News Releases
Brookstone to Become First and Only Nationwide Retail Store and Mainstream Catalog Partner to Sell Segway(TM) HT
Partnership Represents First Coast-to-Coast Retail Store Chain to Carry Segway Human Transporter
NASHUA, and MANCHESTER, N.H., Oct 29, 2003 -- Brookstone, Inc. (Nasdaq: BKST) and Segway LLC announced today a partnership that makes Brookstone the first and only national retail store chain and only mainstream national catalog to offer the Segway(TM) Human Transporter (HT).
The partnership represents the first time customers will be able to view, demo and purchase the Segway HT -- a self-balancing, two-wheeled transportation device designed for short-distance travel - at retail locations throughout the United States. Additionally, Brookstone will be the only retailer to sell the Segway HT in shopping malls where Brookstone stores are located (excluding Texas, where Segway already has distribution).
Beginning November 1, Brookstone will sell the Segway HT i167 "i" Series ($4,495) in select stores, and will add additional stores around the country throughout the fall and Holiday season. Brookstone customers can also purchase both the Segway HT "i" Series and the new Segway HT p133 "p" series ($3,995) through the Brookstone catalog and by calling toll-free 1-866-299- 2255. Consumers can log onto www.brookstone.com for a complete list of stores offering demos of the Segway HT and to learn more information about the products.
"The Segway HT has generated an incredible amount of public interest and excitement. Brookstone will make it very easy for eager customers across the country to experience the Segway HT first hand and learn more about the product," said Segway LLC's Chief Operating Officer Doug Field. "We are pleased to offer the Segway HT through such a well-known and respected brand as Brookstone and we are confident that potential customers will enjoy the experience Brookstone will offer."
"Offering the Segway HT to our customers continues our successful business strategy of introducing exclusive, cutting-edge, functional products to our customers," said Brookstone Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Anthony. "The Segway HT complements our assortment of truly unique products and will generate excitement from customers who will see first-hand and up-close this revolution in transportation."
The Segway HT is the first self-balancing, electric transportation device designed for short-distance travel. Forty-six states, and the District of Columbia, allow Segway HTs to operate on sidewalks. Since first becoming available to the public, individual owners have been using the device to commute, run errands and replace short car trips. In addition, commercial customers including police departments, manufacturing facilities and municipal organizations are utilizing the Segway HT to increase productivity in the workplace.
About Brookstone, Inc.
Brookstone, Inc. is a specialty retailer that operates 265 Brookstone Brand stores nationwide and in Puerto Rico. Typically located in high-traffic regional shopping malls and airports, the stores feature unique and innovative consumer products. The Company also operates three stores under the Gardeners Eden Brand, and a direct marketing business that consists of three catalogs -- Brookstone, Hard-to-Find Tools and Gardeners Eden -- as well as e-commerce web sites at http://www.Brookstone.com and http://www.gardenerseden.com.
About Segway
Segway LLC is a Manchester, N.H.-based business founded by renowned inventor and entrepreneur Dean Kamen to provide a solution to short-distance travel. The company has created the Segway(TM) Human Transporter (HT), the first self-balancing, electric-powered transporter designed to enhance the productivity of people by increasing the distance they can travel and the amount they can carry. The Segway HT can be purchased at Amazon.com, through Brookstone catalog and stores, at several dealers around the country and by calling 866-4SEGWAY. For additional information about Segway and to find dealer or rental locations, please visit www.segway.com. Press releases and digital images are available at Segway's press center at www.segway.com/news.
Segway(TM) is a trademark of Segway LLC in the United States and in other countries.
Contacts: Robert Padgett
(603) 577-8097
rpadgett@brookstone.com
Segway LLC
Carla Vallone
(866) 473-4929,
media@segway.com