Jul 8, 2003/ FW/ --- It pays to be Big & Tall, and a former boxing heavyweight champion of the world. George Foreman, better known in the ring than in the fashion world had signed an exclusive endorsement and licensing contract for all men's apparel, including big and tall apparel and accessories.

The new line of apparel and accessories, under the label George Foreman will hit the stores in Spring 2004 and will initially be exclusive to Casual Male Stores, catalog and website.

"I know that clothes make the man, and I'm thrilled to be working with Casual Male to make the clothes. Big and tall men like myself want to look good without sacrificing comfort, and the George Foreman line at Casual Male will give men many more options," commented George Foreman about his new signature line in an official statement.

The new line of apparel will not just bear the former champ's name. He will also be its spokesperson.

"This arrangement offers Casual Male an excellent opportunity to gain increased recognition as the premier retailer of men's big and tall apparel," says David Levin, CEO and President of Casual Male.

Though it is the dominant specialty retailer in the big and tall market, this will be the first time that Casual Male will be marketing a product on a national level.

The company firmly believes that with George Foreman's unparalleled track record as a product endorser and his global recognition will provide a major platform to launch a national advertising campaign that will reinforce the leadership position of the Casual Male brand.

Casual Male Retail Group is the largest retailer of big and tall men's apparel in the U.S., operating 476 Casual Male Big & Tall stores, Casual Male e-commerce site, Casual Male catalog business, 81 Levi's®/Dockers® Outlet by Designs stores, and 15 EcKo Unltd® outlet stores located throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.