Jul 21, 2004
New Sharpie® Retractable Markers unveiled at the National Sports
Collectors Convention; event marks kick-off of 2004 Sharpie Retractable
"Autographs for Education" program
(Cleveland, Ohio) - Sharpie, the popular brand of permanent markers
widely known as the autograph pen of choice for celebrities,
professional athletes and their fans, today announced at the 25th Annual
National Sports Collectors Convention (NSCC) in Cleveland that it's
single-handedly changing bold and expressive writing - and people are
taking their caps off to the idea.
Sharpie, celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, is launching the
Sharpie Retractable marker family, an eight-color fine point permanent
marker series that require no caps and can be operated by simply using
one hand - just click and write. Sharpie Retractable markers will be in
"hand" when the 100-plus athletes attending the United States largest
sports memorabilia convention, sign autographs for fans July 21 - 25.
"When getting an in-person autograph, every second counts for the fan
and the athlete," said Thomas Owens, author of Collecting Sports
Autographs, Collecting Baseball Cards and a collector for 35 years.
"Fumbling with a uncapped marker and writing on yourself or forcing a
star to juggle a marker cap are worries of the past. You're in charge of
when and where the Sharpie Retractable writes."
The new marker's tip is protected from drying out using a leading edge
Safety Seal ValveTM system that closes tight when the marker tip is
retracted. Sharpie Retractable is the first retractable marker for the
brand widely used in collecting autographs, in addition to an almost
limitless variety of uses. The markers are nontoxic and approved by the
Arts and Crafts Materials Institute.
"There is a standard individuals expect from their Sharpie marker - it
has quick drying Sharpie ink that marks on almost any surface," said
Rory Leyden, chief marketing officer for Sanford, makers of Sharpie.
"And now, sports heroes and their fans will never need to worry about
losing marker caps again."
To coincide with the launch of Sharpie Retractable markers at the NSCC
in Cleveland, Sharpie is also introducing the second year of its
"Autographs for Education" program. Cleveland Browns wide receiver
Andre Davis is kicking off the program by delivering school supplies and
raising funds for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Cleveland. Davis, along
with other professional athletes and celebrities, are asking for the
autographs of area teachers, parents, children and the media this summer
and fall in exchange for Sharpie donating much-needed school supplies
and funds. Labeled Sharpie Retractable "Autographs for Education," the
program will also visit Milwaukee, Tampa and Seattle, benefiting select
community-based education organizations and schools for a total of up to
$30,000 in cash and school supplies.
Sharpie Retractable markers are available in 8-colors: black, red, blue,
green, orange, berry, lime and turquoise. The suggested retail price
for 2-, 3-, 4-, and 8-packs are $4.89, $7.33, $9.78, and $19.56,
respectively. Available at office supply stores and other retailers
nationwide, Sharpie Retractable joins significant innovations in 2004
that target a wide range of enthusiasts from the hobbyist to the
do-it-yourselfer.
About Sanford®, Makers of Sharpie®
Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, Sharpie is the popular brand
of permanent markers. Sanford, maker of Sharpie permanent markers, is a
worldwide leader in the manufacturing and marketing of writing
instruments, art products and office organization, including such well
known brands as Paper Mate®, Sharpie®, Parker®, Waterman®, EXPO®,
Foohy®, uni-ball®, and Rolodex®, among others. Sanford makes more than
6,000 products, ranging from markers, pens and pencils to professional
art products, fine writing instruments and office organization products.
Visit sharpie.com or sanfordcorp.com for more information.
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