DHL Express, the world’s leading international express service provider, has partnered with Undercover Boots to help the Panamanian-based business take its Undercover brand beyond Latin America to worldwide distribution. As part of a unique international shipping partnership, an exclusive #DHLUndercover collection has been developed, co-branded in the red-and-yellow signature colors of DHL, which consists of rain boots (short and tall), raincoats and a plush toy. The items will be offered to the public starting September 29, 2020 at dhl.iamundercover.com.
Entrepreneur Mary Quintero, CEO of Undercover Boots, founded the woman-owned and operated business in 2014. Since partnering exclusively with DHL Express in 2017, her operations have expanded to 30 countries. “For a small Latin American brand, it’s amazing to have logistics support from DHL,” said Quintero. “DHL has such amazing brand recognition, and our small but growing brand benefits greatly from the association.”
The news follows an emerging trend of brand partnerships that help small businesses expand and enhance their brands, raising their profiles in the fashion and apparel trade and among consumers globally. DHL Express has partnered with emerging and established brands alike, including Anti Social Social Club, Budapester, Casetify, Vetements and designer Jessica Minh Anh.
“Mary’s high energy and passion for customers and special social causes aligned so closely with our brand, that I wanted DHL to be key partner in her dream to transform Undercover Boots into a leading global brand,” said Mike Parra, CEO of DHL Express Americas. “After meeting her in person, I made a commitment to Mary Quintero that DHL would collaborate with her small business to make her dream come true.”
Undercover Boots’ visionary co-branding of the DHL-branded utilitarian rain boots and coats was inspired by Mary Quintero’s need for creative collaboration. By contrasting the iconic red and yellow signature colors of DHL with black trim, Mary infused style into ordinary work gear, thus elevating the DHL/Undercover Boots’ co-branded items to “functional chic.”
In the spirit of “giving back,” Mary has used her company’s success to donate rain boots to impoverished Panamanian children and to champion other worthy causes in her home country such as environmental conservation and animal protection. For every item purchased from the limited #DHLUndercover collection, a $1 (USD) contribution will be made to Fanlyc, a non-profit foundation based in Panama that is dedicated to helping children with cancer and other illnesses.
