CritterWear Scrub ``Boutique'' Lets Animal Lovers Wear Their Feelings for Pets and Support Animal Causes.

Business & Lifestyle Editors

TAMPA, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 12, 2003

Founder Contributes Percent of Profits To Different Animal

Organization Each Year

Keven Turner has been an animal lover since childhood. She says there has always been a pet of some type with her even during college days and apartment living. Today, her animal family includes three cats adopted from the Humane Society, Cosmo, Gizmo and Mushu, and four fish tanks. But recently, pets became an even bigger part of her life. Determined to combine the knowledge she had gained from her business degree with her CVT (certified veterinary technician) certification, she joined the ranks of entrepreneurs by launching her own online company, CritterWear Scrubs, Inc. (http://www.critterwearscrubs.com).

The veterinary clinics who are her main customers are well aware of what "scrubs" are, but for those who may not be, they are simply outer garments worn to work by medical professionals rather than normal clothing. Most scrubs look pretty much the same, and are designed primarily as utilitarian garments. But Keven's scrubs are as different as the spelling of her first name. She said that she wanted to bring a personal touch to these clinic essentials, and brighten up offices and attitudes. "We do not offer any 'mass produced' scrubs," said Turner. "I spend a lot of time researching the newest designs and fashions, and our product line, which currently contains 24 distinctly different designs, is constantly changing.

She said that the other difference in her company is the money she will be donating to animal groups each year. For the first two years of business, the money was put back into the company in order to expand the current line. By the end of 2003, she plans on holding a contest so that people can submit their favorite animal programs. The winning program will receive proceeds at the end of the year and will have a page dedicated to it on the CritterWear Scrubs site so that visitors may make contributions directly to the organization. Turner said that she intends to change organizations each year. "I don't pretend that CritterWear's contributions will make massive improvements in any one organization," said Turner. "At least, not yet. But as we continue to grow, I hope we can make a difference."

"My clients really appreciate knowing that their purchases are helping to make that difference, while enjoying the feeling that 'their' scrubs are truly different than those in most clinics, and have a personality all their own," said Turner. The testimonials on her web site bear out this enthusiasm.

-- "Absolutely Love Them!" - Burleton, TX

-- "Hi, just wanted to let you know how much I love your scrubs. All I wear is CritterWear. I've sent your e-mail to many of my co-workers who also love my tops." - Louisville, KY.

-- "I love doing business with your company!" - New Windsor, MD

She said that more and more pet owners are also showing interest in the scrubs, especially pet-owning children. Turner also stressed that although her designs are unique, her pricing remains competitive even with mass-produced scrubs. "I never intended for this company to be a big money-maker for me," said Turner, who is also a shareholder and vice president in another another pet-related venture, PetsVetsandYou, Inc. "That is why I am considering converting CritterWear Scrubs into a non-profit organization. This is truly a labor of love."

Even without a formal marketing plan or budget, CritterWear has managed to grow quite nicely to date strictly through word-of-mouth referrals from happy customers. Turner said her company now ships her scrubs to customers throughout the United States as well as in Canada, Australia and Europe/Scotland. "This news release is actually the first time we have marketed our company in a formal way," said Turner. "We're hoping that if the media finds us newsworthy, enough people may find out about CritterWear to allow us to push up our timetable for non-profit status so that we can do much more."

She said that with Valentine's Day just around the corner, she is receiving many orders from pet owners eager to wear their affection for their animal companions where all can see it.