Eastpak is an American worldwide lifestyle brand founded in Boston, Massachusetts, specializing in the design, development, manufacturing and worldwide marketing and distribution of a range of products including bags, backpacks, travel gear and accessories. In 1952, the company began as Eastern Canvas Products USA, Inc., producing bags and packs for the U.S. military before focusing on the consumer market in 1976 under the brand name Eastpak. It is part of the VF Corporation brand portfolio.[1]
History
Founding
Eastpak was founded in 1952 by Bernard Godfrey of Newton, Massachusetts, as Eastern Canvas Products USA Inc. He was later joined by his son, William, and a third partner, Monte Goldman, and began by specializing in safety equipment for the U.S. Army.[2] However, the company's direction changed dramatically when Goldman's son, Mark Goldman, joined the company in 1976.