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Champagne, Caviar and...Organic Cotton?

Champagne, Caviar and...Organic Cotton?

Published 06-29-04

Submitted by Cutter & Buck

Seattle, Washington - For most of us, champagne and caviar epitomize luxury...but organic cotton? That's right. In the ever-evolving world of how consumers define luxury, a growing number of shoppers are looking for products that speak to their personal values, as well as to their desire for high quality and superior craftsmanship.

This summer, premium men's and women's clothing designer Cutter & Buck (Nasdaq:CBUK) will offer customers a classically designed shirt with a new twist - it is made almost entirely of organically grown cotton and aptly named the "Integrity."

While a small niche market of organic and natural products has existed for some time, high profile consumer companies are now paying attention. Well-known firms such as car maker Lexus, women's cosmetic line Bobbi Brown, and Cutter & Buck are responding to a new consumer group called Cultural Creatives, or LOHAS (for Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability).

Says Cutter & Buck CEO Fran Conley, "We see our customers going beyond their desire for superior quality, comfort and style. They tell us they care about the natural environment and fair treatment for workers; we want to add value for them by responding to these interests."

Since the Integrity shirt is made exclusively by factories certified by SA 8000, (a leading social accountability program dedicated to providing humane working conditions) it responds to consumer interest in fair practices.

For Cultural Creative consumers, luxuries needn't be extravagantly expensive; these folks are more drawn to daily indulgences that bring them positive emotional feelings in a stressful world. They are looking for products that are functional, stylish and consistent with their values.

The Integrity shirt addresses the Cultural Creative demographic nicely. The organically grown cotton shirt is just slightly more expensive (organic cotton is in limited supply and more costly) than its conventional cotton cousin; styling is an updated classic knit shirt - an American staple that people wear all day, every day: to the office, on the golf course, and out to dinner with a sports jacket or dressy cardigan.

Cultural Creatives have most certainly been influencing the market for organic cotton products. This market is an important emerging sector: the Organic Trade Association (OTA) reports that the overall organic sector represents a $10.8 billion business in the U.S. Sales of organic-fiber products (made from organically grown cotton, wool, linen etc.) last year grew 22.7 percent, reaching $85 million, according to OTA's recently released 2004 manufacturers survey.

The Cultural Creative market is estimated to make up as much as 30 percent of American adults, or 63 million consumers. The LOHAS Journal has stated the U.S. market size to be $227 billion.

Whether spurred to purchase organic cotton clothing for health and environmental reasons, or because they want fashion with a conscience, wearing organic cotton gives consumers a garment with both style and substance - and that epitomizes the new luxury.

About Cutter & Buck
Cutter & Buck (Nasdaq:CBUK) designs, sources, markets and distributes upscale sportswear under the Cutter & Buck brand. The Company sells its products primarily to golf and specialty retailers, corporations and international distributors and licensees. Cutter & Buck products feature distinctive, comfortable designs, high quality materials and manufacturing, and rich detailing. Additional information about Cutter & Buck and the Integrity shirt is available at www.cutterbuck.com.

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