MOL Starts Consolidation Service for Steve Madden Ltd

October 14, 2009

TOKYO - Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL; President: Akimitsu Ashida) today announced that Steve Madden Ltd., a leading international footwear and fashion designer, has selected Hong Kong-based MOL Consolidation Service Limited (MCS) as its exclusive buyer's consolidator encompassing China and India.

Steve Madden Ltd., headquartered in Long Island City, NY, designs, sources, markets and sells fashion-forward footwear, apparel and other accessories such as dresses, handbags, belts, sun wear, cold weather, outerwear brands for women, men and children. The Company distributes products through its retail stores, its e-commerce website, and department and specialty stores throughout the United States and Canada as well as through special distribution arrangements in Europe and in Central and South America.

The Company's product line includes core products, which are sold year-round, complemented by a broad range of updated styles which are designed to establish or capitalize on market trends. The Company has established a reputation for its creative designs, popular styles and quality products at accessible price points. In 2008, the company recorded $457mil, Net Sales. In 2009, the company introduced exciting re-packaging, new store design's and expanded into global markets.

As part of the agreement with Steve Madden Ltd, MCS provides origin cargo consolidation, carrier management, supply chain oversight, and Importer Security Filing services. Sanjeev Sahni, Senior Vice President-Logistics stated, "We chose MCS over other consolidators because they brought to the table the level of organizational commitment, and collaboration that we were looking for. They also have a proven track record of success with other trend setting retailers, where speed to market is central to success. We're very serious about the need for "just in time service". MCS understands this concept, and brings a real sense of urgency in managing our shipments from origin to final destination."

MCS delivers for the footwear and fashion industry

The footwear and accessory industry is characterized by a proliferation of styles and sizes coupled with a short product life cycles. The products are split between fashion and basics products. Demand is difficult to predict accurately. MCS's clients include large retailers and fast moving high fashion players. No matter what industry niche they fill, our customers are able to optimize their entire supply chain network through close collaboration and an understanding of their individual business needs. With MCS's industry leading visibility tool, Starlink^*, users can establish role based reporting, allowing them to track shipments and pro actively deal with exceptions for the entire Purchase Order life cycle. Sourcing locations may change and vendors may come and go, but you can depend on MCS to always be there for you.

* "STARLINK" is an independent transport inventory control system developed by MOL and MOL Consolidation Service Ltd, which can search cargo at stock keeping unit (SKU) levels throughout the logistics process, from ordering of goods to the delivery of products at the final destination. Customers can easily access the wide range of customized cargo information in real time via Internet.