WINTER PARK, CO (BRAIN)--Kona, preparing for its 20th anniversary in 2008, will introduce a complete line of apparel for sale through its international dealer and distributor network. The company offered a sneak-peek at its new line at Crankworx Colorado.
Kona’s Michelle Gault, hired less than a year ago to produce the line, said this is Kona’s first “real run” at the apparel market. The line includes everything from traditional T-shirt to jerseys, hoodies, shorts—both mountain and road—plus an exclusive line of women’s wear. In the past, Kona had sold T-shirts, hats and other accessories. It was simply called “Stuff.”
Kona sales reps will meet with key dealers by the end of July to show them the line and, hopefully, have orders written by Sept. 15 with delivery of the spring 2008 line getting underway by mid-January, Gault said. Most U.S. retailers can see the line at Interbike.
Gault said the new line won’t compete with companies like Pearl Izumi and Sugoi. Instead it draws on its graphic inspiration from the skate, surf and snowboard market. It also includes a line of organic wear made from organically grown cotton and using vegetable dyes. All proceeds from those sales will go to AfricaBike. -Marc Sani
