Young company with huge potential relocates headquarters to the Charleston region

September 10, 2004 – A young company with huge potential has relocated its headquarters to the Charleston region. The firm’s move from Raleigh, NC to an office in downtown Charleston was facilitated by the Charleston Regional Development Alliance.

Founded in 2001, Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO) is a leading designer and manufacturer of accessory products for the popular Apple iPod MP3 player and other portable digital devices. The company’s products are carried by more than 1,000 retail locations worldwide, including CompUSA and Best Buy.

DLO president Jeff Grady notes that the company’s rapid growth has coincided with the strong demand for the Apple iPod, which holds a 58% market share among MP3 players according to published reports. Apple introduced the iPod in October 2001 and has since sold more than three million units. That number is expected to escalate with the recent licensing agreement between Apple and Hewlett-Packard.

Digital Lifestyle Outfitters currently employs four in its corporate office, and expects to add three new positions by the end of 2004. The company also employs a growing number of people in its Durham, NC distribution center. Since its founding three years ago, revenues have grown approximately 250% annually.

“When it came time to expand our headquarters to accommodate our growth, we decided to consider all options,” said Grady. “Our team puts in a tremendous number of hours, so the quality of our downtime is very important. We wanted to be in a place where we could leave the office and immediately be on vacation.” The company also considered Austin, TX before choosing to locate in Charleston.

“Attracting Digital Lifestyle Outfitters is a significant win for our region,” said Ted Creech, chairman of the Charleston Regional Development Alliance. “Although small in size, this fast-growth company has very big connections. Its relationship with major players like Dell and Apple Computer will provide the Charleston region with tremendous national exposure.”

Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. also welcomed the company, noting that DLO joins a growing community in the city’s Digital Corridor, a stretch of specially zoned properties from downtown Charleston to Daniel Island. “Small businesses are the backbone of the U.S. economy, and Charleston is no exception,” he said. “Dynamic, entrepreneurial companies like Digital Lifestyle Outfitters are adding new energy and direction to our city while creating the job opportunities of tomorrow.”

“Our hearty congratulations go out to DLO,” said Barrett Lawrimore, chairman of Charleston County Council. “This is further evidence of the fertile ground the Charleston area has become for the knowledge economy. Twenty-first century, cutting-edge technology companies operating in downtown Charleston’s 18th and 19th century architectural setting is a marvelous testament to our community’s almost timeless business appeal.”

In facilitating competitive expansion and relocation projects for the region, the Alliance works with numerous organizations. An especially noteworthy partnership exists with the South Carolina Department of Commerce.

“The fact that we attracted this company headquarters from Raleigh and won out over Austin speaks volumes about how our state’s advantages – in this case our phenomenal quality of life – allow us to play ball with the heaviest of the heavy hitters in terms of locations,” said Commerce Secretary Bob Faith. “This is a small technology company with much possibility for growth that exemplifies what we’re trying to do with the South Carolina Competitiveness Initiative. Congratulations to the Charleston region!”

About Digital Lifestyle Outfitters
DLO designs, markets, sells and distributes a wide range of products and accessories for portable digital devices. The company’s most popular product is the TransPod FM, which charges and plays iPod units through an existing car stereo system. DLO introduced its patent-pending iBoom, a portable “boombox” speaker system for iPod units, on August 17. Demand for the product has exceeded expectations and production is currently at capacity. For a complete inventory of DLO products, visit www.everythingipod.com.

About the Charleston Regional Development Alliance
The Charleston Regional Development Alliance represents Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties. Its mission is to broaden and diversify business investment in this region, with a new emphasis on technology-intensive business sectors. Since its inception, the Alliance has worked with thousands of companies to help promote business investment and quality growth in the area. To learn more, go to www.charleston-for-business.com.