1. Vans The Company - Historical Overview

    The originator of the Van business organisation was Paul Van Doren. Paul was born in 1930 and was raised in and around the Boston region. His first job was at the shoe factory where his mother worked, where he was hired to clean the floors and assist on the production lines. Paul did well in time becoming Vice President of Randy’s, a renowned shoe firm in Boston. Paul decided to go into the shoe business for himself with three partners who combined together and opened the Van Doren Rubber Company. In 1966 they opened their manufacturing plant in sunny California. He noted the lack of profit margin for the manufacturer but also saw the huge profits made by the retailer, so he opened a retail outlet and, on opening day 16th March 1966, he sold twelve pairs of Vans deck shoes (known in the future as Authentic).

    The 1970s was to see a time of development for the firm partly due to the introduction of new product lines including rubber mukluks (for the US Government) and wool lined canvas shoes.Vans were a big hit with skateboarders, who appreciated the durability of the sneakers and sought after the sole’s slightly sticky nature, which provides grip. Vans were very popular in California throughout this period.

    The Vans Era was released in 1975, although at the time it was known as the Vans #95. The Era featured a padded collar and a range of color combinations and quickly became the shoe of choice for a whole generation of skateboarders and mens vans quickly became a must have item. The ubiquitous Vans Slip-on was introduced in 1979. It was in fact amazingly desired by BMX riders and skaters. This continuous unveiling of exceptionally successful trainers brought the business a great deal of success and eventually the company boasted close to seventy retail stores in California by the end of the 1970s. Around this period Vans went first national and then international, opening retail outlets and working with distributors..

    Vans footwear opening party

    Many changes came to Vans during the decade of the 80s. The constant product development continued. So as to compete with the larger more established brands the company designed footwear for markets beyond the skate boarding and BMX worlds and moved into the markets of surfing, wake-boardings and motor cross. Womens vans and kids vans were also introduced.  One particular example is the Vans Slip-on, which became widely popular in the US and, most importantly, internationally, opening-up many new customers for the company.

    This period also saw the original founder, Paul Van Doren, taking a step-back from full hands-on involvement in the daily running of the business.

    Continuous growth and enlargement caused financial problems. The situation reached a climax and Vans filed for bankruptcy in 1983. It took Vans three years to get back on its feet, though it did pay-off its creditors. Eventually an investment bank bought-out the company: the establishment proceeded to be sold several times.

    In the 1990s Vans continued to do well. Strategically things changed. The company took product manufacturing offshore, which brought about the end of their California manufacturing facility. Continuing to move forward the company started to sponsor national events like the ‘Inaugural Triple Crown’ series which eventually became the ‘Vans Triple Crown’ series, and the ‘Warped Tour’ music festival. Skate parks bearing the company’s name and branding were opened in 1998, in Orange County and in 2002 in Orlando, further entrenching the company in the skateboarder market. Naming rights are also important and Vans has, for example, the naming rights to Australia’s internationally famous Bowl-a-Rama location.

    Click Black Vans Authentics for additional information.