The company hopes sales will reach US$3 million (Bt103 million) by the end of the year.

Meanwhile, it is investigating legal avenues to fight the growing number of counterfeit Crocs available here.

Crocs Asia sales vice president Mike DeBell said yesterday the company would spend between 3 per cent and 4 per cent of its regional advertising budget in Thailand this year.

It will spend the next 18 months selling the "technical benefits" of its shoes rather than advertising in mainstream media. Events will include activities at universities, selling points and pubs as well as launching new collections.

But there are plans for outdoor advertisements. Crocs will consider advertising in the mainstream media after about three years.

Crocs shoes are available at about 50 shops throughout the country. Supersport stores distribute the shoes.

The company declined to say how much it would spend on opening shops.

DeBell said fakes were widely available in Bangkok and were the brand's biggest competitor. Prices for fakes are just a few hundred baht while genuine products are Bt900 up.

DeBell said the company's 27 styles for children to adults all used its "PCCR, natural closed-cell and anti-microbial material that virtually eliminates odour".

This cannot be copied, he added. Nevertheless, legal action was being considered.

The company intends to expand into accessories and clothes by the end of the year.

Nitida Asawanipont

The Nation