Sammy Sosa Signs Five-Year Endorsement with Wards; Deal Marks Home Run for Chicago-Based Company

Business Wire, Sept 24, 1999

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 24, 1999--

Sammy Sosa, baseball's record-breaking home run slugger, has signed a five-year endorsement deal with Chicago-based retailer, Montgomery Ward.

"Sammy Sosa's appeal to a wide audience and the excitement he generates make him the perfect representative for the new Wards' and our exciting new direction," said Roger Goddu, chairman and chief executive officer of Wards. "Sammy is an example of the great things that happen when you combine talent, hard work and a tremendous attitude, and we're thrilled to add him to the Wards' team."

Sosa's five-year deal will include broadcast television and radio commercials, print advertising, public appearances, merchandise and autograph sessions. Terms of the exclusive agreement were not disclosed.

"I know this is a great time in Wards history, and I'm proud to become part of their team," said Sosa. "I look forward to working with them over the next five years and participating in the rollout of their new prototype stores."

The new Wards prototype stores will feature a circular racetrack design which creates a comfortable, aesthetically pleasing shopping environment with clear sight-lines, bright signage and a user-friendly layout that promotes cross-shopping.

"Wards is creating a store for the next millennium by providing today's time-crunched shoppers with an experience that is both enjoyable and efficient," said Goddu. "We encourage shoppers to visit a nearby Wards. We're proud of the progress we have made, particularly in our merchandise assortment and customer service."

Wards, which served 25 million people in 1998, has retail sales in excess of $3 billion annually and operates 252 stores in 32 states.