MINNEAPOLIS, Dec. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Target Stores, a national retail leader in apparel and home fashions, announced today a new licensing agreement with prominent youth culture designer Marc Ecko, founder of today's leading youth fashion brand Ecko Unlimited. Under the agreement, Physical Science, a progressive, trend-inspired sportswear line, will continue to be created under the design leadership of Marc Ecko, and will be manufactured and sold nationally exclusively in all Target stores beginning summer 2002.

The Physical Science brand will focus on young men's ages 14 to 24 and boys' ages 4 to 13, whose interests vary from skate and extreme sports to football, from alternative rock to hip-hop.

Marc Ecko, a former graffiti artist and recognized leading authority in the youth culture market, has pioneered the fusion of elements of youth and urban culture into a singular expression of global lifestyle through his designs. The young and inspirational designer is responsible for the fashions of a significant portion of the young generation including a diverse range of public figures.

"I have been an avid Target shopper for years," said Marc Ecko, the 29-year-old entrepreneur and designer. "During this time, I have watched great designers create inspiring collections specifically for Target. Now, through the Physical Science line, I am excited to be able to create new ways to blend forward designs at affordable prices with the Target team."

Target, known for its fashion partners such as designer Mossimo Giannulli, celebrity make-up artist Sonia Kashuk, and renowned architect and designer Michael Graves, will broaden its presence and appeal in the young men's market with the addition of Physical Science.

"Our partnership with Marc Ecko will create a casual young men's and boys' sportswear collection focusing on the active life of today's youth," said Trish Adams, senior vice president of softlines for Target. "Marc has a proven record of translating today's culture into fresh designs. This partnership supports Target's ongoing commitment to provide innovative fashion at a great value for our guests."

About Ecko Unlimited

In just eight years, Marc Ecko has taken his New Jersey-based Ecko Unlimited brand to more than $250 million annually in domestic sales, with another $30 million in revenue arriving from international markets. His success lies in his understanding of the lifestyle of his loyal consumers, and he shares their interests in music, action sports, video games, and pop culture. The Ecko Unlimited Company furthers these relationships by employing non-traditional marketing initiatives including action sports partnerships with grass roots street teams. This consumer-focused approach has lead many to praise the company as one of the "most culturally relevant design firms."

About Target Stores

Minneapolis-based Target Stores serves guests at 1,055 stores in 47 states nationwide by delivering today's best retail trends at affordable prices. Whether visiting a Target store or shopping online at target.com, guests enjoy a fun and convenient shopping experience with access to thousands of unique and highly differentiated items. The largest division of Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT), Target Stores gives back more than $1.5 million a week to its local communities through grants and special programs. Since opening its first store in 1962, Target has partnered with nonprofit organizations, guests and team members to help meet community needs.

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SOURCE Target

CONTACT: Douglas Kline of Target Stores, +1-612-304-1908 Jeff Stumeier of Ecko Unlimited, +1-732-432-5400, ext. 2112, or Seth Gerszberg, +1-732-432-5400, ext. 2118/