Tatami To Open U.S. Office, Partners with David Bergum & Associates

In an unprecedented move, Tatami, one of the brands made famous by Alex Birkenstock, will open an office in New York to directly serve its U.S. retailers. As of June 1, 2005, Tatami will offer customer service and direct shipping in the U.S. for Tatamis Newalk line, while partnering with David Bergum & Associates for sales and marketing. The U.S. company is led by Andreas Wolf, a six-year veteran and current CEO of Tatami in Germany. Alex Birkenstock, the second oldest of the three Birkenstock brothers, and owner of Tatami Germany, will also hold a stake in the new company.

(PRWEB) April 13, 2005 -- In an unprecedented move, Tatami, one of the brands made famous by Alex Birkenstock, will open an office in New York to directly serve its U.S. retailers. As of June 1, 2005, Tatami will offer customer service and direct shipping in the U.S. for Tatamis Newalk line, while partnering with David Bergum & Associates for sales and marketing. The U.S. company is led by Andreas Wolf, a six-year veteran and current CEO of Tatami in Germany. Alex Birkenstock, the second oldest of the three Birkenstock brothers, and owner of Tatami Germany, will also hold a stake in the new company.

A direct relationship will offer retailers greater margins, while still enjoying timely deliveries," explains Andreas Wolf. At the New York headquarters, experienced German representatives working with a new American based customer service team will ensure a top-notch experience."

For the last 34 years, distribution of all but one of the Birkenstock brands has been solely through Birkenstock Footprint Sandals in Novato, California. Birkenstock Footprint Sandals has made great strides in establishing the Birkenstock brand in the United States," says Andreas Wolf. The Newalk line offers an incredible opportunity to leverage the strength of the brand and move beyond our current audience with exciting new styles and lower price points."

Partnering with sales and marketing agency David Bergum & Associates of Santa Rosa, California strengthens Tatami U.S.s strategy. We wanted to work with a sales organization that understands the importance of maintaining the brand image while pursuing new channels," says Wolf. David brings 30 years in sales and relationship management -- eleven of which were spent at Birkenstock Footprint Sandals. We are confident he and his team will maximize sales by balancing the needs of Tatami and our valued retailers."

We are very excited about working with Tatami," says David Bergum, President of David Bergum & Associates. They have provided a new level of energy and excitement to the traditional Birkenstock portfolio -- and their vision is truly in sync with the needs of todays consumer. We cant wait to fully showcase all that makes Newalk so special; the engineering, price points, and diversity of styles from basics to cutting-edge fashion."

For more information please contact:

David Bergum                

David Bergum & Associates    

info@teamdba.com

(707) 543-5878                

Andreas Wolf

Tatami Inc.

infousa@newalk.com

011-049-22249782400

###