Panama Jack Broadens Brand Appeal With Furniture And Beach-Cruiser Bicycles; Consumers And Retailers Embrace Evolution And Growth Of Brand

ORLANDO, Fla., Nov. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The brand that defined beach living for generations of consumers, now is redefining carefree living for growing numbers of customers.  Panama Jack made its name in suncare and beachwear products. Today, it is attracting new business and new fans with related product categories featuring furniture and bicycles that reflect the brand's personality.

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New to the home-furnishings market last year, Panama Jack now offers 10 collections of indoor and outdoor furniture in the Panama Jack Home Collection.  The stylish and affordable furniture is popular with consumers, allowing them to live Panama Jack's laidback lifestyle at home.             

The collection is a big seller at many retailers.  More than 100 of the country's top retailers carry Panama Jack furniture. Stores include El Dorado Furniture, Furnitureland South, Kittle's, Johnny Janosik, Nebraska Furniture Mart, Raymour & Flanigan, Walkers Furniture, and Willis Wayside. Increasingly, retailers are combining indoor and outdoor pieces in a custom-designed, "Panama Jack Oasis," display area. The company recently opened two warehouses, in Hickory, NC, and Ontario, CA, to speed furniture deliveries.    

Panama Jack entered the bicycle market two years ago, launching an inaugural line of Huffy beach-cruiser bikes.  The beach-colored bicycles' lower cost and wider, fuller frames make them must-have vehicles for many families and casual cyclists.  Retail giants Walmart and Target both carry the hugely popular bicycles.         

"Panama Jack has been part of people's lives for 38 years," said Kim Manna, Panama Jack president. "From the beginning, our core products have been in suncare and apparel.  Because of the strength of those products, we've been able to develop other product categories that fit the brand, stay true to its meaning, and integrate Panama Jack's lifestyle more fully into people's lives.  Whether people are at the beach, riding a bike or enjoying a barbeque at home with friends, Panama Jack just adds more fun—more joy—to their experience."     

Panama Jack is also extending its global reach.  The company recently hired Brazilian licensing agent Supermarcas to promote the brand in Argentina, Brazil and Chile.  Exim Licensing USA, Inc. currently represents the brand in the Caribbean, Central America and other parts of South America; and Bradford Licensing, LLS, promotes the brand in Europe, Asia and India.  Panama Jack marketed itself solely in the United States prior to this year.

"Panama Jack has a huge potential in Latin America because it represents what, deep down, we all seek today—peace, fun, time in the sun and sand, and more time with our loved ones," said Moacir Galbinski, vice president of Supermarcas.  "The brand represents the good things in life."

Panama Jack:
Panama Jack is an international company that built a powerful brand and loyal following with products synonymous with carefree beach living.  The company's offerings include suncare products, sunglasses, beach apparel, sandals and shoes, hats, jewelry, beach chairs and umbrellas. Panama Jack added beach-cruiser bicycles to its offerings and opened the first of several retail stores at top travel destinations in 2010.  It introduced a Home Collection, featuring indoor and outdoor furniture, last year, allowing people to live the Panama Jack lifestyle at home. Founded in 1974, Panama Jack is based in Orlando, FL.  

Contact: Lynn Martenstein
(305) 490-6984
[email protected]

SOURCE Panama Jack