Approaching the $2 billion revenue mark in 2006, World Wide Technology Inc. (No. 1 on the BE INDUSTRIAL/SERVICE 100 list) opened its 12,000-square-foot Integration Technology Center near corporate headquarters in St. Louis. Robert Olwig, vice president of business strategy, says the center is streamlined for higher capacity, which transfers lower costs to customers.
SPORTSBIZ
HOT KICKS, COOL PRICE
New York Knicks star Stephon Marbury created a buzz in the athletic sneaker industry when his new basketball shoe, the Starbury One, hit stores in August for the amazingly affordable retail price of $14.98.
The shoe is sold exclusively at Steve & Barry’s, a Port Washington, New York-based retailer with more than 140 locations in more than 30 states. The Starbury clothing line features hooded sweatshirts, T-shirts, shorts, and jackets, costing around $10 or less each.
Industry trend trackers say that the Starbury One could transform the sneaker industry. The privately held company would not disclose sales figures but says in just three days the stores sold out of a month’s worth of inventory. — Topher Sanders