In 1997, Karhu sold Merrell to Wolverine World Wide, a large footwear corporation which manufactured Hush Puppies shoes and Wolverine brand boots. In the year of the Wolverine acquisition, Merrell sales volume totaled $23 million. The company sells more than 37 million pairs of footwear per year, under such names as Wolverine (work, outdoor sport, and rugged casual categories), Bates (uniform), Hy-Test (work), Merrell (hiking, rugged outdoor, and outdoor-inspired casual), and the Hush Puppies (casual). Wolverine produces extra lines under brands licensed from other firms, including Caterpillar, Coleman, Harley-Davidson, Karen Neuburger, and Stanley. More than 90 percent of the company’s revenues are caused by the sale of branded footwear. The company’s products are sold worldwide through department stores, footwear chains, specialty and independent retailers, and international licensees and distributors. More than 20 percent of sales originate outside the United States, the vast majority coming from Europe and Canada.
By 2010, Merrell goods were being sold in 151 countries. Yearly sales for the brand figured nearly $500 million in 2010. The company operates 116 of its own concept stores around the world, with another 20 to 25 new stores planned to open in 2011.
