dansko is a comfort footwear company based in west grove , pennsylvania .

dansko was founded in 1990 by husband and wife team , peter kjellerup and mandy cabot .

most well known for its clogs , dansko also makes dress and casual shoes , sandals , and boots .

the company is 100 % employee owned .

dansko

dansko , inc , ( 1 ) . pptx - dansko inc agenda background . . .
mandy cabot , dansko , inc . ceo and her husband and dansko cofounder , peter kjellerup .
dankso shoes - dansko clogs , dansko professional clogs , dansko sandals , and more - are known worldwide as extremely comfortable footwear that fits true to size .
i have a problem with the dansko shoes that i purchased from dansko . com . who do i contact ?
i have a problem with the dansko shoes that i purchased from an authorized dansko retailer . who do i contact ?
3 . dansko ( west grove , pa ) - dansko , translated as “danish shoe , ” sells flexible - bottom clogs .
we do not recommend resoling dansko clogs . instead , for continued superior performance , we recommend that you replace your dansko clogs .
millions of dansko fans can ' t be wrong . our flagship style embodies the all - day comfort and support that dansko is famous for .
your e - gift card can only be redeem on dansko . com . they are not valid at any dansko authorized retailer or danskooutlet . com .
dansko works closely with its dealers to ensure customer satisfaction . an authorized dansko dealer will be able to provide assistance should you encounter a problem with your purchase . authorized dansko dealers can be found on the find a retailer page .
sanita is definitely true to size than dansko . dansko seems to be a little larger and wider . sanita may be a touch narrier but fit better .
dansko ' s stapled bottom clogs that were manufactured since late 2007 are different .
dansko shoes can be purchased through any of our authorized dealers or directly from the website . authorized dansko retailers can be found on the find a retailer page .
dansko shoes are sized true to size , using european ( eu ) whole size standards . dansko also offers both narrow and wide shoes in the professional clog collection .
the robots in dansko’s new 200 , 000 square - foot facility which opened in november of 2012 , aren’t taking anyone’s job , according to a press release from dansko .
shoe care by dansko beeswax conditioner for leather shoes - 2 oz . jar shoe care
dansko women ' s lynn shoe - this contemporary pull on style features a soft upper in both classic and bold fall colors perfect for any dansko lover . c… | pinterest
since the early 1990s until august 2007 , sanita® manufactured all of the dansko® stapled clogs collection , including dansko® professional clogs . in august of 2007 , dansko® and sanita® ended their long - term partnership . dansko® began their own manufacturing in china , and sanita® decided to continue their professional clog line under their own name , with continuation of production in europe .
jessica ' s shoe a day in may features dansko today . | 93 . 3 wfls
the comfort shoe insider : dansko vs . sanita - what ' s the difference ? ? ?
shoe care by dansko oiled leather restorer for oiled leather shoes - 4 oz . bottle shoe care
a dansko clog is recognizable by its iconic shape , clean construction , and the highest quality material ( usually leather ) . you can tell a dansko clog from a copycat by the following criteria :
sanita has been making clogs since 1907 . dansko began importing those clogs into the u . s . under the name dansko in the early 1990s . dansko lost their contract with sanita in late 2007 . sanita began importing the original clogs under their own name when the contract expired . dansko
re - designed
their clogs in january 2008 and moved manufacturing out of the original sanita factory .
i have more than 10 pairs of dansko size 37 . i just bought 2 new pairs of dansko size 37 on line . they are much narrow and smaller and they both are made in china . i am very disappointed of the new dansko and thinking about switching to sanita . : - (
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have some 39 dansko professionals , which fit perfectly . ordered some 39 sanitas , which are too narrow . i am now wondering whether i should exchange them for a 40 sanita or a 39 dansko .
i wear a 40 dansko and a 39 sanita . to me , that ' s the difference .
dansko has received reports that other retailers claiming to sell dansko shoes ( often at
too good to be true prices
) do nothing more than take your money and never send the shoes you thought you purchased . when shopping for dansko shoes online , we recommend that you only purchase shoes from a dansko authorized retailer - a handy list of these authorized retailers is on the find a retailer page .
dansko has been tested by satra in the united kingdom and precision testing laboratories in nashville , tennessee .
the dansko company store and online outlet are your sources for a variety of dansko samples , seconds and discontinued styles . some may have minor cosmetic flaws that have no affect on wear or fit ; otherwise they’re exactly the same as the first - quality shoes sold by approved dansko retailers . the stock constantly changes , so check back often ! proceeds from all sales are the dansko foundation’s key source of funding .
for more information about dansko , please contact gwen livingston , vice president of sales , or catherine byers , director of marketing at 800 - dansko - 4 ( 800 - 326 - 7564 ) or visit urltoken .
i need to exchange a shoe that i bought on dansko . com . how do i exchange it ?
fit tip : dansko clogs are made to fit loosely in the heel . a pinky finger should fit in between your heel and the shoe , so that the heel moves up and down freely as you walk , creating dansko‚äôs signature rocking motion . please note that dansko clogs need to be broken in for ultimate comfort .
dansko is translated as
danish shoe
- the owners kept bringing clogs back from denmark more than 20 years ago . there was so much demand for these clogs that they started dansko here in the united states .
many of dansko’s shoes offer slip - resistant features , but not all of their clogs come equipped with slip - resistance , per se . excellent options for our slip - prone viewers are the dansko elise oxford sneaker , the dansko pro xp mule , and the dansko pro mule . all of these shoes provide superb grip and traction ; so , even the slipperiest of floors are no match for these ultra - sturdy and secure clogs .
worn by teachers , flight crews , doctors , nurses , chefs - people who are on their feet all day love dansko shoes . the most popular dansko shoes are the professional clogs . dansko has a full line of footwear , for men , women , and children , including sandals , boots , and hip - looking shoes .
the recent update reflects the best of 2018’s best dansko clogs & mules of all types , shapes , sizes , colors , with new information as to how to choose the best dansko clogs & mules and our criteria for evaluation . also , included are some of the most frequently asked questions about the best dansko clogs and mules .
we recommend that you contact the seller . please note : dansko cannot assist with requests on purchases made through unauthorized dealers or third - party auction sites . authorized dansko dealers can be found on the find a retailer page .
dry and stretch overnight . slip into your newly - sized dansko clogs the following morning and rock the town !
q : what are dansko clogs made of ? a : they usually , sport a rubber bottom and a mix of leathers in their footwear . typically , your dansko shoes will be constructed from one of the following leathers :
dansko rolls up their sleeves in support of the community . in 2003 , they launched the dansko foundation to inspire , support and facilitate charitable giving to not - for - profit community based groups and local chapters of national organizations .
in 2012 , dansko proudly became 100 % employee - owned through an esop ( employee stock ownership plan ) . the transition to employee ownership marked the continuation of dansko ' s commitment to its employees , its community and its values .
every dansko product must meet the highest standards for comfort , support , durability , fit and performance . from initial sketches to final inspection , hundreds of steps take place before a pair of dansko shoes will make their way onto your feet .
dansko started with 1 employee 17 years ago ( she ' s still with them ! ) . 130 people are now employed at dansko . dansko is a part of the community , and really wants to make a difference in the community . wants to be part of the future of sustainable living . wants to leave the earth better than how they found it .
dansko supports continuing education outside the company and offers internal “stretch opportunities” for employees to learn different parts of the business . in addition to having a good neighbor that is also a model employer and great shoe store , the community profits from dansko’s success through the dansko foundation . funded by proceeds from the store , the foundation supports community organizations and creates philanthropic opportunities for dansko staff . “we care about making active , passionate philanthropists of our employees , ” says mandy . dansko sponsors service opportunities throughout the year and gives employees up to 16 hours of annual paid time off to volunteer . more than 80 percent of employees participate and dansko matches their time with financial contributions . since its inception , the foundation has supported 75 community organizations .
when dansko designed a new distribution center , it went for efficiency , growth and a system as unique as its brand .
average dansko life expectancy in 1995 was 78 years . this was higher than the general public life expectancy which was 73 .
great news ! when you purchase these or any other dansko shoes , all items in your cart will ship for free .
dansko ' s stapled outsole has been tested by satra in the united kingdom and precision testing laboratories in nashville , tennessee .
the world’s largest dansko store – from professional clogs to sandals , we have every style and every color here for you everyday .
luckily dansko is very good at taking care of their customers . if you ever have a defect you can contact them directly .
i have a problem with the dansko product that i purchased on a third - party auction site . who do i contact ?
since we were just on the topic of temperature and breathability , it’s only natural to discuss dansko’s ingenious design for temperature control and regulation . their shoes are modeled after the original backless clogs of danish culture . deriving from this original shoe , dansko creates a
materials – the materials , of course , play a huge role in dansko’s comfortability . as previously stated , all dansko clogs have extremely padded interiors for optimal comfort . but the materials used don’t overheat your feet , even with the extra cushioning . this is because of dansko’s breathable leathers and footbeds . all dansko leathers are treated to be lightweight , durable , and breathable for the optimal comfort of the wearer . and the footbeds , while extremely cozy , are built with multiple layers to promote air circulation and breathability .
your purchase from the dansko outlet doesn ' t stop on your doorstep with a new pair of shoes - it goes much further . proceeds from this site fund the dansko foundation , an organization devoted to supporting local and global charities like habitat for humanity , american red cross and cure autism now . the dansko foundation is just one way that we show our commitment to the world . each time you buy from the dansko outlet , you can feel good in your new shoes and make a difference in the world around you .
the avalon line is a baby step . even if it proves viable , do not expect dansko to make leather shoes stateside soon .
many cities have one or two specialty retailers that carry dansko shoes . often , however , they do not carry many styles or colors . for instance , i love red shoes . not one shoe store that i checked , in several cities , carried dansko crimson professional clogs .
cabot : i stepped down as president . our cfo jim fox had a deep understanding of dansko’s finances and he took on the job .
dansko shoes are sized according to european ( eu ) whole size standards . the comparable united states ( us ) sizes are shown below .
spent an entire afternoon at three different shoe stores that sell both brands . i was frustrated with dansko sizing too ! i have a narrow heel and found myself between the 39 ( way too small ! ) and the 40 ( massive ! ) in dansko ' s professional clog . i had a very old pair of mary jane - style sanitas ( size 41 ) and was surprised i was in that kind of sizing for dansko - - and very happy i didn ' t order the 41 in dansko online . yes , dansko fit very differently across styles . frustrating . sanita was consistent in sizing and fit my narrow - ish heel perfectly . guess what ? the size 41 still fits perfectly .
most people think that dansko ( remember ,
danish shoe
) shoes are made in denmark . au contraire ! the dansko company is located in pennsylvania . dansko has selected and worked closely with the very best manufacturers in italy , china , and brazil . look inside your shoe to see where it was made ! they select their sourcing partners based on their proximity / access to raw materials , as well as their expertise .
in dansko when ordering by mail i always have to go down a size but in sanita i have to go up a size . always .
i have found that they are similar in quality , other than the fit , but that is just my personal experience . a lot of dansko / sanita wearers have switched to the dansko pro xp . it has more cushion and is lighter weight but still looks like the original professional .
i love dansko ! it fits me perfectly well and hold my ankle well given that i had 3 severe incidents of ankle rolling in sanita shoes . sanitas is not great when you have to on your toes running around but dansko truly works for me given that i have high arch .
dansko shoes are sized according to european ( eu ) whole size standards . see our size chart for conversion . for fitting of clogs , please refer to the fit guide tab located on any of our clog product pages . you can also chat with dansko customer service for more information .
today , dansko’s 100 % employee owned company based in the rolling hills of pennsylvania , offers a complete line of footwear – heels , boots , sandals , wedges , flats and many , many types of clogs . every pair is infused with legendary dansko all - day comfort and support .
a better approach is to purchase them online . since dansko shoes run true to size , you can safely order them online without problems . remember that they are european - sized ! however , a good online store will note both the european size and the us size when you order . dansko shoes are true to width and have excellent arch support . only purchase danskos through an authorized dansko dealer . there are many copycat clogs out there .
however , in a wholesale distribution business like dansko’s , orders often have to be customized to meet the retail customer’s requirements before they can be shipped .
since sanita® stopped manufacturing dansko® professional clogs , dansko® has experienced some inconsistencies with their clogs - most noticeably , many of our customers have commented that the new heel design and higher arch on dankso clogs is uncomfortable , causing ankle instability in a fast - paced , on - your - feet - all - day work environment . in short , if you want the same dansko® clog that you loved prior to 2008 , then you should buy sanita® .
many of our retailers participate in our special order program . if you have a specific request , please notify a retailer and ask to place a special order . you may also be able to purchase this style direct from dansko , as we sell select styles direct to consumers on dansko . com .
q : how do i prevent my dansko clogs from squeaking ? a : the best option is to contact dansko directly for a new pair . your clogs should not squeak so horribly that it bothers you , or forces you to search the forums late at night for some semblance of an answer . but if you’re not in the mood to contact dansko , or if their customer service team has been less than spectacular , here’s one quick fix :
the foundation board is staffed entirely by dansko employees , meeting quarterly to review grant proposals and distribute funds to qualifying organizations that demonstrate benefit for humankind .
i wear a women ' s 12 wide . leaning towards sanita from conversation above , but with dansko reportedly running wider , maybe i need them ? my toes are wide , not so much my heels . advice ? sanita 43 wide or dansko 43 ( haven ' t seen a wide option ) ?
dansko , inc . ceo mandy cabot thinks success as a shoe company means generating social and environmental returns in addition to financial profits . mandy and her husband , and dansko cofounder , peter kjellerup are ardent advocates of this three - fold mission for which business pundits have coined the phrase ‘triple bottom line . ”
shoe company dansko looked for a different approach to increase efficiency in warehouse automation and in doing so , the company looked no further than from kiva systems .
urltoken is your source for dansko seconds or discontinued styles . dansko factory seconds are made in exactly the same way as first - quality merchandise but have cosmetic flaws . possible cosmetic imperfections range from creases , stretch marks or natural color variations to scuffs , cuts or nicks that occasionally occur during the manufacturing process .
for the past 12 years , dansko has been a growing force in the occupational shoe market . long - wearing comfort , durability and unique style appeal to folks in all walks of life , from doctors and flight attendants to chefs and shop clerks . a physician in new hampshire considers her dansko clogs a professional status symbol in her ivy league medical complex . an orthopedic surgeon at the same hospital regularly sends his patients to the complexs medical bookstore for dansko clog fittings .
of their shoes . while this might be cumbersome for new users , veteran dansko owners appreciate the simplicity and wide selection european sizes offer . they , also , mitigate the long - standing debate between narrow and wide shoes by labeling their products as such . if you have wider feet , simply select a dansko shoe marked ‘wide’ without sacrificing style or your regular shoe size . and once you have that perfectly fitting dansko shoe , you will have an extremely comfortable shoe .
q : will leather dansko clogs stretch ? a : most leather shoes take a bit of wearing to fully open up and form to the contours of your feet . these shoes are no different . but if you’re having trouble breaking in the leather , follow this simple guide for relaxed dansko clogs in a pinch :
discovering a danish shoe : how dansko brought clogs to work | made to measure magazine , the uniform magazine , exclusively serving the uniform and image apparel industry .
dansko styles are made from several different types of leathers and fabrics . to find out more about what product we recommend using , visit our shoe care page .
free ground shipping on any order with the purchase of a regular priced dansko shoe ! canada shipping , international shipping and expedited shipping are not included in offer .
* offer excludes barco , cherokee , dansko , dickies , koi , littmann , welch allyn & gift certificates . cannot be combined with any other coupon offer .
distributes clogs , footwear and socks for men , women and children as well as apparel for healthcare workers . dansko sells wholesale products to shoe stores and retail outlets .
for dansko , kiva installed 46 robots that are directed by operators to handle order fulfillment . the robots communicate wirelessly with the operators using an order - processing software .
a privately owned company with an employee stock ownership plan , dansko has approximately 140 employees and annual sales topping $ 100 million . originally sold only in the united states and canada , dansko went international in 2007 with distributors in australia , china , croatia , israel , japan , korea , and new zealand . the west grove campus houses administrative , product development , marketing , sales , and warehousing departments , and the dansko company store . the shoes are produced in brazil , china , and italy .
in our most recent update , criteria for the evaluation of dansko clogs was added as well as your most frequently asked questions . the criteria and faq address the comfort , durability , and support of dansko clogs and how those key aspects are considered before creating this list . we have also tried to address concerns about care and maintenance .
all this growth required lots of room . mandy often refers to dansko as the couple’s “daughter , ” and dansko outgrew buildings like young girls outgrow shoes . faced with the need to expand , in 2004 they began planning their new headquarters . determined not to have a negative impact on the environment , peter led the project and focused on sustainable design .
that may be about to change , with dansko completing a plan for a new line of shoes to be manufactured from molds in a stateside factory as early as next year .
happy feet plus and dansko have similar views on the environment ; in addition to their best business practices , dansko is also a leader in environmental sustainability . the company’s brick and mortar structures are leed gold certified . other environmental activism includes the b corporation , “a group of like - minded companies that meet rigorous standards for social and environmental performance , accountability and transparency . ” as one of the founding members , dansko was the first footwear company to join . today , there are over 800 certified b corporations around the world .
mary jane - style clogs are a great option for summer , with all the ergonomic benefits of a clog with the breezy feel of a strappy sandal . this pair is from dansko , the brand that brought the clog craze to the u . s . , and a particular fave of borrink’s . ( dansko ‘trista’ clog , $ 129 . 95 , urltoken )
today dansko is a leader in the high - end euro - comfort shoe market . savvy celebrities from all walks of life wear the shoes : chef wolfgang puck , singer sheryl crow , actress julia roberts . footwear plus , the industry’s leading publication , has awarded them top honors in women’s comfort design three years in a row . the american podiatric medical association ( apma ) has stamped dansko’s shoes with its seal of acceptance ; and for the first time ever , the apma recently gave the seal to a heel—and that heel belongs to dansko .
census records can tell you a lot of little known facts about your dansko ancestors , such as occupation . occupation can tell you about your ancestor ' s social and economic status .
i like the concept with the new danskos having the wider heel , but the sizing is different . i have always been a 38 in the dansko professionals , but they are too short for me now . the 39s feel huge . i am only buying sanita now because they fit me better . i do have friends that prefer the new dansko sole though .
dansko slip resistant styles are sole tested using the markii standard . slip resistant styles for both men and women can be found in the drop down under
slip resistant shoes
.
to return product purchased from urltoken use the online form to receive a return authorization number . returns require pre - approval by dansko . returns without pre - authorization will be refused .
to exchange product purchased from urltoken use the online form to receive a return authorization number . exchanges require pre - approval by dansko . exchanges without pre - authorization will be refused .
we , as consumers , have more choices ! ! ! ! we can now buy the professional in over 40 different skus . dansko and sanita are competing , and both companies have made amazing strides in the colors , leathers and fabrics ! update : dansko has also released the dansko pro xp , which looks similar to the professionals but is lighter weight , has a removeable insole with more cushion , and has an even wider heel base for more stability . as far as fit goes , i ' m still a 39 in all three styles .
i know this is an old post but sanita v . dansko is a favorite subject . until recently , i owned nothing but dansko . the quality of which varied . there was a period of time when dansko was manuafacturing squeeky shoes in china . one thing to be said about dankso is that they have excellent customer service and took my squeeky shoes back and replaced them with a brand new pair . i only tried santa because i found a brand new pair on ebay for $ 70 / free shipping . when viewing dansko and sanita side by side , there is a difference . much like the previous commenters noted , the sanita are really narrow . i am debating on ordering up a size . the heels are more narrow .
the online retailer i recommend is footwear etc . they are my favorite shoe retailer , and have a large selection of dansko shoes . and they always have some great sales and specials .
currently , 80 percent of dansko ' s bulbous clogs and other ergonomically designed shoes are assembled in china and 20 percent in italy - - an equation the company is eager to recalculate .
mimi curry , chief operating officer at dansko said , “previously the pullers had to go and get the shoes ; now the shoes come to them , ” according to the press release .
dansko shoes also carry the seal of acceptance from the american podiatric medical association ( apma ) . the apma awards the seal after a rigorous evaluation to determine of it promotes quality foot health .
dansko had set up shop in maine as other shoe manufacturers had pulled up stakes from the northeast for foreign shores . it was hard to find and keep talent ; the industry was vanishing .
to determine whether or not your existing clogs were made by dansko® or sanita® , check the sole of your shoes . if your clogs were manufactured before 2008 by sanita® you will see patent 0060240 . this indicates that your clogs were made by sanita® according to their patented construction . if you have a pair of really old dansko® clogs , you may even see sanita® stamped on the bottom as well as the patent number mentioned above . if the sole of your shoes has no patent number , you have a redesigned dansko® shoe , which was manufactured after its split from sanita® .
i wore danskos for years until sanita stopped making them . now i wear sanitas - - and only the dansko stapled clog collection . i need lots of arch support , and find that the wooden clog platform is best . dansko ' s
sausalito
collection just does not have enough support - - i get pain in my ankles / arches after standing in them all day .
some dansko collections feature a removable footbed which can accommodate custom orthotics . due to the custom nature of orthotics , we recommend trying the shoes on with the orthotics to ensure a good fit .
dansko clogs are made in europe and asia . look on the inside of the shoe to see the country where it was manufactured . to ensure that dansko provides a superior product , we select and work closely with only the very best manufacturers . we select our sourcing partners based on their proximity and access to raw materials , as well as for their expertise in handling these materials .
when selecting a shoe for any type of event , whether it’s work , camping , or the like , the fit of a shoe plays a huge role in your overall comfort . dansko uses
almost all dansko styles have received the american podiatric medical associations seal of acceptance . in november 2001 , approval was granted to all dansko clog models and to two other lines the company carries : a paddock collection for equestrians and a fashion line built on an outsole similar to the clog . danskos newest development , a collection of direct - injection sport clogs , is slated for testing in 2002 .
an overpowering smell of fresh leather and the words printed on stacks of cardboard boxes containing dansko shoes inside the company ' s west grove , pa . , distribution warehouse are jarring to the senses .
based in west grove , pennsylvania ( about 40 miles west of philadelphia ) , dansko employs over 150 dedicated people working in our leed gold certified corporate headquarters and state of the art distribution center .
the security of your information is a top priority at dansko . we take security very seriously using industry - standard security measures to protect the loss , misuse , and alteration of your personal information .
dansko® believes that your feet are the foundation of your life . healthy feet , healthy body , healthy planet . that is why every collection from casual to professional to pro xp is based on the comfort principles of the clog to maximize all - day comfort . each style features a roomy toe box to promote circulation , a stress reducing rocker bottom , and superior arch support . with a flair for style , dansko translates today ' s trends into shoes made for every moment of your life . from slip - on clogs to nurse shoes , flats to sandals , mary janes and even cute boots - wherever you ' re going , there is a comfortable dansko shoe to get you there . dansko shoes can ' t shorten your day , but they can reduce strain on the entire body . their unique constructions support the whole foot - toes , arch and heel . to help people feel better , dansko adds shock absorption , a rocker bottom , and solid arch support to reduce any strain on your legs , back and feet . comfort comes without compromise . dansko clogs for men , women , and children use the finest materials and construction methods available . underneath each pretty exterior lies a tough heart for years of dependable wear . over the years and for years to come , dansko shoes have become a staple in many households . it ' s no accident that dansko shoes have become the choice of doctors , nurses , teachers , chefs , and other professionals who stand for hours at a time . people who work hard also want to play hard for the rest of their life .
to continuously circulate air all around the foot . this combats foot ailments , such as athlete’s foot , and keeps your feet at a comfortable temperature all day . dansko , also , equips their clogs with roomy toe boxes , allowing your toes to spread out and breathe . all of them were designed with breathability and temperature control in mind , but the shoes selected for this list outdo dansko’s norm .
besides , dittrich adds , “i would not like to think we are considered followers of fashion . dansko considers itself to be off to the side . we’re a little bit . . . quirky . ”
dansko now sells “vulcanized footwear” — think keds and converse but with sturdier materials and support . this spring , the company is debuting the pippa , a jaunty , thermoplastic molded mule . both lines will likely attract first - time buyers , but as a dansko purist i wouldn’t wear either style . the pseudo - sneakers seem matronly ; in magenta , teal or orange , the cuter croc just doesn’t connect .
if all goes well , dansko hopes to manufacture a new clog from recyclable material in arkansas in 2013 . a nonrecyclable version called avalon pippa debuted this spring in stores . it is made in china .
i was a fiercely loyal dansko wearer for many years and feel that they are not educating their customer on the difference between them and sanita . i feel like they are hiding the truth and decieving their customers . they have lost this consumer for good . every pair of my dansko ' s since 2008 fit so differently . i know i will get what i expect each time i buy a sanita !
nappa leather : nappa leather is the softest leather offered by dansko , due to its specialized tanning method . while shoes sporting this leather are optimal for special events , they are rather difficult to clean .
typically , spot cleaning your dansko shoes work best . simply , take a damp cloth with a gentle cleaning solution , and rub the area with small , circular motions . dansko , also , offers a wide variety of shoe maintenance and cleaning products on their website for optimal care . one of the best products for leather shoes is the dansko beeswax conditioner . the conditioner works best on warmed shoes , allowing the product to be fully absorbed by the shoe . the beeswax conditioner keeps your shoes shiny and scuff - free longer than just cleaning the shoes . so , be certain to condition your leather shoes frequently .
census records can give you a fascinating window into the day - to - day lives of your dansko ancestors - like hours worked per week , level of education , veteran status , employers , and more .
make sure you register at urltoken to win a $ 50 saxon shoes gift card . the featured shoe today is the beautiful dansko . saxon shoes is at the village at spotyslvania towne centre next to firebirds .
dansko , a comfort footwear designer and producer based in west grove , pa . , previously operated an 80 , 000 - square - foot dc . with success came growth , and eventually they couldn’t service their existing customer base adequately and operated with multiple challenges , including taking up to seven days to fill an order . this lag time meant that their retail customers were losing business and would have to look elsewhere . dansko orders were down and the staff was stressed . dansko leaders also realized that they couldn’t just reconfigure the existing facility in order to make things more efficient , they needed to find a whole new site .
the solution is efficient . it also significantly reduces the amount of walking required during a shift , improving the quality of life . what’s more , it allowed dansko to put its own distinctive stamp on the system .
use census records and voter lists to see where families with the dansko surname lived . within census records , you can often find information like name of household members , ages , birthplaces , residences , and occupations .
generally , the phrase
so bad that it ' s good
isn ' t one most women apply to their favorite pair of shoes . yet , somehow i ' ve fallen in love with my dansko clogs .
sanita beats dansko any day ! i have some old dansko clogs which are fine . however , when i went back to buy another pair in 2009 , they really were not the same . i went to a store that sells sanita and found that they not only fit fine , but i could wear them for hours on end right out of the box ( and i have a particularly fussy right foot ) . stick with sanita .
tons of color choices it is the , seemingly , endless color options that make the professional mule so appealing . it offers all of the comfort and support you expect from a dansko clog , without being limited to a few sleek but simple color options . comfort and support the dansko professional mule is a dream shoe for an individual who spends a lot of hours standing on their feet . it offers comfort , in the form of padded support and temperature control . as an added bonus , any foot perspiration is absorbed by the shoe , and slippery floors are never a problem . cost and value the price on the dansko professional mule ranges greatly , depending on what size and color you would like to purchase . this price range , however , does line - up pretty well with other dansko clogs . they perform , wonderfully ; and as such , are worth the investment .
the next year , dansko left maine , and its danish manufacturing partner instead expanded production to a small town in poland . there was enough of a shoemaking industry there that the factory was up to speed in no time .
i have been trying to buy a pair of clogs - - sanita or dansko - - and have had to return several pairs because of problems with the fit of both . sanita clogs usually rub against my inner heel , so i have given up on them . finally , i bought a pair of dansko last week . i am trying them out at home : i feel pressure in my arch . are they supposed to be like that ?
beyond its supportive clog collections , dansko has expanded their inventory to include sandals , boots , and shoes in both women’s and men’s styles . known for their incredible durability , outstanding stability , and an ergonomic , contoured footbed , dansko’s clogs have long been a favorite of doctors , teachers , and those in the hospitality industry . best of all , their fashion - forward silhouettes prevent you from having to sacrifice style for all - day comfort and support .
by 1999 , dansko had made inc . magazine’s list of 500 fastest - growing privately held companies . but the bigger news that year may have been that julia roberts was photographed wearing a pair of dankso black oiled leather professional clogs .
dansko offers free ground fedex smart post shipping ( 3 - 7 days ) on all orders within the continental united states , excluding alaska and hawaii . residents of alaska and hawaii have flat rate shipping of $ 39 . 95 for their first pair and $ 45 . 95 for two or more pairs . dansko also offers fedex expedited shipping . see the shopping bag checkout page for delivery options and pricing . e - gift cards are delivered free of charge via email .
the dansko professional clogs are dansko’s flagship style that is known for their all - day comfort and support . the cabrio clog is made of a black cabrio leather that features a top coat that provides a high - gloss finish for a dressy look . the cabrio clog has a firm foot and arch support with a contoured midsole that will keep your feet supported and secure . the superior shock absorption of the clog is comparable to athletic footwear . the anti - fatitue rocker bottom will keep you comfortably on you feet all day long . a roomy toe box allows your toes to move in comfort . dansko’s stapled outsole has been tested by satra in the united kingdom and precision testing laboratories in nashville , tennessee .
leather throughout is the theme to this pair of mules from dansko . as such , your feet will breathe well . in addition , this pair of mules has an eva insert , pu outsole and footbed , and a steel shank . as a combination , these attributes will give you all - day comfort and stability . add to this a buckle strap to help with a better fit , and you have a pair of dansko ' s worthy of your time and money .
today the company has over thirty independent sales reps in north america , over a third of whom work exclusively with uniform retailers and catalogs . dansko attends the professional apparel association show annually and this year also attended the national restaurant association show .
anyone who visits mandy and peter and their dansko family is bound to leave inspired and thinking about the triple bottom line in their own endeavors . when asked for advice on how to follow in dansko’s footsteps , mandy replies : “get off autopilot and pay attention to the details . you will find the big ‘ahahs” along the way , but in the meantime , pay attention to the small things we can all do . ” and peter’s answer ? “just do the right thing ! ”
the “bots” as they are referred to at dansko , are equipped with on - board cameras , follow bar codes on the floor to locate and retrieve one of the 970 pods in the system containing the specific product needed for an order .
i was getting painful calluses on each of my big toes and had to stop wearing my dansko ' s . i wonder if they were too big . i know they weren ' t too small . i was in 45s thinking about trying 44s
your purchase from urltoken doesn ' t stop on your doorstep with a new pair of shoes - it goes much further . proceeds from this site fund the dansko foundation , an organization devoted to supporting local and global charities like habitat for humanity , american red cross and cure autism now . the dansko foundation is just one way that we show our commitment to the world . each time you buy from urltoken , you can feel good in your new shoes and make a difference in the world around you .
ann dittrich has heard the sniping and seen the light . the stylish designer who cut her teeth at cole haan now serves as creative director at dansko , which , in her opinion , produces more beloved and idealized footwear than what models march down runways .
dansko is among them , having learned that domestic manufacturing is no easy task , and finding that the rising cost of the euro was making it hard to keep all its manufacturing in europe , even though europe is what made it famous to begin with .
i have size 36 danskos that fit perfectly , and the new size 36s that i just ordered by mail are much bigger . i think i can wear them , but they fit so different than the older ones that i love ! ( to add confusion to the mix : i just ordered a size 36 sanita by mail , and those were too small . . . ) . i am officially a size 37 in the sanita , 36 in the old dansko , and 35 in the newer dansko ) .
yes , they are european sizes ; but , dansko ' s clogs are now primarily made in asia and south america . one has to recognize that there is a significant difference in quality and quality control when items are made in such diverse manufacturing locations .
i bought a pair of 37 dansko which took a month to break in . the 38 was too big . then i found out about sanita and the 38 fit very well . not a lot of breaking in . i ' m sticking with sanita .
you may be a 43 or 44 . dansko does make their professional in a wide width . i ' d start with a 43 wide or 44 medium . you can order both and compare or visit a local store and try on a few pair .
other affiliations include the sustainable business network of philadelphia , the delaware valley chapter of united states green building council ( usgbc ) , the two ten foundation , and the american sustainable business council . you can read more about dansko’s active involvement with these organizations here .
unfortunately , we do not accept returns or exchanges for products purchased on urltoken at the dansko ' s headquarters . products need to be shipped to our return department to ensure a timely response to your request . use the online form to start your return process .
dansko ' s wynn men ' s slip resistant nursing shoe features double goring and a contoured footbed . exceptional full - foot support provides the base you need to stand comfortably all day and night . lightweight construction on a low - profile shape for easy movement .
sanitas do wonders for my feet with plantar fasciitis . straight out of the box , they are as good or better than the $ 500 custom insole i got from the podiatrist to put into shoes . i have not used dansko and have no basis of comparison .
if you are concerned about the fit of your shoes , please follow up with the retailer or e - tailer where you purchased your shoes . all of our retailers and e - tailers are experts on fitting dansko products and they will be able to guide you .
dansko clogs are widely known in the professional world as some of the most comfortable shoes to work in . nurses and health professionals alike swear by their comfort and support during long , grueling night shifts . those with orthopedic issues , such as plantar fasciitis and foot pain , hail to their healing properties , as near magical . for aging feet , those who find once common tasks strenuous , many options will breathe life and vitality back into overworked feet . so , when selecting shoes for this list , we took special care into the opinions and experiences of those who live in these shoes . every shoe on our list is outfitted with features that not only aid in comfort and support but , also , attests to dansko’s longevity . when searching for the perfect pair of dansko shoes , keep these key aspects in mind .
mandy and peter established dansko , inc . —literally translated as “danish shoe”—in 1991 . the product line expanded to include fashionable casual and dress choices from sandals to boots while continuing to offer the classic closed - back clogs sought after by chefs , nurses , and other footsore professionals .
according to the new york times , more than 10 , 000 firms –including other asbc business members like dansko and eileen fisher –across almost all sectors operate with an esop in place . the national center for employee ownership ( nceo ) notes that those companies employ 13 million people .
into a business with more than $ 120 million in annual revenue and a product line that includes sandals , boots and sneakers . in 2005 they were set to sell the company to timberland for more than $ 100 million but pulled out at the last minute , instead implementing an employee stock ownership plan ( esop ) . dansko also became a b corporation , submitting to a rigorous monitoring process that holds it to commitments like treating employees well , opening up corporate governance , relying on manufacturers with high labor standards , and minimizing dansko’s impact on the environment .
in any business , employees are the life - blood , they are the business . through our employees , dansko will learn , evolve and regenerate itself virtually forever , ensuring that we are able to deliver our brand promise today , tomorrow and for generations to come .


sunnies studios is a company that sells sunglasses and prescription eyeglasses .

it was founded in 2013 .

sunnies studios sells online and has over 40 stores in the philippines .

sunnies studios

sunnies studios currently has 40 physical stores for sunnies and plans to add five more by end - 2016 .
an exclusive behind - the - scenes look at her campaign shoot for sunnies studios .
sunnies studios partners bea soriano , eric dee jr . , martine cajucom and georgina wilson
life in the philippines 🇵🇭 ep . 006 : sunnies studios with martine cajucom - youtube
sunnies studios has a creative team that comes up with new , trendy and stylish pieces both for sunnies and specs .
incognito : the new sunnies studios collection also features dark lenses for stalking your childhood crush .
more than just a pretty face : liza’s chill disposition makes her the perfect sunnies studios muse .
sunnies studios have suppliers from europe and china for the frames while lenses are sourced from korea and india .
sunnies studios launches an optical line under the brand sunnies specs . shown during the media launching at dasmariòas village in makati city are sunnies studios owners ( from left ) bea soriano - dee , eric dee , martine cajucom and georgina wilson . kathreen abaya
wilson serves as the marketing director of sunnies studios , bea is the operations director while cajucom is the creative director .
manila ( cnn philippines life ) — the thing people always talk about when they talk about sunnies studios is the look .
sunnies studios now focusies on the growing the three business lines in 2017 , aiming for market leadership in all three categories .
partnering with foodee global concepts , the team behind sunnies studios conceptualized sunnies cafe to be a brick and mortar representation of the southern california vibe that influenced their sunglasses .
become the eyecandy you’ve always wanted to be as you grab your own pair of sunnies now ! check out the details below to see the nearest sunnies studios to you .
we’ve been working with emman since our first campaign for sunnies and not only is he one of our dearest friends , but his energy really embodies what sunnies studios is all about .
sunnies cafe is the spin - off cafe of eyewear powerbrand , sunnies studios . it is la - inspired and got us covered from brunch to dinner , and coffee to cocktails .
sunnies studios - eyewear & opticians - edsa corner j . vargas avenue , mandaluyong city , ortigas , metro manila - phone number - yelp
the brand now carries three lifestyle concepts—sunnies , the glamorous yet affordable sunglasses ; the optical line sunnies specs ; and recently sunnies cafe .
customers may choose from 10 unique pantone colors . the sunnies studios team also curated five styles of frames to fit every face shape and personality .
go for the healthy and delish at sunnies cafe in sm megamall . photo from sunnies cafe
sunnies and sunnies specs’s ad campaigns were shot in countries such as japan , australia and the us .
sunnies studios , the lifestyle brand she established with three other partners , has expanded rapidly in a span of two years , from sunglasses to optical lines to restaurants .
“while sunnies is more of the adventurous kind of sunglasses , we’ve considered , due to increasing demand and queries , to broaden the brand to optical lenses , ” says eric dee , director for finance at sunnies studios .
the tedious process of getting prescription eyewear is promised to be a thing of the past as sunnies studios’ new line of prescription eyewear , sunnies specs , introduces a simpler and more affordable way of obtaining a pair of graded specs .
dee says sunnies studios expects to continue the enormous growth the company is enjoying , as sales posted a high double - digit to even triple - digit growth at some point .
since its foundation in 2013 , sunnies studios has been on top of the branding game with a signature retro look that’s consistently present , whether it’s on its fun packaging for its sunglasses or at sunnies stations in malls across the country .
wilson along with her cousin martine cajucom and entrepreneurs eric and bea soriano - dee decided to expand the sunnies studios company , which has created a niche in the sunglass sector , to introduce an optical line under the brand sunnies specs .
meanwhile , djs like nix damn p and mikhail schemm kept the house pumped with sets reeling the crowd in with their sunnies beer , sweets , burgers , tattoos , and stickers . the sunnies studios branding was just sweetly placed everywhere .
in step with the expansion of physical stores , sunnies are available on digital platforms such as sunny studios website and fashion site zalora . it is also available via direct selling firm avon .
cool it with these show stopping drinks at the new branch of sunnies cafe in sm megamall . photo from sunnies cafe
viana food condiments’ teresita valdez ; josiah’s catering judith versoza ; educator elizabeth lahoz ; and sunnies studios founders martine cajucom , bea soriano - dee , and georgina wilson completed the list of honorees .
the warehouse turned office of sunnies studios in quezon city encourages larger - than - life creativity with its glass windows , giant vanity mirror , and wall - spanning mood board . photo by jl javier
editors , bloggers , and celebrities united just to get their hands on sunnies studios’ vintage - inspired sunglasses that harken back to the undone glamour of jane birkin and the natural suave of paul newman .
manila ( cnn philippines life ) — tucked discreetly along the warehouse district near eastwood , the sunnies studios headquarters — well - known to the brand ' s 240 , 000 instagram followers as “sunnies hq” — looks like something straight out of a wes anderson film .
sunnies studios founder and marketing director , georgina wilson along with co - founders eric dee jr . , bea soriano , and martine cajucom celebrates the brand’s first anniversary with a party for friends and clients .
the sunnies studios team expressed how they wanted to create a completely different look from the californian and beach - y style sunnies is known for into a more classy and adult specs . “we always want to curate things that are fun , effortless and design - driven , ” says cajucom .
sunnies studios established three pilot stores for sunny specs at glorietta 2 in makati city , up town center in quezon city and sm megamall in mandaluyong city . sunnies specs will add two more shops at trinoma and sm cebu city in july and five more before the end of 2016 , says dee .
in between cocktails and amid pool - time ruckus , sunnies studios founder and marketing director , georgina wilson , surrounded herself in the euphoria of her brainchild’s first birthday along with co - founders eric dee jr . , bea soriano and martine cajucom .
dee says sunnies and sunnies specs are both priced competitively , with sunnies costing from p399 to p599 a pair and specs at a fixed price point of p1 , 999 per pair , with frame and multi - coated lens included .
sunnies studios , established in 2013 , was originally called sunnies by charlie as a part of the clothing brand charlie , which wilson co - owned . “well , we really created something that wasn’t available in the market—the simple , stylish and affordable , and that is exactly what we did for specs too , ” says wilson .
martine cajucom , sunnies’s creative director , in her office . photo by jl javier
at the launch of the new branch in sm megamall . photo from sunnies cafe
how does a small company built on sunglasses — and laconically named for its signature product — become a fashion and lifestyle empire ? according to sunnies studios’s martine cajucom , bea soriano - dee , and georgina wilson , it’s all a matter of how you see it .
it ' s intuitive ,
martine cajucom says about the sunnies studios look .
it wasn ' t like , ' oh , this is where i grew up . ' nothing like that . nothing pretentious or flowery about it , literally .
photo by bj pascual
aside from plans on shipping sunnies and specs worldwide , the sunnies team is launching soon its sunnies cafe inspired by the 70s , mid - century architecture , and music that the team loves . the cafe will transform the sunnies store into a lifestyle setting , where their inspirations , from furniture to style , will be showcased and shared to their customers .
the sunnies studios office is designed to have prominent glass windows to let in as much natural light as possible . “we wanted something really open - spaced , really really bright , ” martine cajucom says . “so everyone can see us , we can see everyone . ” photo by jl javier
nowadays , the company continues to be busy branching out , as evidenced by the recently launched sunnies specs store and the upcoming sunnies cafe . but even as its expansion seems to show no signs of stopping , sunnies remains able to maintain a cohesive brand , with its focus still set on affordable and stylish eyewear created within the instagram - worthy sunnies hq .
they say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder . in this case , sunnies studios made the idiom even more fun , by creating a line of eyewear that does not only serve its true purpose , but also makes sure that all eyewear are as fashionable as they can be .
around the office , equipment and areas are colored in signature sunnies pastel . photos by jl javier
the hq also serves as the hub for sunnies ' s packaging segment . photo by jl javier
throwback mood : liza’s campaign with sunnies was inspired by relatable and casual nuances from the ‘90s .
“i got together with my friends [ in 2013 ] . i was in la at that time . i said , let’s create something really cool and do something we really love , ” georgina wilson , the former host of asia’s next top model , says to explain how they built a company called sunnies studios .
in mid - 2013 , they started working with wilson on marketing and then eventually cajucom on creatives . sunnies began to bloom . “from there , we’re like , you know how in australia they call it ‘sunnies’ ? ” soriano - dee recalls . “so we said , ‘we should call it sunnies by charlie . ’ and so it stuck . ” sunnies by charlie officially launched in september 2013 .
eric dee and partners bea soriano - dee , martine cajucom and georgina wilson . photo from sunnies cafe
in celebration of their one year anniversary , we’ve busted the numbers to see how much sunnies studios has grown in such a short span of time . with a rapidly increasing following on social media and with more and more stores opening around the country , it won ' t be long before this turns into a colossal eyewear empire .
this year , with sunnies launching specs and then the café , the dees — they got married in january 2015 — are a long way from charlie . “sunnies studios is more of a lifestyle brand , ” soriano - dee says . “having a restaurant is the epitome of what lifestyle is all about . it just builds the brand , it solidifies it . it helps that eric is into food . everyone’s trying to build restaurants now , and it’s so hard . if you don’t know anything about operations , don’t go into it . the opportunity of having eric’s family in the operations background , and sunnies in the marketing and branding , i think that’s the perfect marriage of sunnies café . ”
the sunnies r & d ; room , where the recently launched line specs was developed . photo by jl javier
actress liza soberano is more than just a pretty face or a dream girl — she’s absolutely chill , makes no fuss , and is one of the most hardworking hustlers in the business . it’s that , more than her looks , that made her the perfect sunnies studios girl . sunnies is much like liza : beyond its cute , laid - back aesthetic is a company that has become one of the most successful retail brands in the philippines . it’s a match made in teen dream heaven , we think .
“the real reason why we made it is because people asked us to , ” reveals sunnies specs marketing director georgina wilson .
life in the philippines 🇵🇭 ep . 005 : work & cafe life , sunnies with martine , wholesome table & more !
of course , when you talk about the sunnies look , you’re really talking about martine cajucom , the company’s creative director . when i get to the sunnies studios hq in quezon city , true to form , a crop - topped , high - slitted cajucom is in the middle of what seems like a pretty serious meeting with heim interiors , the popular interior design firm they’re working with on one of the sunnies cafés . “i want to avoid anything too cliché , ” she’s saying . “mid - century - inspired but not obviously retro . i don’t want something to feel dated or like a knockoff or cartoonish — i want it to still be modern . ”
sunnies has 25 stations nationwide , 150 employees , and runs a social media presence with 125 , 000 followers on instagram alone .
sunnies let us take an exclusive sneak peek at their new campaign with liza , shot by photographer emman montalvan . from what we’ve seen so far — warm colors , a hint of nostalgia , and loads of cuteness — the campaign itself will be absolutely bomb . we also got to chat with sunnies creative director martine cajucom , who tells us just why liza soberano makes the perfect sunnies girl .
the sunnies eyewear brand which offers “trendy and modern but with a touch of vintage” sunglasses has been receiving suggestions to introduce prescription eyewear .
“this child , ” she says , while holding her belly , “is going to be easy because sunnies has consumed my life . ”
the brand’s creative director , martine cajucom shares her process of curating sunnies specs eyewear . “i combined things that really inspired me from color stories , cities i’ve been to , art references , music , culture , and i match them all together to create sunnies specs . ”
all frames and lenses are subject to assessment by our sunnies specs optical staff and authorized laboratory . for more information , check out urltoken .
djs nix damn p and mikhail schemm kept the house pumped as guests enjoyed the sunnies beer , sweets , burgers , tattoos and stickers .
sunnies is not alienating ,
georgina wilson says .
for me what ' s really important is that sunnies needs to be that affordable luxury — and it is with the prices — and it needs to be good , and it needs to everywhere .
photo by bj pascual
sunnies cafe had its first store at the bonifacio high street in taguig city and the second on the bridgeway at sm megamall in mandaluyong city .
eric dee jr . , sunnies’s finance director , at his office , which is connected to the r & d ; department . photo by jl javier
nonchalant : sunnies studio and liza share many things in common — being no - fuss , laid - back , but still knowing how to hustle .
from left : sunnies cafe finance director eric dee jr . , creative director martine cajucom , operations director bea soriano - dee and marketing director georgina wilson .
acknowledging the growing demand for affordable and stylish eyewear , the sunnies specs team designed a process that would only take two hours for the eyeglasses to be ready .
dee says the company has the same consumer base for sunnies and specs , as “most people do not know that they are in need of optical glasses . ’
since 2013 , the company has sold more than a million pairs of sunnies with as many as 200 stock keeping units of frames available at any given time .
and this is why people continue to want sunnies cafe , dee said . and this is also one of the reasons why they will be getting more of it .
they were also treated to their own sunnies pair in their customized canvas totes by live doodle artists rob cham and pete rich . different logo treatments were also installed in various rooms .
the look is integral in any retail or fashion business , but sunnies , once only the little eyewear stall that could , has taken it to another level . selling stylish sunglasses at affordable prices is one thing — and that’s a crowded marketplace , with everyone from h & m to i2i sunglasses selling variations of the same thing — but sunnies has worked the look so hard , so shrewdly , so confidently that it has sublimated the product as the main event . when you think of sunnies , you think of the look first and the product second .
i ' m back and forth between australia and the philippines a lot which means i ' m not just doing the tourist things when i ' m here but working and living - that ' s what ' life in the philippines ' is more about . a weekly travel vlog on the road as i travel throughout the philippines to give you a more personal , raw and real look into my life on the island . from events i ' m attending , my creative friends and favourite cafes to everyday errands and the stories behind my travel photos . after catching up over brunch with my friend martine at sunnies cafe i head to her office to have a bit of sunnies fun . here ' s a sneak peek inside the sunnies studios office in manila , philippines . previous vlog : urltoken watch more philippines vlogs : urltoken / / never miss a beat ↓ join the love club → urltoken blog : urltoken facebook : urltoken instagram : urltoken twitter : urltoken pinterest : urltoken
after launching the lifestyle eyewear brand sunnies and selling more than a million pairs of sunglasses since 2013 , the business partners are expanding their venture to include an optical or prescription eyewear line .
anyone who would like to try sunnies cafe should first keep this in mind : the brains behind this california - based , dining concept do not want you to eat their food outside .
friends were treated to their own sunnies pair best found in their customized canvas totes by live doodle artists rob cham and pete rich . different logo treatments were also installed in various rooms .
she adds : “a question that somebody asked me recently is , ‘as you continue to grow up and like , say you’re 40 , does sunnies [ get older ] ? ’ i don’t think that’s how it’s gonna work . the brand has to evolve , but not age . and sadly we will , but that will be the challenge . sunnies will have a life of its own . ”
the sunnies hq combines all of these aesthetic elements to create what could very well be a physical version of its instagram profile , with its white walls , pastel - colored appliances , and vintage furniture .
“globalization is the most overused word , but it’s true , ” wilson says . “with social media , that’s when globalization really happens . and letting people be part of that — that’s what sunnies café is . and that’s why we find it such an exciting brand extension for sunnies . not the natural route for a frickin’ sunglasses brand , but we don’t think of ourselves as just a sunglasses brand . ”
“we listen to our customers . people were saying , ‘can you make eyewear please ? we buy your sunglasses and we change them [ into prescription ] . ’ we wanted to make a one - stop shop , and we did . we made sunnies specs . there’s nothing like it in the market because it’s stylish , simple and affordable , and that is the core of sunnies specs , ” says wilson .
being one of the most followed brands in social media locally , it is with no surprise that all their station openings were marked by long lines waiting to get their hands on their latest collections . among all of their launches , the biggest happened at mall of asia where editors , bloggers , celebrities , and influencers alike gathered to grab their own pair . in less than two years , sunnies studios successfully expanded with over 30 stations nationwide and stretched out their stores throughout southeast asia . despite the success , this super - rad eye wear brand continues to stay true to its signature blend of vintage and cali cool that keeps all of us at the edge of our seats .
“this is about two brands coming together , both power houses in their industry . we combined both strengths - the marketing genius of sunnies and the genius of foodee global concepts . it made sense for us to combine . sunnies is becoming the supergood lifestyle brand and us being recognized for all the brands we brought in as food , and i think that the reason why we decided to do it , ” he says .
each part of your new sunnies specs optical pair is under warranty for a certain amount of time after the date of purchase . you can find the date of purchase on the receipt that came with your specs .
since the launch of its maiden branch at the bonifacio global city , sunnies cafe has enjoyed a daily head count that has averaged to about 300 people . and each party , according to dee , has spent an average of about php 500 per visit . these numbers , according to him , are encouraging—especially when one considers the fact that sunnies cafe has just opened last august and it is still just operating with two branches .
wilson , a co - founder , co - owner and brand ambassador is excited about sunnies cafe . “it’s like this was my first baby , ” says wilson who expects her first child with husband arthur burnand .
now if you’re planning to head to their birthday bash or if you simply need a pair to rock for your day to day activities , take a hint from george herself with her top picks from the sunnies bunch .
within the year , sunnies will be available in california through online stores . the brand is also available via the same platform in seven other southeast asian countries . physical expansion is the next phase of the company’s global plan .
“if there’s fast growth , there’s also a fast ability to fail ‘cause you’re going so quickly , ” wilson says . “i think what i do a lot of the time is rein it in . ‘is this the right thing ? ’” but she is quick to point out that sunnies is on a well - paved path . “sunnies is not alienating , ” she explains . “even though it is that cool , it’s not alienating , especially in very basic stuff like price point . for me , what’s really important is that sunnies needs to be that affordable luxury — and it is with the prices — and it needs to be good , and it needs to be everywhere . ”
“we’ve always talked about how we’re focused on the perfect pantones , ” sunnies’s creative director , martine cajucom , says . “the subtlety of the colors … [ and then ] there are playful elements , travel elements , moments . ”
“sunnies was started just by mood board , ” cajucom explains . “we mood - boarded things that we liked — music , pop - culture references , design references , furniture references . and we built a brand on top of that … what are things that we like , what are colors we like , what are places we like ? that’s why we have these style icons . that’s why we have mood boards everywhere . literally , that’s how sunnies started . ”
in three years , the sunnies four have managed to grow the brand from a small apparel brand’s product line to a full - fledged retail juggernaut . is it too soon to talk about world domination ? they sure don’t think so .
“our primary focus now is to open the café , ” cajucom says . “but my vision that i think we all share is to really take it internationally . i think the u . s . could really love sunnies . and that’s what we really wanna do … obviously , we want to expand more . we have dreams of opening sunnies hotels . truthfully , with the café , that was a dream last year . we talked about it and here , it’s happening . ”
we wanted to bring the sunnies lifestyle into something experiential for everyone to enjoy . sunnies cafe is a fusion of the things we like to see , eat , and drink . all in one space . the menu is a collection of our favorite comfort food with a modern twist . we designed it to be your new go - to spot , from brunch to dinner , and coffee to cocktails . so grab a chair . feel at home . and let ' s eat .
to make the simple process possible , operations director bea soriano says that all of their glasses are curated—with one look and one brand—compared with other optical shops , which offer several eyewear brands . sunnies specs’ frames are especially designed by the same lifestyle brand .
all four owners—eric and bea dee , martine cajucom and wilson—have hands - on participation in sunnies cafe , brewing up ideas to complete the menu , trying and retrying cafe fares until they are perfect and putting personal touches with the interiors and the furnishings .
while other optical shops carry multiple brands with multiple prices , sunnies specs has one brand with one fixed price point . “so you’ll need not worry that your budget of p2 , 000 will become p3 , 000 or p4 , 000 , ” says dee .
the company also plans to put up another business called sunnies cafe at bonifacio global city . the cafe will feature some of the owners’ favorite food and drinks . “you will see the most ‘instagrammable’ hub , ” says wilson . with kathreen abaya and regina lintag
“our life is like great on instagram but it’s a lot of hard work . we just make it look easy . but i swear the month before opening the cafe , none of us slept . but thanks we had a brilliant partner because everything is a lot of hard work . we’re so lucky we have partnered with people who know what they are doing . we don’t even have to handle any of the operational problems except it should look like sunnies . it should feel like sunnies , ” she says .
through a potent antidote of social - media influence , a specific aesthetic , and the business backbone to keep everything intact , sunnies has gone from strength to strength , ably discarding an early perception of weak product and making disciples out of skeptics through savvy business moves .
cajucom says : “we wanted to sell products that we personally love , so we created prescription eyeglasses that are affordable , stylish , design - driven and accessible to everyone . just like sunnies , we wanted to make it fun and fit the style of everyone . ”
of course , photo opportunities weren’t the only things on the design checklist of the main sunnies team , which , in addition to cajucom , includes : georgina wilson , marketing director ; eric dee jr . , finance director ; and bea soriano - dee , operations director .
sunnies was started just by mood board ,
martine cajucom says .
we mood - boarded things that we liked — music , pop culture references , design references , furniture references . and we built a brand on top of that .
photo by bj pascual
being a magnet for double - taps or likes on social media is usually not a quality that most companies consider when building an office , but it’s definitely something that the creative director of sunnies , martine cajucom , had in mind when designing the quezon city - based space .
in the early days , when product development hadn’t yet progressed enough to keep it truly competitive in terms of product , it was the promise of that look , of that socal lifestyle that allowed sunnies to cut through the local retail marketplace and make itself heard on social media .
eric dee is running the cafe with his team of chefs and crew . his younger brother eric dee jr . , a co - owner of sunnies brand , travels the world for food , brings home new ideas , make them popular and create a frenzy out of them .
it is obvious how this openness is quintessential to the sunnies experience both offline and online . a quick scroll through the brand’s instagram page is enough to see how liberal the company is with behind - the - scenes photos ( always tagged # sunnieshq ) and requests for customer feedback .
she says at first , the cafe was too daunting for her and her co - owners to delve into , so they put up a partnership that will make the concept fly , creating synergy between sunnies cafe and the foodee global brands , the operational genius behind todd english and tim howan .
this fondness for effortless cool is what keeps the sunnies shining brighter , but what seals the deal is the eyewear rookie’s no - holds - barred take on expansion . it has 25 stations nationwide , 150 employees , and runs a social media presence with 125 , 000 followers on instagram alone .
i ' m at a place right now , where i ' m managing myself ,
georgina wilson says .
i am running me as a brand like a company . so sunnies is like an extension , and i think of it in the same way too .
photo by bj pascual
eventually , in selling everything , you realize that some products tend to sell better than others . “and that’s how we came to know that sunnies was doing really well , ” soriano - dee says . “we had everything — we had sunglasses , we had shoes , we had bags . everything . ”
martine cajucom : liza is someone we’ve been stalking since basically forever . when we saw her post a photo wearing sunnies and heard she was a fan of the brand , we knew she was our girl . despite being one of the most recognizable faces in the country , liza still has a mystery about her that makes you want to know more . when you do finally meet her , her non - diva vibes are disarming and magnetizing . she’s so much more than just a pretty face ; she’s humble , super hardworking and has zero pretensions . liza keeps it real and that’s what the sunnies girl is really all about .
the dees are the more quiet half of the sunnies foursome , but it’s in keeping their head down , doing consistent work , and managing the backbone of the company that the indelible sunnies look and savvy social - media marketing are able to flourish . “we have very , very different schedules , so we don’t see each other a lot , ” soriano - dee explains . “so we make do with emails , with whatsapp . but we make sure to meet at least once a month . i think it’s part of the lifestyle right now where you can’t expect everyone to be in the office . you have to be mobile . you have to work wherever you are . you can’t be confined in an office . ”
“we’ve always seen sunnies as a lifestyle brand . even the imagery is full of the look and feel of it . it was simple and straight forward . in the menu , every single detail was given the attention it deserved . seeing this in real life is a weird feeling and i’m not going to say it was the easiest process , ” says wilson .
aside from the usual eye - catching areas — like the mezzanine floor that houses the creative and marketing department and two restaurant booth - like cubicles with murals by the local artist kris abrigo — the sunnies hq has a special selfie room ( that’s now being used for storage ) and a giant vanity mirror for people who want to take advantage of the great lighting .
managing that brand — the georgina wilson™ brand — is what has helped her take on the marketing position at sunnies . she’s still , after all , the most followed filipino who doesn’t appear on tv and movies on instagram , a status she achieved largely through prime endorsements , strategic magazine covers , an understanding of self - marketing , and a canny way with social media .
one rainy sunday we headed to sunnies cafe for our early family dinner . the menu was extensive and we didn ' t know what to order . my daughter ordered the risotto and me and my husband shared in the steak and potatoes . we couldn ' t resist ordering the ricotta pancakes after . we can ' t wait to go back to try the other entrees .
later , eating quinoa and sinigang on a desk overrun with pantone swatches and a copy of lena dunham’s “not that kind of girl” ( “i give this to our writers , like , this is the writing voice” ) , she talks about her time before sunnies as creative manager at american apparel , the u . s . brand famous for thrift shop - looking basics and provocative ads .
“for me , one of the reasons i wasn’t as happy with my job [ in american apparel ] even if i loved the nature of the work was the real lack of vacations , ” cajucom says . “we went without vacations for so long , and it bred so much resentment … [ in sunnies ] , we’re pretty flexible . we encourage them to travel . when they go abroad , we’re happy . ”
“i wouldn’t say that charlie was a successful business , but in a way , it is because it led me to sunnies , ” she says . “i think it’s really merging the two skill sets — eric and i , what we’re really good at , the two of us , is business concepts . martine and george are really good at marketing and creatives . so it’s their branding skills and our business concepts . ”
that’s not to say that the over 130 - person strong sunnies team isn’t always hard at work . tin dabbay , the brand’s creative manager and content strategist , says that the young environment is also very fast - paced “in the sense that it’s super high - volume . ” she adds : “we really expanded so fast in five years — from 20 branches , it’s now 45 . it’s kind of crazy in that sense .
sitting inside one of their newly minted branches in sm megamall , dee explained to entrepreneur philippines that sunnies cafe seeks to be more than just a run - in - the - mill dining establishment . “it’s an experiential restaurant , ” he said . and to fully appreciate what it has to offer , “you have to be inside ; you have to be served . ” much to his gratitude , people have been coming and they’ve been coming by the numbers .
speaking from behind her desk ( a simple white table topped with a few sample sunnies products and stacks of paper and books ) , cajucom talks about the glass windows that are featured prominently at the warehouse turned office . “we wanted something really open - spaced , really really bright , ” she says . “so everyone can see us , we can see everyone . ” the open space also allows the creative team to conduct mini shoots for their products using natural light .
growing up in california obviously informs the visual identity cajucom has molded for sunnies . but it’s the experience in a brand like american apparel that eventually helped her translate that life experience into a real brand , and keep that brand identity together through different product lines and changing pantone colors . “it’s intuitive , ” she says . “it wasn’t like , ‘oh , this is where i grew up . ’ nothing like that . nothing pretentious or flowery about it , literally . ”
at one point , the creative team under cajucom included melissa gatchalian , a talented , emerging blogger with a following of her own ; tina ong , a cult - favorite style star with extensive retail experience under her belt ; and tin dabbay , a whiz kid creative who has contributed to dazed magazine . the sunnies foursome is proud of how formidable their team is , and continuously make sure to allow them to grow within the company but also grow as individuals outside it .
“we had three brands in three years . we want to grow the brand and be the market leader in all of them . we might not be opening up new concepts but surely we will be super busy in everything . we also just opened our optical line . we have sunnies and we are working on being available worldwide . and it takes times to design a cafe . we want to make sure we put enough attention on all of that , ” wilson says .
the discussion moves along . “we want to make the bathroom something special , ” she says in a sweet , little - girl voice you don’t really expect coming from a dusky , pint - sized instagram bombshell ( or “instahoe , ” as she lovingly calls herself ) . “for the first branch , we really kind of sourced everything — i mean , who knew i was a sourcer ? ” it’s important to note that there are four people from heim at this meeting and only cajucom from sunnies .
these are big numbers , all things considering . but given what sunnies cafe is truly selling , it makes sense . the cafe after all is not just a source of food . given the details employed to execute it—from the music to the design , to the general ambiance they hold together—it is a business treated more like a destination . and like every destination , one needs to be there to fully appreciate it . dee’s plan of expansion is just one way to make that happen for more people .
“influenced , ” of course , is the key word here . the sunnies brand after all does not simply mimic all that california can offer . run by business minded individuals , it fine - tunes its products to make it more appealing and relevant to its immediate target market . for their glasses , the result of this fine - tuning can be seen in the inclusive price point . and for the cafe , the result can be seen in nearly everything that surrounded dee during his interview with entrepreneur philippines .
there will always be a misconception that wilson is more of a figurehead than an actual working partner at sunnies — perhaps the result of a long trend of celebrity products branded with celebrity names but run by other people . while she admits that she’s only in the office “when i’m in town , as many [ days ] as i can , ” wilson brings her own specific skill set to the table , working hand in hand with cajucom in articulating the brand values and aesthetic in marketing terms — in business terms .
once upon an october there was a couple and two cousins —bounded by friendship —who created what would be the country’s go - to eyewear hub . eric dee jr . , bea soriano , georgina wilson , and martine cajucom first introduced sunnies by charlie in 2013 with the opening of its first store at the sm mall of asia . editors , stylists , celebrities , and influencers all gathered at the scene and it wasn’t long before the rest of the country followed . the rest , as they say , is history .
“this [ sunnies ] cafe has been thought of for a while by my brother and me . so one day , my brother and i said ‘why don’t we do a cafe ? ’ . we’re one family , so we decided to do it together . this is the first project with me and my brother . he does retail , i do food . we saw that it made sense . for a lifestyle brand , it is in its own natural progression to have something to add to the brand , something relevant . that’s how the collaboration began , ” says dee .
famously particular , sometimes deemed difficult , wilson long ago gave up on playing cordial at work just to keep the peace . “i’m at a place right now , where i’m managing myself , ” she says . “it suits who i am . i am running me as a brand like a company . so sunnies is like an extension , and i think of it in the same way , too . ” and so , she takes great pains to understand what will go on at something as major as a magazine cover , to make sure that all parties are happy with the results .
of course , the company’s expansion isn’t the only thing the dees have to adjust to . they recently became parents to braeden , now a year old . and with sunnies and a son , they’ve seen their priorities shift dramatically . “when you guys ask me how i balance work with being a mom , i’m still trying to figure it out , ” she admits . “we get here , and then we meet with all the key people — you can’t naman micromanage with a business that’s growing . so we hire well … and then we get home . on a good day , braeden’s still awake . ”
of course , the downside to a visual identity that cool and confident is a misinterpretation of price point . “it’s sort of a thing we go back and forth with , because initially people thought that the sunglasses were too expensive , ” she says . “that the branding is too elevated . ” shot by the la - based filipino photographer emman montalvan , modeled by wilson , and styled and art - directed by cajucom , the sunnies ads are one of the brand’s strongest assets , now instantly recognizable and often copied . they’ve since adopted the practice of bannering the low prices on high - end - looking ads similar to uniqlo and h & m .
the prestigious store of the year awards were given to merchants that produced outstanding work and upheld the highest standards of business management and operations . this year’s awardees were restoerun ( centrio mall ) ; j . co donuts & coffee ( abreeza mall ) ; bo’s coffee ( ayala center cebu ) ; bench ( harbor point ) ; marks & spencer ( marquee mall ) ; mama lou’s ( up town center ) ; sole academy ( bonifacio high street / serendra ) ; olympic village ( market ! market ! ) ; nike park ( fairview terraces ) ; healthy options ( alabang town center ) ; lacoste ( trinoma ) ; rimowa ( greenbelt ) ; and sunnies studio ( glorietta ) .
the creative and marketing department is a treasure trove for anyone looking for creative influence . right now , its mood board , which spans an entire wall , features a variety of the group’s current inspirations , which range from their own advertisements to 90s - era johnny depp . they have copies of vogue italia , homme + , and wilson’s book with solenn heussaff , “ besties , ” lying around , as well as a bluetooth speaker that anyone can use to play music . catherine yu , sunnies’s marketing manager , says that this , along with the visual aspect , makes the office environment very relaxed . “the ambience is very creative , very conducive to creating new stuff , ” she says .
“american apparel is such an unusual company to work for , ” says cajucom , who , pre - sunnies , lived in california . “like , the creative team is so small . truthfully , when i started , we were three … i did so much when i worked there , and it kind of really equipped me for a spectrum of different kinds of job identities . because we conceptualized marketing campaigns , web ads , print ads , billboards , touched upon everything . i worked so closely with the creative director and the ceo at the time and just kind of understanding how these things work . ” ( one of the highlights of cajucom’s american apparel life ? she designed a cropped turtleneck top inspired by britney spears’ “sometimes” music video “because i really wanted a top like that . ” )
if you ' ve invested some ( more like a lot ! ) of money on a pair of sunglasses , i ' m sure you take real good care of them . i bought myself my first pricey pair of shades a year ago , and while i love them a lot , i also don ' t take them out too often because i ' m scared they might break or get lost ( ironic , isn ' t it ! ) . whenever i take a trip to the beach or out of town , i make sure to bring a cheaper pair so it doesn ' t hurt as much if something happens to them . i ' ve always gone to big chain stores or tiangges for alternative pairs but the usually have similar styles . it was such a thrill when sunnies by charlie opened because it was exactly what i ' ve been looking for , stylish , affordable , and good quality shades ! they have cat eyed , round framed , browns and blacks and most of the styles in magazines ! it ' s a great alternative ( or primary too ! ) for sunglasses , especially these days when the sun can ' t seem to catch a breath .
one of the eye - catching areas of the warehouse turned office is this two restaurant booth - like cubicles with murals by kris abrigo . photo by jl javier
magazines and other resource materials can be found around the office . photo by jl javier
photo shoots are a common occurrence for this reason — the mint green sofa cube and stairway have even appeared in the background of a few notable magazine covers and fashion editorials .
addressing the pastel pink wall and neon sign at the entrance , cajucom emphasizes the role of productivity when it came to conceptualizing the hq’s layout . “what’s really important and conducive to being productive at work is liking the space you’re in , ” she says . “also to just be visually stimulated when you come in each day . ”
it works in a way that makes it easier for everyone to coordinate with one another . toward the front are the director’s offices on the ground and the creative and marketing department on the mezzanine , while the research and development room and operations and finance department are located near the back . the quality control room is a bit higher up in an attic - like space . “i like our current setup because the marketing people are here , and right beside us are the creative people , ” says sam santos , digital marketing manager . “so it’s so much easier for me to communicate with them . ”
visual cues and inspirations can be found around the office so people can feel motivated and productive . photos by jl javier
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she continues , “when you go to the store , you pick your frame , you get your eyes tested in less than five minutes and get your eyeglasses after two hours . that’s how we wanted it . ”
“the thing that sets us apart is our one price for all . so any frame that you choose , whether it’s a different material , it has the same price , ” explains finance director eric dee .
the specs basic package worth p1 , 999 includes an eye exam , frame and graded lenses . the lenses are multi - coated single vision with uv protection , and are anti - glare , anti - scratch , anti - reflective and water resistant .