SAN LEANDRO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The North Face(R), the premier supplier of authentic, innovative and technically advanced exploration apparel, footwear, equipment and accessories, announced today its plans to open a Beverly Hills retail store in Spring 2002.

The store will be located at 423 North Beverly Drive at Brighton Way, one block from Rodeo Drive. The 7,500 square foot store is the prototype of a new store concept, designed to create a distinctive retail environment that personifies The North Face(R) brand and celebrates its heritage of outdoor exploration.

The company, founded in 1966, offers an extensive line of technologically innovative performance clothing, equipment and footwear. As part of its commitment to outdoor exploration, The North Face(R) has sponsored hundreds of expeditions to previously unexplored locations around the world including Nepal, Thailand, Pakistan, Alaska and Siberia. The Beverly Hills store will feature authentic and multicultural design pieces from these areas, intertwined with modern elements that represent the technical aspects of the product line. The North Face(R) designed this new store concept in partnership with JGA, an award winning design and brand strategy firm based in Southfield, Michigan. This retail store will be the fourth location in California and the eighth nationwide.

"The Beverly Hills store represents The North Face(R) brand translated into a retail shopping experience," said Mike Egeck, President of The North Face(R). "Joining other world-class retailers in this high-profile location, The North Face(R) will have the opportunity to showcase our brand and products to a broader consumer base, while reinforcing the brand heritage among our core audience of outdoor enthusiasts."

About The North Face(R)

The North Face(R), a subsidiary of VF Corp., was founded in 1966 and opened it's first retail store in 1968. Headquartered in San Leandro, California, the company offers the most technically advanced products in the market to accomplished climbers, mountaineers, extreme skiers and explorers. The company's products are sold in specialty mountaineering, backpacking and skiing retailers, premium-sporting goods retailers and major outdoor specialty retail chains. Additional information about The North Face(R) can be found on the company's website, www.thenorthface.com.

About VF Corporation

With $5.6 billion in sales, VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC) is the world's largest apparel company and a leader in jeanswear, intimate apparel, knitwear, playwear, workwear, daypacks and swimwear. Its principal brands include Lee(R), Wrangler(R), Riders(R), Rustler(R), Vanity Fair(R), Vassarette(R), Bestform(R), Lily of France(R), Lee Sport(R), Healthtex(R), Jantzen(R), JanSport(R), Eastpak(R), Red Kap(R) and The North Face(R)(R). VF Corporation's press releases, annual report and other information can be accessed through the Company's home page, http://www.vfc.com/.

— Posted by Ari Cheren, MountainZone.com Staff