Aug 22, 2014

NIPPON STEEL & SUMIKIN BUSSAN CORPORATION (hereinafter referred to as “NSSB”; Head Office: Minato-Ku, Tokyo, President and Representative Director: Ichiro Miyasaka) has acquired the exclusive right to import the accessory brand “Alex and Ani,”, and will commence sales in the Japanese market with 2014 Autumn/Winter collections.

Alex and Ani is a lifestyle brand which Ms. Carolyn Rafaelian, Designer and CEO, started in the state of Rhode Island, U.S. in 2004. The main items of Alex and Ani are accessories, especially women’s bangles to wear in multi-layer. Alex and Ani operates 42 retail locations and has approximately 1,400 wholesale accounts in the U.S., and is currently available in 11 countries and 14 Caribbean islands. Its sales have grown rapidly, from 2 million USD in 2009 to 230 million USD in 2013. Alex and Ani, which is well known as one of the fastest growing companies in the US, has become one of the most popular fashion jewelry brands in the US.

Alex and Ani has three concepts: (1) “Eco-conscious,” using recycled metal as raw materials; (2) "MADE IN AMERICA WITH LOVE" being handmade; and (3) “Positive energy,” using symbol charms with a message. Alex and Ani suggests wearing bangle bracelets in multi-layer styles. Each bangle is priced from 3,800 to 5,200 JPY with a symbol charm.

NSSB will launch four or five limited-time shops in the autumn/winter of 2014, and aims to launch permanent shops in department stores from the spring of 2015, as well as wholesale distribution targeting fashion select shops and retail shops in station buildings, etc.

• *The information contained in this news release is true and accurate at the time of publication; however, it may be subject to change without prior notice.

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