portfolio of eight lifestyle brands, a broad geographic reach that spans 180 countries and a diverse global distribution strategy which focuses on many different consumer groups around the world. Our business model has enabled us to consistently deliver growth and record earnings per share, even in the face of macroeconomic headwinds. In 2007, our revenue and earnings increases were broad-based with all major geographic regions experiencing growth."

Wolverine World Wide, Inc. (NYSE: WWW) Executive Vice President and CFO Stephen L. Gulis, Jr. will be presenting at the Thomas Weisel Partners Consumer Conference in New York City on September 25, 2006.