Performance Fitting and Club Testing Capabilities Enhanced at Golf Industry’s First-Ever “Store-Within-A-Store” Retail Model; New Technology Further Establishes Unique One-Stop-Shopping Experience for Golfing Consumers
FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla., December 14, 2010…Edwin Watts Golf Shops, LLC, one of the world’s largest specialty golf retailers, in conjunction with Sears Holdings (NASDAQ: SHLD), today announced that all 12 Edwin Watts Golf Shops located inside of Sears stores are now equipped with AccuSport’s VectorX launch monitor and the VSeries software solution.
The installation of these launch monitors is designed to enhance club testing and performance fitting capabilities, while adding a new component to the overall shopping experience for consumers visiting Edwin Watts Golf Shops located inside Sears stores. Marking the golf industry’s first-ever “store-within-a-store” retail model, 12 service-oriented Edwin Watts Golf Shops are now open inside of existing Sears stores nationwide at locations in Columbia and Silver Spring, Md.; Friendswood and Humble, Texas; Garden City, Yonkers and Hicksville, N.Y.; Livingston, N.J.; Vernon Hills, Ill.; Murray, Utah; Falls Church, Va.; and Pembroke Pines, Fla.
“As performance fitting has become such an integral part of the equipment selection process, outfitting our 12 new stores located inside Sears with the latest launch monitors was a necessity,” said John Watson, Chief Executive Officer, Edwin Watts Golf Shops. “AccuSport is a valued partner to Edwin Watts Golf, and as we look to replicate the shopping experience at our collection of 90+ stores, incorporating the VectorX launch monitors allows our in-store ‘Watts Guys’ to offer a more complete fitting service.”
AccuSport is the leading developer and marketer of golf swing launch monitors and its Vector Launch Systems are recognized throughout the golf industry for their accuracy, portability and affordability. The new VectorX platform is an all-in-one launch system that captures, processes and displays launch data. Data can be displayed through a standalone computer, in addition to an on-board computer and display screen. VSeries software (VFit, VTeach and VRange) is a game improvement software platform that allows customers to see critical ball flight data, in an effort to maximize their talent and shoot better scores.
“We value our relationship with Edwin Watts,” said Bill Brawley, AccuSport’s Director of Business Development. “Our association began years ago with the installation of the original Vector system throughout the Edwin Watts chain. Now, we are proud to partner with Edwin Watts on their latest venture inside Sears locations. The ability for customers to hit and see their ball flight is critical and VRange allows customers to hit shots in a virtual driving range, enabling employees to properly fit their customers for clubs.”
All 12 locations feature select product assortments in golf equipment & apparel, electronics, and related golf accessories, highlighted by such noted brands as PING, Mizuno, Callaway, TaylorMade, Titleist, FootJoy, adidas Golf, Cleveland, Cobra, Adams, Wilson, Champions Tour and others. Each respective shop offers consumers a service-based, interactive golf experience showcasing product testing, via an in-store putting green and hitting bay, game improvement clinics, expert golf club and golf ball performance fitting, the latest equipment technology, apparel styles, other innovations and much more.
Each of the 12 Edwin Watts Golf Shops housed inside a Sears location is designed as a specialty store format with footprints ranging from 2,700-3,000 sq. ft., while offering the familiar layout and shopping experience of the Company’s free-standing golf shops. All Edwin Watts Golf Shops are strategically positioned near other major Sears departments (electronics, tools, appliances, sporting goods), and are being staffed by Edwin Watts Golf associates who have deep experience and training in golf equipment and technologies, the golf industry, professional fitting and customer service – key differentiators for the Edwin Watts Golf brand and the “store-within-a-store” concept. In addition, customers who carry the Sears credit card have the ability to use their credit card for in-store Edwin Watts Golf Shop purchases at the participating locations.
About Edwin Watts Golf
Edwin Watts Golf Shops, LLC (an affiliated portfolio company of Sun Capital Partners, Inc.), headquartered in Fort Walton Beach, Florida is one of the world’s premier specialty golf retailers. The company operates as an integrated, multi-channel retailer, offering the freshest assortment of brand name golf equipment, apparel, and accessories through its 90+ domestic Retail Locations, eCommerce Internet site (www.edwinwattsgolf.com), Telephone/Catalog/Direct Mail sales (1.800.874.0146) and Digital Catalog (www.edwinwattsgolf.com/catalogs). Edwin Watts Golf touts a team of highly experienced and knowledgeable sales associates who can assist customers of all skill levels with lessons, performance fitting, special orders and repair services. The combination of the highest level of customer service, price match guarantee and reputation as the most trusted retailer in golf for over 42 years has earned the organization the right to be known as America’s Golf Club.
About Sears Holdings Corporation
Sears Holdings Corporation is the nation’s fourth largest broadline retailer with approximately 3,900 full-line and specialty retail stores in the United States and Canada. Sears Holdings is the leading home appliance retailer as well as a leader in tools, lawn and garden, home electronics and automotive repair and maintenance. Sears Holdings is the 2010 ENERGY STAR® Retail Partner of the Year. Key proprietary brands include Kenmore, Craftsman and DieHard, and a broad apparel offering, including such well-known labels as Lands’ End, Jaclyn Smith and Joe Boxer, as well as the Apostrophe and Covington brands. It also has the Country Living collection, which is offered by Sears and Kmart. We are the nation’s largest provider of home services, with more than 12 million service calls made annually. Sears Holdings Corporation operates through its subsidiaries, including Sears, Roebuck and Co. and Kmart Corporation. For more information, visit Sears Holdings’ website at www.searsholdings.com.
Contact:
Michele Kruchkowski (mkruchkowski@mastrocomm.com)
Ari Edelman (aedelman@mastrocomm.com)
Mastro Communications, Inc. @ 732-469-5700
