Ex-Timberland executive goes it alone
Former Timberland executive Doug Clark has announced plans to keep GoLite Footwear going only a month after the trail shoes looked to have no future. Mr Clark is setting up a new company called New England Footwear, based in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and has bought the rights to the GoLite technology that he helped develop while at Timberland.
"My heart and passion is in invention and innovation, and rethinking everything we thought we once knew about creating footwear," said Mr Clark on announcing his decision. "Our first goal is to bring GoLite Footwear to its full potential as a true outdoor athletic brand."
Jeff Swartz, President and CEO of Timberland, commented: "I am glad that Doug will have the opportunity to continue to grow GoLite Footwear."
Mr Clark said New England Footwear would quickly move beyond trail running shoes and introduce a full line, all based on the GoLite platform, at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market in Salt Lake City in August. The collection will consist of hikers, trekkers and fast packing shoes that provide full-body stability, ultimate protection and traction with a third of the weight of conventional shoes.
In addition, the company has said GoLite's moulding technology will allow it to offer high levels of performance at lower price points, with most models in the $85 to $120 range.
"We intend to make GoLite footwear an easy choice for a wide range of consumers, and in the process bring the excitement back to the hiking category," said Mr Clark.
Several footwear industry veterans will join him in the new venture. Tom Montgomery, formerly of StrideRite. Kenneth Cole and Timberland, will handle all sourcing. Matt King, a 13-year veteran of Peregrine Outfitters, will head the US sales effort; and Steve Opie, who has worked with such respected brands as StrideRite, Converse and Nike, will provide his direction as a visionary designer.
