50 YEARS OF PEARL IZUMI
More than 50 years ago in Tokyo, a father produced Japan's first
bicycle racing apparel for his son, a promising racer. Today, Pearl
Izumi USA, Inc. has evolved into the world's foremost line of technical- performing and quality manufactured sports apparel.
The name Pearl Izumi USA, Inc. is derived from the gem "pearl" and an area of Japan known for its clear water "Izumi." Literally
translated, our name means, "fountain of pearls."
The line has been distributed in the United States since 1981.
Pearl Izumi USA, Inc. sponsored the US National Team (the team that won
nine gold medals in the 1984 Olympic Games) and several major trade
teams during the mid-eighties. Through these associations and the
actual performance of Pearl Izumi USA, Inc. products, the line enjoys
an almost cult-type following.
In 1989, the company acquired the license for the US market.
This allowed product to be developed outside of Japan, combining the
best of East and West performance apparel technology. With the help of
an excellent in-house staff and 40+ person outside sales force, the
company has developed Pearl Izumi USA, Inc. into one of the most well
respected brands in the United States.
The focus of the Pearl Izumi USA, Inc. line remains dedicated
to meeting the needs of the serious sport enthusiast. The company's
long-term plan for the Pearl Izumi USA, Inc. brand has been to
strengthen its position in cycling and apply the same formula for
quality, innovation and technical performance into other sport
categories. These categories now successfully include cross-country
skiing, triathlon, duathlon, running and other outdoor sport
activities.
In the summer of 1991, the company gained the license and
distribution rights to essentially the entire world with the exception
of Asia. New
distribution has already been established in 14 countries.
In 1997, the company purchased the Pearl Izumi USA, Inc. brand
name and trademarks for the United States. This will ensure continued
opportunity for the brand.