1) Lets start off plain and simple, how has everything been going since you announced your relaunch of kikgirl what seems like just a couple months ago?
There’s no question that the girls who are Kikwear fans are really amped up for the Kikgirl re-launch. It has been quite a while since we formally announced the decision to bring Kikwear’s sister back to the stage and there’s a ton of anticipation building for it. We feel like this addition is going to add so much flavor to Kikwear.com and our company in general.
2) I’ve noticed some of Zoe vanwest’s kikgirl designs on hot topic’s website, how was everyone’s reaction to kikwear getting its apparel back on the shelves of mall retailers?
Zoe is the designer for Kikgirl and did make the two exclusive mini skirt styles for HotTopic.com only. Those styles aren’t in any of their stores so we are only getting a read based solely on internet sales. Honestly, I think this move caught some people off guard and created a lot of rumors regarding the corporate plans with the brand. To set the record straight, we produced those styles exclusively for Hot Topic and the actual Kikgirl re-launch line will be sold at Kikwear.com and a select group of pure EDM e-tailers.
3) how long has it been since kikwear first announced its relaunch? Can you tell me how the growth of the company since the relaunch compares to how fast it took off back when you started producing the very first line of kikwear phat pants in the 90s?
Wow, it seems like a LONG time ago since we announced that we were bringing Kikwear back! We made the formal announcement in May of 2012 and took the new website live in mid December of last year. Sales have been growing month over month since the launch so we’re very pleased. Back in the ‘90s when Kikwear phatts exploded onto the scene, there were several other companies to compete with for customers. Fast forward to 2013 and we’re in our own space really. There are some other brands producing phatts, but we’ve remained the only legitimate design house of both rave phatts and old skool denim. The brand is building a lot of momentum around the world which is very exciting and encouraging as the new generation of ravers gets to know who we are.
4) since you are getting a ton of feedback for the kikgirl relaunch, what is the next thing you want to bring back?
Well, Kikgirl is next up for Kikwear Industries and we intend to put a lot of energy into that company initiative. The line has been crafted very carefully and we want to stay 100% focused on making it the very best it can be right out of the chute. The line will be an assortment of pants, skirts, tops and accessories. There will be some old skool vibes going on, but it won’t be strictly a phatt pant collection for girls. We want to reach a bigger audience and for the female ravers who want super wide legs, there’s always Kikwear for that. We do own other brands that would be epic reboots so let’s just wait and see how that unfolds heading into 2014.
5) how have different social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, twitter, etc affected the growth of Kikwear as a company?
We live in a social media world so needless to say our Kikwear platform has been an incredible way for us to reach both old skool and new fans. Since we announced the KW re-launch last year, our Facebook.com/Kikwear page has been the primary way for us to interact with Kiksters. It’s full of great photos, events we’re sponsoring, product sneak peaks and so much more. We encourage everyone to tag the Kik FB page with their pics so we can share them on our wall. Within the past two months, we’ve launched both Instagram and Tumblr and they’ve been extremely well received! Not only are we getting a lot of new followers at Instagram.com/Kikwear and Kikwear.Tumblr.com, but everyone is now hash-tagging #Kikwear on their Kik pics which has helped tremendously! Our Soundcloud.com/Kikwear page has been growing very fast as well because it has become a hub for epic EDM music and artists from all over the world. Next up on the Kikwear Industries social media platform is our You Tube channel in development now.
6) can you tell me about any obstacles you have run into since the first official announcement of the kikwear relaunch?
The only major obstacle we hit was right when we launched the new Kikwear.com last December. Some of the pant styles were late arriving due to unforeseen circumstances so some orders were shipped late. Since then, it’s been smooth sailing as everything on the site has been stocked and we turn orders around within one day. The feedback received on Kikwear’s customer service department has been amazing as we strive to take care of everyone who orders our gear.
7) how much truth are in the rumors that have been going around about kikwear releasing a line of footwear?
I haven’t heard the rumors regarding a footwear line, but I can say it’s not happening. Back in the late '90s, we had a Kik licensed footwear line in distribution, but it was only for a couple of years and we haven’t revisited that category since. It’s a safe bet that we would be venturing back into footwear any time soon if ever.
8) what events have you and will you be sponsoring this year?
Kikwear’s 2013 “Back In Action” tour has been insane! We’ve been the sponsor of some banging events here in the States and Canada. There have been a lot of amazing parties and at each one we’ve had give away gear so the people going are really psyched. Our tour is definitely one of the highlights since our return back to the EDM scene. We’re honored to be a sponsor of every event we’re involved with regardless of how big or small it is. During the next few months we’re sponsoring a lot of events including Raving In The Tardis, Christmas In July, Vinyl Fantasy IV, Legends Tour, Drop Bass Not Bombs, Farm Fest, Sounds Of Plur 2, Midwest Wonderland Music Festival, Nocturnal Trip 3, The Sonic Underground, Earthdance Lakeland, Quick Fixx 11, & Super Smash Ravers Melee Extreme amongst others.
9) what are some beneficial tools and resources besides social media you have today that you didn’t have when kikwear was first in action? If you had these tools and resources way back when, how do you think business would be different back in the nineties?
I’d say our greatest asset since our return to action has been Team Kikwear. We’ve assembled such a strong family of amazing people who love both the EDM community and Kikwear. They work incredibly hard promoting for the company at events, online, and on the streets. We also have an Official DJ Team that we didn’t have during our first run. Our alliance with this highly talented exclusive group of artists has also been a major boost for the Kikwear brand. We think this has been a true partnership because Kikwear also supports everyone on both teams. It’s hard to say how Team Kikwear would have impacted our business back in the '90s because it was a completely different environment.
10) will you be doing any contests or giveaways for the relaunch of kikgirl?
As the Kikgirl reboot approaches, we’re tossing around some ideas for a contest. I’m sure we’ll get our fans involved and ask them for ideas on our FB page. We get a huge Kik out of getting feedback from those who follow us and all the company action. There’s never a dull moment at Kikwear Industries!
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