Totes umbrella and footwear

Totes is a renowned American brand that has become synonymous with weather protection, particularly umbrellas and rainwear. Founded in 1924 in Loveland, Ohio, the company revolutionized the industry by introducing the first foldable umbrella to the United States market in 1970. Over the decades, it expanded its product catalog to include slippers, rubber overshoes, and various seasonal accessories, maintaining a reputation for durability and practical design.

The manufacturing operations for Totes products are primarily concentrated in Asia, with China being the lead production hub. This allows the brand to maintain high-volume distribution across North American and European markets. Despite the shift in manufacturing locations, the brand's design and engineering standards continue to reflect its American heritage.

Ownership of the brand has transitioned through various private equity firms and corporate mergers. Today, Totes Isotoner Corporation is the entity managing the brand, which resulted from the 1997 merger of Totes and Isotoner. The company is currently owned by an investment group led by Freeman Spogli & Co. and Investcorp, maintaining its corporate headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio. This ownership structure supports the brand's global reach, ensuring that Totes remains a dominant player in the global weather-wear and gift-accessory sectors.