Friday, August 13, 2010

Dansko Announces Healthcare Apparel Launch

West Grove, PA:  Building on its 20 year leadership position in occupational footwear, Dansko LLC is launching a premium apparel line for healthcare professionals.  The Dansko line will be constructed using high performance stretch knit fabrics designed to move with the wearer. Every item will be extremely soft to the touch and comparable to active sportswear in styling and performance, with superior wicking properties knitted in for continuous, long lasting performance and temperature control. The materials are designed to keep their original shape and color over the lifetime of the garment, and are guaranteed not to shrink or fade. The line will include a range of tops, pants, jackets and headwear for both men and women in sizes XS to 3X.

“We are thrilled to make this announcement today,” says Dansko CEO and Co-Founder Mandy Cabot. “The healthcare market has been a cornerstone of Dansko’s business since we opened our first occupational account seventeen years ago. It was only natural for us to look for ways to build on this success and give our customers even more opportunities to enjoy the Dansko brand. Adding an apparel line that delivers on our promise of all day comfort and long-lasting performance is a natural extension for us.” 

Leveraging strong brand recognition and terrific customer loyalty from its footwear business,  Dansko will utilize  its existing sales force,  offering the apparel line to select uniform retailers, catalogs and web based businesses. The line will be introduced to the trade this September, for January 2011 delivery.

Available in a variety of flattering colors and silhouettes – and perfect to coordinate with legendary Dansko footwear - the emphasis is definitely on fit.  “The performance aspects are noticeable immediately,” says Cabot.  “We understand the long days and oftentimes difficult work environments that today’s healthcare professionals need to function in, and we know this introduction is going to revolutionize their ‘at work’ wear experience.  These garments will bend, twist and turn with every move, day in and day out. Dansko fans will continue to have our commitment in helping them love their day—only now, from head to toe.” 

Expertise in apparel design, development and sourcing will be provided by Khyton International LLC.  The three Principals of Khyton possess over 90 years combined experience with premium spa and active apparel brands.

About Dansko

Established in 1990, Dansko LLC is a leader in providing innovative comfort footwear and apparel while standing at the forefront of sustainable and ethical business practices. Dansko is an employee owned company based in Pennsylvania, operated by its founders, wife and husband team Mandy Cabot and Peter Kjellerup. Dansko shoes, boots, socks and apparel are distributed to over 2,500 premium U.S. and international retail locations.

Over the last 20 years, Dansko has grown from a single shoe into a comfort footwear leader, consistently delivering on its promise to help consumers love their day by relieving pressure on their feet, legs and back. This promise has made Dansko the brand of choice among professionals in such industries as healthcare, hospitality, food service and education who test this promise daily. 

About Khyton International

Khyton Int’l LLC specializes in apparel design, sourcing, marketing, sales and strategic development for the healthcare apparel industry. The three Principals include LeeAnn Stevens, a lead designer for a major sportswear apparel firm and premium spa brand, Karen Hopkins, a former Director of Marketing Communications for a Fortune 100 company, and William DiRocco a successful managing partner of sportswear firms with extensive experience in channel and business development.