This Labor Day, 86% of Americans Say the Appearance of Their Shoes at Work Matters

EXTON, Pa., Aug. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- The economic roller coaster we've been riding for the past two years seems to have taken its toll – right down to the shoes Americans are wearing and how they are thinking about them. This Labor Day, KIWI Shoe Care, part of Sara Lee Corp. (NYSE: SLE), released a new survey that reports Americans like to come to work with their shoes clean and polished. In fact, 86 percent of survey respondents said the appearance of their shoes matters in maintaining a professional and presentable look at work.  

In addition, 88 percent of Americans feel that looking professional and presentable at all times is important to getting ahead and maintaining a positive image. These numbers were consistent across the board – regardless of age, income or geography.

"There's no doubt that people are more concerned about their job situations and are thinking more about the image that they present," said Martin Lind, President of Household & Beverage for Sara Lee. "Many people can no longer afford to just go out and buy new shoes like they used to.  The smart ones are rediscovering that a couple of minutes with a tin of KIWI can make those old shoes look great again."

KIWI recommends workers take the following steps to ensure they are always putting their best foot forward in the workplace:

• Dress for Success. Always look your best – even on business casual days. You never know who you are going to meet in the course of a business day and you should always aim to look presentable and professional.
• Polish your shoes. Shine and polish them up to remove scuffs and scratches and help them last longer and look like you just bought them.
• Shield from the elements. Rain, snow, mud, etc. can quickly spoil the appearance of your leather shoes. Waterproof and protect your shoes against water and stains to make sure your shoes are always in tip-top shape.
• Travel smart. Are you a frequent business traveler? If traveling, pack smart with wrinkle-free clothing so you won't look rumpled and unkempt. Also, place your shoes inside a shoe bag or wrap them in a soft material before putting them in your suitcase for additional protection.

For additional tips on protecting and caring for your shoes or more information on KIWI products, please visit www.kiwicare.com or follow us on Twitter @KIWIShoeCare.  

Survey Methodology

KIWI Shoe Care's survey results represent the findings of a telephone survey conducted among a national probability sample of 1,007 adults comprising 506 men and 501 women 18 years of age and older, living in private households in the continental United States. Interviewing for this CARAVAN® Survey was completed during the period June 24-27, 2010.

About Kiwi

Since 1906, KIWI has viewed shoes as a key part of personal grooming and its products as an important part of projecting a certain image to the world.  This belief remains true today as KIWI is now sold and marketed in almost 200 countries worldwide.  As an integral brand within Sara Lee Corporation's Household & Beverage Division since 1984, KIWI remains the world's number one shoe care brand offering Show Polish, Cleaners, Insoles and Shoe Laces. For more information on KIWI, visit www.kiwicare.com.

About Sara Lee Corporation

Each and every day, Sara Lee (NYSE: SLE) delights millions of consumers and customers around the world. The company has one of the world's best-loved and leading portfolios with its innovative and trusted food and beverage brands, including Ball Park, Douwe Egberts, Hillshire Farm, Jimmy Dean, Kiwi, Sara Lee and Senseo. Collectively, these brands generate almost $11 billion in annual net sales. Sara Lee has approximately 33,000 employees in its continuing operations worldwide. Please visit http://www.saralee.com for the latest news and in-depth information about Sara Lee and its brands.

SOURCE KIWI Shoe Care