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Article: VF GETS ACTION; IN JUST THREE YEARS VF CORP. HAS PENETRATED THE ONCE-INSULAR ACTION SPORTS WORLD.
- Article from:
- Daily News Record
- Article date:
- August 27, 2007
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2007 Conde Nast Publications, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Byline: Lee Bailey
When a novice paddles into southern California's fiercely competitive surf lineups, he is mercilessly mocked. Seasoned surfers hoot at his every error, and he is sometimes even driven off the beach in shame. If he happens to have a lot of money and has outfitted himself with the latest board and gear, he's even more subject to intense derision. Winning acceptance can take many seasons.
Not so for VF Corp., the Greensboro, N.C.-based apparel conglomerate that posted $6.2 billion in sales last year. In 2004 VF burst onto the boardsports scene with its $396 million purchase of Vans, the favored footwear maker of surf rats and skater boys. ...