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Carrie Steinberg
Sr. Marketing Communications Coordinator
JanSport
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carrie_steinberg@vfc.com
JANSPORT® COLLABORATES WITH FIVE BOUTIQUE RETAILERS TO LAUNCH RIGHT PACK SIGNATURE PROJECT
Exclusive one-of-a kind JanSport Right Packs, customized with limited edition patches
San Leandro, Calif., (June 16, 2010) - JanSport®, the original outdoor gear Brand that equips people globally with quality backpacks, travel gear and collegiate apparel, today announced its collaboration with five boutique retailers nationwide to unveil its original Right Packs, customized with limited edition patches at select boutique retailers nationwide.
Starting with its iconic 90s leather bottom Right Pack from its Fall 2010 collection, JanSport partnered with five retailers from across the US: Familia Skate Shop in Minneapolis, MN, Kicks Hawaii in Honolulu, HI and Tamuning, Guam, Major in Washington D.C., Maven in Burlington, VT and True in San Francisco, CA, to design one-of-a-kind patches that embrace the culture of each boutique's respective community. The limited edition patches have been applied to JanSport's original Right Pack and will be available for purchase at participating retail locations beginning July 15, 2010.
"In its infancy, this project allows JanSport's loyal boutique retailers the ability to create one-of-a-kind packs in partnership with our Brand," said Geneviève Peterson, product category director for JanSport. "The collaboration has allowed us to add local flavor and self expression to one of our most iconic packs and we couldn't be more thrilled with the result."
"Skateboarder or not, everyone's had a JanSport at one point or another," says Tucker Gerrick, Familia Skate Shop G.M, the first store to jump on-board with the program. "We're hyped to make our mark on such a respected American heritage brand."
About each patch:
Familia Skateboard Shop (Minneapolis, MN)
Familia began the project, approaching it from the point of view of a skateboarder, a do-it-yourself way of creating a branded bag. The result: a signature patch that takes inspiration from the bag's most common function, bringing one's gear from place to place.
Kicks Hawaii (Honolulu, HI and Tamuning, Guam)
Kicks circle "KH" patch is placed on the upper right hand side of the JanSport label, signifying the rising sun. For Kicks, the rising sun is reminiscent of waking up at the break of dawn, grabbing your JanSport pack, and catching the bus to school as the JanSport Right Pack was and is still today, the iconic pack from its childhood.
Major (Washington D.C)
Major took inspiration from its two commonly used themes, sports and military, to come up with its concept for the patches. The main front patch is a chenille block with its Trinity logo, and "Major" word mark in an athletic arch design at the top. The two flag patches that adorn the pack's straps include the shop's Trinity logo flag, and the words, "major never minor," signifying its military affiliation.
Maven (Burlington, VT)
For Maven, the bird has become an icon and this particular patch design is a reworking of its logo, giving a nod to vintage motorcycle graphics. It has come to represent individuality for the shop as they evolve to stay relevant. The bird is also representative of Americana in relationship to JanSport as a heritage brand.
True (San Francisco, CA)
TRUE wanted to create something that was representative of its home city, San Francisco and decided on a traditional round club style patch to include graphic and symbolic elements. The 14 stars on the side represent the 14 years the retailer has been in business. The overlapping graphic representations of the bridge, bay and iconic San Francisco skyline lay claim to the city TRUE calls home. Additionally, "The city is a human zoo" is a slightly modified version of a quote by the famous zoologist Desmond Morris. San Francisco is home to an eclectic group of characters and personalities and this quote sums up one's experience in what residents refer to as "The City."
JanSport's new Right Pack Signature Project packs will be available exclusively at Familia Skate Shop, Kicks Hawaii, Major, Maven and True boutique retailers beginning July 15, 2010. For more information, visit www.jansport.com/signatureproject
About JanSport®
Founded in 1967, JanSport is the original outdoor gear Brand that equips people globally with quality backpacks, travel gear and collegiate apparel. Headquartered in San Leandro, California, JanSport stands for fun and discovery. The company's products are sold in retail stores throughout the world. For more information, visit www.jansport.com.
About VF
VF Corporation is a global leader in lifestyle apparel with a diverse portfolio of jeanswear, outdoor, action sports, imagewear, sportswear and contemporary apparel brands. Its principal brands include Wrangler®, Lee®, Riders®, The North Face®, Vans®, Reef®, Eagle Creek®, Eastpak®, JanSport®, Napapijri®, Nautica®, Kipling®, John Varvatos®, 7 For All Mankind®, lucy®, Ella Moss®, Splendid®, Majestic® and Red Kap®.
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