Virgin Megastore is the first Retailer to Launch Marley Headphones in UAE

The House of Marley expands its horizons to Middle East delivering premium eco-friendly products with portion of profits going to 1Love Charity

January 25th, 2012. Dubai, UAE — Virgin Megastore, global leader in retail entertainment, announced today that they will be the first and exclusive retailer to debut the premium range of MARLEY branded headphones in the UAE. United by music to create a better world and spread Bob Marley‟s vision of One Love, One World, a portion of all profits from The House of Marley collection of audio electronic products will be donated to the Marley family‟s 1Love charity.

The House of Marley products are of superior quality in both sound and design and are made from eco-friendly materials that embody the Marley family‟s values of equality, unity, authenticity, sustainability and charity.

“Our father shared his vision with our family and his fans through the gift of the messages in his music and it is our mission and responsibility to push the movement forward,” said Cedella Marley, Bob Marley‟s daughter. “The House of Marley and the MARLEY audio products that bear our family name were created to spread our father‟s music and vision to a new generation.”

MARLEY headphones are comprised of three collections: Jammin‟, Freedom, and Destiny. All products feature noise isolating in-ear and active noise cancelling over-ear headphones. Docking stations and portable audio systems should follow in the UAE soon afterwards.

“The House of Marley range is devoted to encompassing Bob Marley‟s vision of hope, unity and peace through high-quality, funky and sustainable products. To further resonate Bob‟s dreams, a portion of sales from these products help in funding the Marley family‟s 1Love charities that are focused on youth, our planet and peace. Virgin Megastore is proud to introduce the collection of MARLEY audio products to the UAE, offering our customers an original range of stylish, premium quality headphones and the opportunity to contribute to a greater cause.” said Ahab Shamaa, Regional Product Manager, Virgin Megastore MENA.

Four guiding principles are central to turning Bob‟s ideals into actions at The House of Marley: Superior Quality, Sustainably Sourced, Cause Minded and Waste Conscious.

Superior Quality: Bob was a master at his craft and The House of Marley aims for the same excellence in everything it creates. Using reggae music as the test by which all MARLEY products are made, bass is the driving force in every product. That doesn‟t mean the highs have been neglected, however. MARLEY products aim for authenticity and you can hear it in every instrument and vocal. MARLEY products are made to withstand even the most active lifestyle and to emulate Bob – timeless.

Sustainably Sourced: The House of Marley‟s goal is to create high-quality products in the most ethical and environmentally positive way. MARLEY audio products are made with FSC certified wood, the highest standard for wood and forest products, and use recycled and recyclable aluminium and plastic. The House of Marley is continuously searching for the highest-quality, lowest environmentally impactful materials the world has to offer.

Cause Minded: A portion of proceeds from The House of Marley will benefit 1Love.org. The organisation, sparked by the Marley family, is dedicated to spreading Bob Marley’s message of unity and peace by lifting up the new generation to strike the hammer for charities, causes and ideas that can change the world with a focus on youth, planet and peace. Learn more at 1Love.org.

Waste Conscious: The House of Marley creates eco-conscious products that aim to be sustainable, renewable and recyclable. But one thing it‟s not about creating is waste. Each MARLEY product is packaged using pulp or recycled and recyclable material, so it can avoid the waste stream and manifest into something useful again. In addition, MARLEY ear buds and headphones come with storage bags made from natural fibres, such as cotton and hemp.

Retail price ranges from 120 AED for earphones to 1200 AED for the top of the line TTR headphones offering superior audio products to fit every personal style from reggae lovers to conscious connoisseurs. Exclusively available at Virgin Megastores.

MARLEY products: Jammin’, Freedom, and Destiny The House of Marley delivers best in class product within a three-tiered product strategy. This allows for wide bandwidth in product, price point and retail destinations, while engaging three distinct consumer segments. MARLEY ear buds are small, compact and prepared to take on the heaviest bass. MARLEY headphones look good, sound good and make you feel good.

MARLEY Jammin’ range: brings the joyful vibe through colourful and vibrant style, as well as solid performance designed for „young gongs‟.
 MARLEY Jammin‟ Earbuds – Available in three varieties and including different colour options: Smile Jamaica, People Get Ready, and Midnight Ravers.
 MARLEY Jammin‟ Headphones – Available in two varieties with different colour options: Positive Vibration and Revolution

MARLEY Freedom range: delivers a high-end audio experience through modern, soulful design sensibilities.
 MARLEY Freedom Earbuds – Available in three varieties and with colour options: Redemption Song IE, Conqueror and Zion.
 MARLEY Freedom Headphones – Available in two varieties: Exodus and Stir It Up
MARLEY Destiny: combines pro-level audio components with beautiful, natural, premium materials for music lovers seeking a heightened listening experience.
 MARLEY Destiny – TTR Headphones

About The House of Marley:
Working together for a better world, The House of Marley was created from the belief in Bob Marley’s vision of “One Love,” offering a range of eco-conscious, innovative audio electronics products that adhere to the Marley family core values: equality, unity, authenticity, sustainability and charity. The House of Marley donates ten percent (10%) of its annual profits to 1Love.org. Learn more at www.thehouseofmarley.com.
Visit the Marley Family’s primary website at www.BobMarley.com and join the Official Bob Marley Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/BobMarley. Learn more about other Marley Family ventures by visiting Marley Beverage Company at www.MarleyBeverages.com, Marley Coffee at www.MarleyCoffee.com, and 1Love.org at www.1love.org.

About 1Love.org:
The epicenter of a global movement, www.1Love.org is dedicated to spreading Bob Marley’s message of unity and peace by lifting up a new generation of “young gongs” to strike the hammer for charities, causes and ideas that can change the world. 1Love.org is a not-for-profit organisation created with the Marley family to create awareness and a sustainable flow of contributions to benefit 1Love.org-supported charities that empower youth, protect our planet and encourage global peace. A portion of the proceeds from product sales of three Marley Family ventures, The House of Marley personal audio products, Marley’s Mellow Mood 100% natural relaxation beverages, and Marley Coffee, support 1Love.org.

About Virgin Megastore:
Virgin Megastore is a global leader in entertainment and lifestyle retail, and the number one entertainment destination in the Middle East. A one-stop shop for all your entertainment needs, Virgin Megastore offers a wide range of products, including CDs, books, games, movies, gifts
and the latest in technology, as well as a wide array of services complementing the product range. It is a unique shopping experience that offers innovative and exclusive products and services for all age groups, and caters to the local and expat cultures through events, activities and talent support. Virgin Megastore is a global brand with a local flavor. Join Virgin Megastore on Facebook, www.facebook.com/virginmena, and follow them on Twitter, @VirginMegaME. Learn more about Virgin Megastore‟s products, events and purchase tickets online by visiting www.virginmegastore.me.