GLENDALE, Calif., Nov. 27 -- NeoPets, Inc., which owns and operates one of the largest and fastest growing youth entertainment destinations on the web, NeoPets.com, announces the addition of Debra Pierson as vice president of specialty merchandising. Pierson, who served as western regional manager for Ty, Inc., makers of the extremely successful Ty Beanie Baby(R) plush toys, brings 16 years of experience in the specialty merchandising and gift industry to NeoPets.
"Debra's extensive experience is ideally suited to our national merchandising strategy, which brings the virtual world of Neopia into the real world with a wide range of unique NeoPets-related products," says Doug Dohring, chairman and chief executive officer of the company. "Some of these products include plush versions of our highly popular and original NeoPets characters as well as trading cards, jewelry, clothing and much more."
Pierson's responsibilities will include the overseeing of product development and sourcing, along with the creation and management of the strategic nationwide distribution network of specialty retailers.
"I'm thrilled to be part of such an exciting company with its explosive growth and its unparalleled merchandising potential. We have an enormous opportunity here," says Pierson.
"I've never seen anything like it. With more than 20 million registered members worldwide and growing at a rate of more than 50,000 new registrations daily, NeoPets has struck a passionate chord with young people. We've already conducted several real-world merchandising tests that have exceeded my wildest expectations as well as those of the retailers chosen to conduct the tests with us. It's very exciting for everyone."
The company intends to launch its initial merchandising rollout to 500 specialty retail stores throughout the country during Q1 of 2002, with sufficient product currently being manufactured to supply these 500 stores.
About NeoPets
NeoPets, Inc. is a privately held corporation based in Glendale, California that owns and operates one of the largest youth (usually defined as age 20 and under) websites in the world, NeoPets.com. According to Nielsen//NetRatings, NeoPets.com has consistently been a world leader in "stickiness" metrics -- number of page views per user and time spent. NeoPets, with its collection of more than 40 original virtual pet characters, engaging story lines, compelling games and other extensive and stimulating content, provides hours of entertainment for its members. Since beginning business operations in April 2000, NeoPets has attracted numerous Fortune-500 clients such as Procter & Gamble, Disney, Mattel, Kraft Foods, Warner Bros., and Kellogg's.
