The North Face Asia Pacific announced the official launch of The North Face® brand in Australia on Wednesday, October 4th, 2006 – a major geographical expansion for The North Face® in Asia Pacific. In addition to a growing presence in leading outdoor chains and independent retailers in Australia, The North Face® brand will also open a number of standalone stores in key Australian cities. The first The North Face® brand shop is slated to open on Pitt Street, the prime shopping location in Sydney, in the first quarter of 2007.

Currently being sold in Japan, Korea, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia and New Zealand, The North Face® expansion in Australia marks a new milestone for the brand’s continued expansion throughout the Asia Pacific region.

In celebration of the launch, The North Face® brand has organized The North Face® Endurance 7 – an extraordinary challenge that takes place over 7 consecutive days in 7 different states and territories, in the form of 7 marathons in Australia. The North Face® Endurance 7 is a celebration of the endurance these athletes show by constantly pushing the limits of what is possible.

With the launch of The North Face® brand in Australia, The North Face® brand technologically advanced apparel, footwear and equipment is now available in 10 countries/cities in Asia Pacific. In addition to over 1,200 wholesale doors, The North Face® brand in Asia Pacific is sold in 108 standalone stores as follows:

China 5 shops;  Hong Kong 1 shop; Taiwan 1 shop; Japan* 18 shops; Korea* 77 shops; Thailand 1 shop; The Philippines 5 shops.

* operated by franchisee

Apart from Asia Pacific, The North Face® brand is also available in the United States and Canada, South America, Europe and the Middle East.

www.thenorthface.com.