Lots of great memories and successes this year, but we've managed to narrow down these moments into a Top 13 of 2013. Throughout December we'll be sharing these with you guys....starting today with #1 'Gandys Giving Trip to India'.
Sometimes it's the simple things in life that make a difference...giving a piece of fruit, a smile or a hug. Rob & Paul made their annual trip to India, supporting children who need it the most. This year they visited the Mumbai slums and volunteered in a local school in Goa. As this year comes to a close it is moments like these we look back at remember what the Gandys journey is all about. Explore And Inspire.
#2 'Gandys go Underground'
At the beginning of June, we launched out first marketing campaign. Over 300 posters were seen at over 60 central underground stations - creating a successful brand awareness across the UK capital!
#3 'Festivals'
Summer 2013, well what can we say...not only one of the hottest but also one of the craziest! Up and down the UK we had the Gandys globe out spreading some flip flop loving, and sharing about our brand with lots of lovely festival goers. Some of the Gandys team favourites were Latitude, Bestival, Isle Of Wight, V-fest and Boardmasters...Massive thank you to all involved! Until next year...
#4 'Necker Red'
Our first international stockist and collaboration was with none other than adventurer and entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson and the rest of his Virgin team who in full force put on their flip flops to mark the exciting day. It inspired us to rename our red collection ‘Necker Red’ after the renowned island and they are now the only flip flops available to buy there.
What a way to celebrate international flip flop day?!
#5 'Youth ambassadors for Diana Awards'
It was a huge privilege when the brothers became the first Youth Ambassadors for the Diana Awards. Not only did they meet the Prime Minister at Downing Street, but they presented Sham Mamoun, a teenager from Syria who has dedicated her life to ending the unrest in Syria, with the 40,000th Diana Award.
#6 'Front Page of the Evening Standard'
Come rain shine and snow, we wear Gandys!
#7 'Winning WGSN global fashion award'
Winning best ‘footwear and accessories design team’ award at WGSN Global Fashion Awards placed Gandys firmly on the fashion map as a summer staple..
#8 'Sri Lanka Trip'
This was the brothers first return back to where they lost their parents in the 2004 Tsunami. The reason they returned was for more hopeful reasons though, to mark the start of our exciting collaboration with Monsoon Accessorize. The combined mission: to educate over 1000 children for a year. It also marked the brothers second meeting with David Cameron, who whole heartedly supports the exciting venture.
The new collection is inspired from the same place where our drive to make a difference comes from, with Indian sub continent themes, innovative designs and creative colours.
S/S 2014 Monsoon Accessorize and Gandys collaboration is set to make a stamp in trend, comfort and social responsibility.
#9 'Gandys Pop Up Shop - Boxpark'
Our first ever pop up store in No 13, Boxpark, Shoreditch, LONDON. Giving us our first little taster of when we get our own store! We also teamed up with STA travel and one lucky customer won a £25O voucher to spend in their Boxpark store.
#1O 'Celebrities love their Gandys'
2013... the year celebrities discovered Gandys and did they do it in style... Jessica Alba, Niall and One Direction, Michelle Keegan, Jamie Oliver, Jessie J, Little Mix (to name a few), everyone’s jumping on the band wagon with their Gandys.
#11 'Bedroom in Brixton'
Gandys started with the brothers in their one bedroom flat in Brixton, to their kitchen in Clapham with a few more people and now we have our first ever official office! Complete with table football and a ping pong table... It’s been the biggest and most exciting move to date.
#12 'Selling 7O,OOO pairs'
This year we have sold 7O,OOO pairs through all our independents, corporate stores on the high street such as SoleTrader, Topman, Schuh, Selfirdges, ASOS and USC, and online to our customers via our website, so a massive thank you to our customers for making this happen, we hope that you are enjoying your Gandys! Next year we hope to make it even bigger!
