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The sockscription from BLACKSOCKS was launched in 1999. These socks still exist, but a lot has happened since then: Underwear & T-shirts in the range, a company takeover and much more.
Get an overview of the latest news from BLACKSOCKS the last few years. Or sign up for the newsletter to stay up to date!
September 2023
Jacob Rohner AG takes over BLACKSOCKS SA
As of September 15, Jacob Rohner AG takes over the BLACKSOCKS SA one hundred percent. The co-founder and managing director is handing over management to Jacob Rohner AG with immediate effect, but will remain on hand in an advisory capacity for the next 3 months. Hermann Lion will take over the management position as of 15.09.2023. For the customers of BLACKSOCKS SA customers, nothing will change until further notice. As usual, high-quality socks and first-class underwear will be offered by subscription or as individual deliveries.
The Zurich location and its employees will be retained for the time being.
Hermann Lion, CEO of Jacob Rohner AG, comments on the takeover: «BLACKSOCKS As an Internet pioneer, Jacob Rohner has created an excellent basis on which we can further develop the business. The good name of BLACKSOCKS should continue to exist and be further developed as a brand. We see great potential in production, logistics and distribution in order to BLACKSOCKS fit for the next 25 years. We want to exploit synergies, expand these and incorporate our many years of experience. This acquisition will position us as the market leader in the D2C channel and we are looking forward to taking the Blacksocks-customers with our quality."
The previous owner and co-founder of BLACKSOCKS says: "In November 1998, we started BLACKSOCKS and the idea of offering black socks by subscription was a bold decision. After almost 25 years, it's time to let my baby go so that it can continue to develop in a new context. I am aware that I BLACKSOCKS and will always remain the founder. But it's time to let go and pass on my many years of experience in the digital world and as an entrepreneur in a different way. From 2024, I will take on mandates and work in an advisory capacity. I am convinced that my baby is in good hands at Jacob Rohner AG and will continue to flourish. BLACKSOCKS fits in perfectly with Jacob Rohner AG and I am happy for everyone."
The parties have agreed not to disclose the price.
July 2023
No more prices like 24 years ago
In the summer of 1999, we started with the idea of offering black socks by subscription. There were only two models: black calf socks and Knee High Socks. The calf socks went on to become a million-selling bestseller. The price for a sock subscription with 3 deliveries of 3 pairs each is CHF 98 per year, which is below the CHF 100 threshold.
As a Swiss provider, we believe in Switzerland as a business location. We therefore work exclusively with Swiss companies in the areas of warehousing, shipping preparation, shipping and shipping materials.
For a long time, we were able to compensate for their price increases through volume advantages or a lower euro exchange rate, meaning that we never increased our prices. We never had to exceed the CHF 100 threshold for our bestseller.
In the last two years, raw material prices and energy costs in the EU have risen sharply, which has fueled inflation and driven up purchase prices. We are paying around 25% more. Now we are forced to increase our Swiss prices for the first time in 24 years and break the CHF 98 threshold for the bestseller.
This decision was not easy for us. It is not about maximizing profits, but about the continued existence of the company. Cutting back on quality or Europe as a production location was never an option for us.
February 2023
Organic now also as underwear
Since 2021 we have been offering our Organic Comfort and organic sneaker socks in our range, which are made from GOTS®-certified organic cotton. Now we finally have the matching boxer shorts too!
The Organic boxer shorts Albertine made from the finest organic cotton not only protect the environment, but also ensure maximum comfort all day long. The high-quality, Egyptian organic cotton is certified according to the international GOTS® standard and guarantees strict ecological and social criteria from cultivation to production.
With their slightly longer leg, the Albertine boxer shorts have a more modern cut, making them perfect for today's environmentally conscious men.