Case Logic enters computer accessories market; entertainment industry leader leverages music business expertise into computer market success.

LONGMONT, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 29, 1995--In technological terms, it's a giant leap from cassette tapes to desktop computing.

But with a dynamic management team that merges experience from both entertainment and technology industries, Case Logic is riding the CD revolution into the rapidly growing and lucrative computer accessories market.

Case Logic opened its doors 11 years ago selling exclusively audio cassette cases. But music technology evolved, and Case Logic established itself as a leader in the music storage market by continuing to evolve with it, meeting consumers' demand for innovative, quality cassette and CD cases.

With the advent of the compact disc, the company was quick to recognize how dramatically the CD would change the market and became an early innovator in CD storage. Now, as the evolution of entertainment continues to merge with evolving technology, Case Logic sees another revolution underway in the CD-ROM.

"The CD and CD-ROM are merging rapidly," said Barr Hall, Case Logic vice president of marketing. "As CD-ROMs gain popularity, consumers increasingly will find music and computer CDs for sale in the same places."

This phenomenon has caused major changes for retailers of music CDs, sales channels where Case Logic already benefits from a strong presence.

"The more companies like Tower Records and Blockbuster Music pursue the CD-ROM market, the more this market will come to us," Hall said. "With our high brand recognition and market penetration, this represents a tremendous opportunity for Case Logic."

To meet the challenges inherent in the more complex market of computer accessories, Case Logic has built a marketing team with experience in a variety of backgrounds. Hall joined the company in 1994 after 20 years in the consumer housewares and major appliances industry. Fran Olsy, vice president and COO, came to Case Logic in February 1994 after 12 years in the dynamic toy industry. Walter Lockhart, marketing planning manager, brings 12 years' experience to the table from the consumer electronics industry. Pat Stanley, vice president of sales, came on in 1989 after 14 years in the entertainment accessories industry.

"Our goal is to meet the needs of a sophisticated consumer who is already familiar and comfortable with Case Logic products," Hall said. "Our market research shows that these buyers will be demanding storage systems that are compatible with both music and information."

Case Logic's first foray into computer accessories includes a number of compact CD-ROM storage units designed to be aesthetically compatible with computers, as well as the revolutionary Gel-eez(TM) gel-filled wrist rest. The key feature these products share is that they help make the computer-based workstation -- be it on the desktop or on the road -- a more organized and personalized space.

Tapping into the key social trends of CD users moving to CD-ROM and computer users looking to refine their desktops, Case Logic's dynamic new marketing team looks poised to capitalize on the company's history of leading the music storage industry, bringing its expertise in quality innovation to computer users.

Based in Longmont, Case Logic is the industry leader for entertainment storage products. The company features a full line of portable and home storage products for compact discs, CD-ROMs, cassettes, and portable electronics as well as desktop ergonomic and computer accessories. Case Logic products are distributed worldwide.

CONTACT: John Metzger, 303/786-7000

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