Astral Expands Partnership with Darby Communications in 2017

January 31, 2017

Asheville, NC – Darby Communications, a boutique public relations agency specializing in the outdoor, fitness and wellness industries, strengthens its relationship with Astral as they gear up for an impressive year of growth. Since 2012, Darby Communications has been the public relations agency of record for Astral, and in 2017 that partnership has expanded to include PR, social media, event, team and brand ambassador management.

“Darby Communications has been a key partner for Astral in both launching our footwear category and continuing to build our PFD presence in the market,” Astral VP of Sales & Marketing, Christie Dobson states. “Their team easily adapts to the ever-changing landscape of PR and marketing. Not only have they provided us with amazing press around the launch of our footwear collection, but they are also giving us incredible support in our social media efforts.”

“We are extremely inspired by Astral and their leadership in sustainable business practices,” states Coral Darby, Founder of Darby Communications. “Their product collections reflect what is possible in eco-friendly manufacturing, and we could not be more proud to share Astral’s business values with the industry and beyond.”

Astral is set to light up the outdoor performance footwear industry in 2017 with the launch of their new trail shoe TR1 Series this month and the Hemp Donner and Tinker this Fall. With a heritage in whitewater PFDs, the brand knows a thing or two about high performance gear. Astral footwear is equipped with Astral’s high friction, non-marking G®Rubber Agro soles, Balanced Geometry™ Midsoles and Polygiene treated insoles. Astral’s water-ready kicks are built for the globe trotter, urbanite, weekend warrior and nature lover.

“We look forward to working closely with the Darby Crew on our Hemp launch this coming fall,” says Dobson. “Darby is a top shelf agency and Astral is pumped to have them as a part of our marketing arsenal.”

About Darby Communication
A public relations firm dedicated to meeting and surpassing the needs of their clientele with customized PR and promotional programs, Darby Communications works with many of the outdoor industry’s most respected companies. The firm’s clients include Astral, Aventura, Ecōths, Feetures!, Granite Gear, Headsweats, Hyland’s, IceMule Coolers, Industrial Revolution, Sierra Designs and Tailwind Nutrition. For more information, visit darbycommunications.com and on Instagram.

About Astral
Established in 2002, Astral has grown to specialize in high performance footwear alongside its industry-leading safety gear for paddlers. Independently owned and operated with a sincere commitment to making products of the highest performance and style for use in Nature.  Astral is based in the year-round outdoor wonderland of Asheville, NC and has satellite offices in Truckee, Saigon, Ketchum and Nottingham. For more information about Astral, see astraldesigns.com and follow the brand on Instagram.