Charlotte, N.C. – July 28, 2008 – Belk, Inc. today announced an exclusive partnership with professional golfer D.J. Trahan, who will endorse Pro Tour, the company’s private label golf brand for men, beginning this summer. The Pro Tour line features classic, yet stylish sportswear and quality performance wear and is offered in all Belk stores.
“With every win and strong finish, D.J. Trahan is creating value in the consumer-loyal golf market,” said McKay Belk, president and chief merchandising officer of Belk, Inc. “This year’s come-from-behind, three-stroke victory in the prestigious Bob Hope Chrysler Classic elevates D. J. Trahan to the PGA’s upper echelon. D.J.’s endorsement of Belk’s Pro Tour line will resonate well with our customers who want comfortable, yet classy designs.”
Trahan, who currently boasts seven top 25 finishes, including fourth place at the 2008 U.S. Open Championship, also holds winning titles for the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic in January 2008, the Southern Farm Bureau Classic in 2006 and the Miccosukee Championship on the Nationwide Tour in 2004. Trahan is currently ranked 16th in the Tour’s playoff standings.
Marketing plans for the Pro Tour line include scheduled appearances by Trahan at select Belk stores later this year.
D.J. Trahan speaking about his relationship with Belk and Pro Tour apparel: “I’m happy to represent Belk on the PGA Tour. Growing up in the South, I’ve shopped at Belk stores for years. It’s a family-run business that takes care of its customers. Besides my clubs, what I wear is the most important thing I pack each week. Pro Tour clothes are well-made, fit right, come in great colors and designs and the performance features make it easy for me to focus on my game.”
The Pro Tour line includes stylish performance sportswear items that feature wind and water resistance and moisture management. Prices for items in the line range from $36 to $120.
About D.J. Trahan
Born in Atlanta, Ga., D.J. Trahan has been playing golf professionally since 2003. He currently boasts seven top 25 finishes, including fourth place at the 2008 U.S. Open and is ranked 16th in the Tour’s playoff standings. His winning titles include the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic (2008), the Southern Farm Bureau Classic (2006), and the Miccosukee Championship on the Nationwide Tour (2004). Prior to his professional career, Trahan played collegiate golf at Clemson University where he was named ACC Player of the Year as a freshman, NCAA Player of the Year, and helped lead Clemson to the 2003 NCAA title, the first in the school’s history. Trahan currently resides in Mt. Pleasant, S.C.
About Belk, Inc.
Based in Charlotte, N.C., Belk, Inc. (www.belk.com) is the largest privately owned department store company in theUnited States, with 307 stores in 16 Southern states. The company was founded in 1888 by William Henry Belk inMonroe, N.C., and is in the third generation of Belk family leadership.
Contact:
Panorama Public Relations
Jessica Williams 205-328-9334 ext. 109
Jessica@prview.com