Internet Retailer Reports 175% Growth in Fiscal Year 2008 Despite Downturn in Economy

New York, NY (PRWEB) January 4, 2009 -- Upside Over Inc., (Upsideover.com), a leading kids specialty retailer (http://www.upsideover.com) announced today that it has grown over 175% in Fiscal Year 2008 despite economic challenges in the retail sector.

Specialty outdoor retail is currently in a counter trend to the existing economic environment. More and more families are deciding to stay close to home. As such, families are participating in what the industry is calling "staycations".

Essentially families are shifting from lengthy vacations in exotic places to staying within 30 miles of home, purchase outdoor gear for their family to participate in local camping, skiing, hiking and other outdoor activities. This trend has been identified by the Outdoor Industry Association as the key reason why outdoor gear (http://www.upsideover.com) and accessories sales continue to grow through 2008 - 2009 with an expectation for continued growth in 2010.

"E-Commerce will continue to take a larger share of retail since current e-commerce growth rates are estimated to double brick and mortar growth rates. E-Commerce can be a path to profitability for markets that are shrinking, either from competition or changing demographics," According to the Outdoor Retailer Association, and their Outdoor Specialty Retailer Operational Report.

"It's obvious to us that there is a dramatic shift in the marketplace towards specialty internet retail," said Peter Dean (http://www.linkedin.com/in/petermdean), CEO of Upside Over. "Our teams commitment and focus on internet based Outdoor Gear for Kids (http://www.upsideover.com) means we can focus intently on our customers, provide the best selection possible, reach customers across the globe, and continue exponential growth into 2009."

"E-Commerce growth is expected to continue," According to the Outdoor Specialty Retailer Operational Report, "as more Americans implement high-speed access at home. Currently over 40% of Americans have High-Speed internet access at home, growing at a staggering rate of 40%."

"We have been exceedingly impressed with the capabilities and trajectory of Upside Over and its management team," said Stephen Gilfus (http://www.linkedin.com/in/stephengilfus), a founder of educational giant Blackboard Inc. (Nasdaq:bbbb), and early investor in the company via http://www.gilfusventurepartners.com, Gilfus Venture Partners LLC. "It's a credit to the team to see a company go from a start up to a multi-million dollar company in only 2 and a half years, in this economic environment. It simply proves out the leverage and long tail theory of niche markets in internet retail."

Peter Dean, the Company's President and Co-Founder held key Sales and Business Development positions with Fedex, DHL and Arzoon, supporting some of the nation's largest retailers including Smith & Hawken, Williams Sonoma, Calyx and Corolla, Restoration Hardware, Yakima, Yankee Candle, Broderbund Software and more. He designed and implemented direct shipping programs with California Flower Growers Association, including Pro Flowers, 1800 Flowers, and Hawaii Flower Growers Association and implemented and designed new direct to consumer shipment program for Intuit Software (AKA Quickbooks and Quicken). Mr. Dean brings expertise around customer service, marketing, sales, supply chain and order management.

Heidi Nelson, a seasoned retail professional, is the director of Product Development. She held key Sr. buying positions at several companies including J.Crew, Talbots, and Orvis.

About Upside Over

Upside Over Inc. is a multi-sport online outdoor retailer providing high quality, often hard to find, kids and family outdoor gear and technical clothing to mid- and upper-tier consumers. The company fulfills a unique market niche by providing kid- specific (ages 0-16) technical outdoor gear, equipment and clothing for a variety of activities. The company's online store provides the best available collection of outdoor gear for kids and kids technical clothing. The company exists in one of the fastest growing areas of specialty retailing, the outdoor kid's market. Its online presence is located at www.upsideover.com and the company's headquarters and warehouse are located in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

Upside Over - Kids Outdoor Gear and Clothing

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