First American to Summit Everest at Vibram Newbury Street Store [Boston] April 13
Celebration of Store’s One Year Anniversary Includes Jim Whittaker Book Signing
WHAT: Vibram will celebrate the one year anniversary of its unique “experiential store” with Jim Whittaker, the first American to summit Everest fifty years ago. Whittaker will be signing Life on the Edge, a book chronicling his summit and life adventures. Jim completed the summit using Vibram soles. Also Vibram spotters will be out looking for FiveFingers shod people on the streets and handing out prizes.WHERE: 292 Newbury Street (between Gloucester and Hereford Streets) 857- 263- 8507
WHEN: Saturday April 13: Boston Marathon Weekend
Media interviews with Jim Whittaker and or Vibram available that day
Book signing from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.
ABOUT THE STORE: The flagship location features “experience zones” throughout the floor allowing visitors to wear test FiveFingers on a wooden bridge, inlaid marbles, woodchips, grass, stones and even a bumpy yellow safety strip used in the subway. The store also displays an interactive timeline area summarizing the company’s 70-year legacy in sole design. Throughout the space it showcases partners’ product on a themed, rotating basis. The ambiance and vibe of the flagship store is a direct reflection of Vibram’s outdoor and Italian heritage, with natural materials, complimentary espresso and historic brand items. The space will offer select models of Vibram FiveFingers as well as a few models only sold in Europe.
ABOUT WHITTAKER: Seattle mountaineer, Jim Whittaker, became a part of world history when he became the first American to summit the Earth’s highest mountain, Mount Everest, on May 1, 1963. As we approach the 50th Anniversary of this climb, Whittaker is regarded as a ground-breaking figure in North American Mountaineering. In addition to this legendary climb and many other climbing accomplishments (Mt. Kennedy, K2, 1990 Mount Everest International Peace Climb, etc.), Whittaker is also considered a business visionary in the world of outdoor recreation. He began as Recreational Equipment Inc.’s (REI) first full-time employee and retired after 25 years as the President and CEO. He built REI from a small mountaineering co-op to a multimillion-dollar business with stores nationwide. He led Bobby Kennedy on a first ascent of Canada’s Mt. Kennedy, and then developed a close friendship with Kennedy—later running his presidential campaign in Washington State.
RSVP: Anne Tommasi, Tommasi PR [email protected], 603.893.5878
