Keedo has been manufacturing in a socially responsible and ethical manner and the brand has grown to be one of the leading children’s clothing manufacturers in South Africa. Almost all of its products are locally produced and the designs are unique.
Annandale, said, “I’m thrilled with the outcome. We have so many plans for Keedo and this sets the stage perfectly for our growth. My staff and I are over the moon.”
André Labuschaigne, Cape Union Mart CEO, added, “This deal makes strategic business sense for both parties and supports the growth plan of our business. Keedo operates in a niche market that our group is yet to explore and has the potential to grow, much as all our brands and chains have done over the past 83 years. It was an important part of the deal that we retain the vision and creative flair Annandale brings to the table.”
“The group will now own two factories, which give us a competitive edge and provide further job opportunities. The whole is greater than the sum of the parts and we see our affiliation as an opportunity for both organisations to strengthen their market presence and learn from each other.”
Philip Krawitz, Cape Union Mart chairman, said, “We immediately related to Keedo’s values of being a successful retailer and being a caring employer that seeks to uplift its staff and sustain the communities in which it operates. We believe that our shared philosophy of enriching lives will continue to lead the group towards its goal of being one of the best employers in the country.
The Cape Union Mart Group, a fourth generation family business, privately owned by the Krawitz family, currently comprises four national retail chains. Cape Union Mart, retailer of outdoor equipment and apparel, including K-Way brand; Poetry, focused on clothing, homeware and eclectic gifts for woman; Old Khaki aimed at casual wear for young men and women and Tread & Miller, the group’s youngest chain, focussing on urban footwear. The first Tread & Miller store opened a year ago and has already grown into a 20 strong chain.
The majority of K-Way clothing is manufactured in the group’s award winning K-Way factory in Ottery, Cape Town. The group now provides employment to approximately 3,000 people.
