Fledgling mens cosmetics dotcom signs Canadian distribution agreement with California North

Startup Canadian online retailer, Menessentials.com, today announced that it has signed an exclusive agreement to import and distribute California North skincare and fragrances for men in Canada. The agreement includes supplier relationships with 22 stores and spas across the country, and signals an expansion of Menessentials.coms business from online retail into wholesale distribution.

OTTAWA, CANADA. Menessentials.com today announced that it has signed an exclusive agreement with cosmetics vendor California North to distribute the companys skincare and fragrance lines for men in Canada. The agreement signals an expansion of Menessentials.coms business from online retail into wholesale distribution.

"This is the kind of deal dotcom startups dream about," said Menessentials.com president, James Whittall. "It puts us in a stronger competitive position for our Internet retail operations and allows us to expand into brick-and-mortar sales without diluting our key strengths, which are marketing and logistics."

The agreement announced today includes supplier relationships with 22 stores and spas across Canada. Mr. Whittall expects to triple the California North distribution network within three months. "California North has been available worldwide for almost a decade," Whittall said. "It has a loyal following, particularly among sports enthusiasts, and will sell very well here in Canada."

To support the brand, Menessentials.com launched a new web site (www.californianorth.ca) that features a business-to-consumer and business-to-business e-commerce system, product information, retail store locator, and password-protected merchants area with online purchase order and RMA processing.

"Were very pleased and excited about our new relationship with Menessentials.com," said California North president, Jim Miller. "Menessentials.com was the first online mens cosmetics retailer, and has developed a strong presence in a very short time. We look forward to long and intelligent growth in Canada, and expect the Canadian market to perform well in the coming months."

About California North
Based in Sausalito, CA, California North develops contemporary skincare, hair care, sun care, and spa products for men. Designed to deliver a wide range of visible results for grooming, shaving, and dehydrated sensitive skin, California North extends its capabilities with complementary fragrances and botanically enriched air and body sprays. These luxurious requisites are sold worldwide on cruise liners and at fine retail stores, health clubs, spas, salons, and resorts.

About Menessentials.com
Founded in October 2000, Menessentials.com was the first online retailer of premium quality skincare, hair care, shave and shower products for men only. The company's pioneering marketing concepts have been featured in major North American newspapers and periodicals, and on nationally syndicated television programs. Chatelaine magazine recently selected Menessentials.com as a "Beginner's Choice" site (i.e., an ideal starting point for the uninitiated) in its second annual Essential Web Guide.

For additional information, please contact:

James Whittall            
Menessentials.com
819-682-4413
jwhittall@menessentials.com

Jim Miller
California North
415-331-1633
jmiller@californianorth.com

Or visit the Menessentials.com and Californianorth.ca web sites.