About us | Leading in-store shoe protection service

Who we are

Born from a passion for creating innovative protection technology, Imbox Protection is footwear protection that is safe for both people and the planet.

We provide an easy, premium and convenient shoe protection solution for retailers to give them a competitive advantage in scaling their business and increasing customer experience.

As the only in-store shoe protection solution in the world, IMBOX is serving millions of satisfied consumers globally.

The main headquarters of Imbox Protection is in Skoedstrup, Denmark, with subsidiaries in Chicago, US and Tokyo, Japan.

We aim to fulfil the vision of becoming the world's best and most innovative protection system for all that you wear.

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Where we come from

The beginning

"Someone should do something!" exclaims a store staff after being scolded by her boss for not selling enough shoe polish and waterproofing spray.

Overhearing the outburst sparked an idea for René Marker. This frustration was a catalyst for the beginning of Imbox Protection. The company began in a small garage in East Jutland, Denmark.

“Imbox is a tool that both helps us and also helps our customers get a sustainable product, which is why we look forward to many years of cooperation.”

Samuel Frick Sales Supporter, Stadium

Our story

From frustration to IMBOX

René Marker began to pursue the idea of making a machine that could quickly protect shoes, make the work easier for shoe salespeople in a safe way and at the same time fulfil customers' needs for a convenient service.

Imbox Protection was founded to empower retailers with a user-friendly, technologically advanced solution.

Our commitment extends beyond functionality, as the well-being of people and the environment is an important part of the company’s values.

Close-up of an industrial machine working on a metal sheet

A man in a van

It was still in the aftermath of the financial crisis and retailers were cautious, making it a challenging time to launch a new venture. To turn Imbox Protection into the success it could be, René Marker and his small team of five had to give everything they had to get things moving.

René lived in his van while on the road, promoting IMBOX and cutting costs wherever he could to make the most of limited resources.

He poured all his time and finances into the project, taking him beyond the garage and into countless meetings. Along the way, he met influential people, and every encounter fueled his determination to keep pushing forward.

“At some point, I’d got way past the point of no return. The cars had been sold, the home equity had been spent and extra loans had been taken out. Sometimes you can go so far that you don’t have any choice but to move forward.”

René Marker CEO & founder, Imbox Protection

Making retail easier

René Marker envisioned an easy-to-use concept that simplifies life for sales staff and customers. The IMBOX streamlines the process for store staff, making it easier and faster while ensuring premium protection for consumers.

Born from frustration and a gap in the market, Imbox Protection was founded to revolutionize shoe care with a focus on sustainability and convenience.

Today, Imbox Protection has expanded from Renés and a small team of five to nearly 50 people, with a new headquarters in Skoedstrup, Denmark, alongside offices in Chicago and Tokyo. IMBOX has quickly evolved into a global name, with its innovative technology present in 35 countries, protecting millions of shoes with over 8,500 boxes.

While we are locally managed, we are globally supported, ensuring reliable assistance from our dedicated and trained service technicians, providing expert help wherever you are.

Imbox Protection continues to expand its mission of protecting and prolonging footwear worldwide.

A welder wearing mask and gloves welding on a metal plate

How we develop

The IMBOX machines are developed and produced in Northern Jutland, Denmark.

Having a Danish producer is an important choice for the Imbox vision of being a pioneer in protection. The Danish legislation required strict and controlled conditions for working and production.

The IMBOX is tested and approved according to the high safety, health and environmental protection standards that are required in Denmark, which are considered some of the strictest in the world.