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MARCH 19, 2012 ISSUE 1212 The Weekly Digital Magazine for the Sporting Goods Industry
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SGB Weekly 1212
Transcript of SGB Weekly 1212
MARCH 19, 2012ISSUE 1212
The Weekly Digital Magazine for the Sporting Goods Industry
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MARCH 19, 2012 | SGBWeekly.com 3
NEWS 4 SGMA STUDY I Olympics Boost Sports Participation 6 NIKE Signs Quarterback Andrew Luck NICHOLAS BRAYTON Appointed President of Woolrich MOVERS & SHAKERS
SPOTLIGHT 8 ON Launches Cloudracer and Cloudster Collections AIR JORDAN Rolls Out NCAA Colorways BODY GLOVE to Introduce Minimalist Watersport Shoe 10 SAUCONY Introduces the Kinvara 3 SALOMON Launches S-Lab Sense Trail Racing Shoe SPALDING Signs NBA Endorsers in Footwear Launch
FEATURES 12 PADDLESPORTS POSTS STRONG 2011; BEGINS 2012 WITH SOLID GROWTH 14 PADDLESPORTS The Year Ahead 16 CANOECOPIA Goes Gangbusters DEPARTMENTS 18 CALANDER
ADVERTISERS 2 SPENCO 5 SOFSOLE 7 GOALRILLA 9 CORDURA 11 FLEXFIT 19 OIA VANTAGEPOINT POWERED BY SPORTSCANINFO 20 OUTDOOR RETAILER MARKET 2012/2013
Page 12
Copyright 2012 SportsOneSource, LLC. All rights reserved. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors to SGB WEEKLY are not necessarily those of the editors or publishers. SGB WEEKLY is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or artwork. Articles appearing in SGB WEEKLY may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express permission of the publisher. SGB WEEKLY is published weekly by SportsOneSource, LLC, 2151 Hawkins Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28203; 704.987.3450. Send address changes to SGB WEEKLY , 2151 Hawkins Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28203; 704.987.3450
The Weekly Digital Magazine for the Sporting Goods Industry
MARCH 19, 2012ISSUE 1212
Cover photo courtesy of Jackson Kayak
Managing EditorThomas J. Ryan (917.375.4699)
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4 SGBWeekly.com | MARCH 19, 2012
NEWSNEWS
According to a recent study by SGMA Research, there is a positive correlation between extensive media coverage of the Olympics, especially when the Summer Games are held, and people showing an interest in being more active and taking an interest that year or the next.
An example of the Olympic influence on sports participation in the U.S. can be seen in the following activities which do have an Olympic affiliation:
According to data from the most recent SGMA Study on Sports, Fitness and Recreational Activity Participation, from a spectator point of view, the Winter and Summer Olympic Games remain the two most popular spectator events for TV viewers of sports.
"While some people may not be motivated to play a particular sport because of watching the Olympic Games, many people are encouraged
SPORT 2008 PARTICIPATION
2009 PARTICIPATION
% CHANGE
Table Tennis 17,201,000 19,301,000 12.2
Triathlons 1,087,000 1,208,000 11.1
Beach Volleyball 4,171,000 4,476,000 7.3
Running 41,130,000 43,892,000 6.7
Badminton 7,239,000 7,699,000 6.4
Bicycling 38,114,000 40,140,000 5.3
Gymnastics 3,883,000 4,021,000 3.6
to start exercising and getting in better physical shape because of the Olympic Games," said Neil Schwartz of SGMA Research. "In some cases, we see a straight line from Olympic coverage and increased sports participation and other times, it is not so direct. The research clearly supports that analysis."
According to SGMA Research, there were 16 fitness and exercise activities which experienced a boost in participation from 2008 to 2009. They were high-impact aerobics, low-impact aerobics, step aerobics, cardio kickboxing, elliptical motion trainers, group stationary cycling, treadmills, rowing machines, stretching, yoga, barbells, dumbbells, hand weights, home gym exercise, resistance machines, and other exercise to music.
"It's personally motivating to see people in such great physical shape who are excelling in athletic competition and having a good time," added Schwartz. "The great athletes make it all look so easy which is what makes many of those sports very appealing to a newcomer. We see these athletes on the field and in the pool and it motivates us to try and accomplish some of our individual athletic and fitness goals."
"We expect strong interest in swimming in London with Ryan Lochte. During the last Olympics, it was Michael Phelps' quest for more gold medals which grabbed our attention. We continue to see these sorts of efforts having a positive influence on swimming participation. We also anticipate seeing interest in women's soccer to grow, based on play by the U.S. Women’s soccer team, which almost won last summer’s Women’s World Cup," said SGMA President Tom Cove.
SGMA STUDY OLYMPICS BOOST SPORTS
PARTICIPATION
A tug boat pulls a barge with the giant olympic rings that are 36 feet tall and 82 feet wide towards Tower Bridge as they are unveiled on the River Thames in London. Photo courtesy Alastair Grant, Associated Press
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Nike signed football standout Andrew Luck to its roster of athletes. The record-breaking Stanford signal-caller is expected to be picked first by the Indianpolis Colts in the upcoming draft.
Luck garnered a number of accolades during his college career, including both The Maxwell Award and Walter Camp Award as National Player of the Year as well as First Team All-America in 2011. He led his team to a record of 23-3 in his final two seasons. He holds the Pac-12/Pac-10 records for highest completion percentage in both a season (2011) and a career as well as passer efficiency rating in a career.
“I’m excited to be part of the Nike team,” said Luck. “And I look forward to pursuing the next chapter of my career with such an innovative company supporting me.”
Former Baylor University quarterback Robert Griffin, III, who won the Heisman Trophy in December and is expected to be picked second in the draft, recently signed with Adidas.
NIKE SIGNS QUARTERBACK ANDREW LUCK
Woolrich named two descendants of John Rich, who founded the company in 1830, to lead the company as it moves toward completion of its second century in business. Nicholas Brayton will take the helm of president, and Joshua Rich will serve as vice president, international.
As the company transitions to family leadership, Woolrich's Chairman John Ranelli will serve as chief executive officer.
Brayton is a seventh generation descendant of the Woolrich founder, and is the first family member since his father Roswell Brayton, Jr. led the company. Previously, Brayton served as director for the company's domestic licensing business.
"Globally, the Woolrich brand is thriving. People are seeking out American heritage, quality and integrity – attributes that have historically been at the very core of Woolrich, as well as other successful family-owned businesses," said Brayton. "It's an exciting time to be here, as the opportunities are significant."
Rich, previously business development analyst for Woolrich, is an eighth generation descendant of the founder. His experience includes work with the brand’s European partner, W.P. Lavori, in which he supported the marketing and creative departments for Woolrich John Rich and Bros. and Woolrich Woolen Mills apparel collections.
NICHOLAS BRAYTON APPOINTED PRESIDENT OF WOOLRICH
MOVERS & SHAKERS
Rockport appointed Tobias Reiss-Schmidt, previously its SVP of Global Retail and Americas, as president and CEO, effective July 1. Michael Rupp, current CEO, will take over as CEO of Jack Wolfskin.
Robert Nardelli stepped down as CEO of Freedom Group, Inc., the parent of Remington. George Kollitides, a member of FGI's board and formerly a Cerberus Capital managing director, becomes chairman, replacing John Blystone. Kollitides will act as the interim CEO of FGI pending the completion of negotiations with a successor CEO expected to be named shortly.
JCPenney promoted Liz Sweney, most recently EVP and senior general merchandise manager of women's apparel, accessories, footwear, jewelry and juniors divisions, to chief merchant.
Modell’s added Jennifer (Smith) Anderson as women’s athletic footwear buyer, having spent the past eight years as a buyer for Academy Sports. Jeff Shaffer, who previously worked for Bob's Stores, was named men’s athletic footwear buyer.
Newton Running hired Stuart Johnson as VP of marketing. His previous experience in-cludes marketing stints at Reebok, Starbucks and Frito-Lay
Spyder named Jamie Starr as marketing manager.
Skullcandy's CFO and General Counsel Mitch Edwards plans to resign to pursue other opportunities.
David Campisi, the former CEO of The Sports Authority, has joined the board of Respect Your Universe.
Brian Anderson, president of EB Sport Group, has been elected to SGMA's board of directors.
From left to right - Nicholas Brayton will take the helm as president, John Ranelli will serve as CEO and Joshua Rich will serve as VP, InInternational
8 SGBWeekly.com | MARCH 19, 2012
SPOTLIGHT
BODY GLOVE TO INTRODUCE MINIMALIST
WATERSPORT SHOEBody Glove Footwear is launching the 3T Barefoot, a line of minimalist technology footwear. This breakthrough technology is based on extensively researched neuroscience, which has determined that the three smallest toes on each foot cannot articulate movement as effectively as the first two toes. The 3T Barefoot utilizes a three-toed slot design resulting in ultimate comfort and performance. It also differentiates itself in the market with its unique design offering drainage, air circulation, and easy on features.
"We have found a demand for a technical shoe that can be worn casually outdoors and by watersports enthusiasts searching for a more comfortable shoe experience. Recognizing this trend we have created the ultimate amphibious shoe," stateD John Chenciner, CEO, Body Glove Footwear.
Competitive longborder Jesse Timm, Olympic beach volleyball hopeful Brooke Sweat and Santa Cruz SUP endurance racer, Ryan Brown are already wearing the soon to be released product. It hits retailers in April.
AIR JORDAN ROLLS OUT NCAA COLORWAYS
The all-new Air Jordan 2012 is designed to encourage today's athletes to rethink performance. This year's model builds upon the Air Jordan 2011's two midsole modular system by featuring two interchangeable inner sleeves and three interchangeable midsoles for performance customization.
For this year's NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, Jordan Brand schools UNC, Marquette, Georgetown and Cal all have the option of wearing the Air Jordan 2012 in their school's colorways. The Air Jordan 2012 will give Jordan Brand schools the ability to customize for their playing styles and for fit preference by offering six different configurations.
University of North Carolina already received a University Blue/Grey colorway of the Air Jordan 2012 in early February, but for the NCAA tournament, UNC has a new White/University Blue colorway to wear throughout March. They also have the option of wearing the Jordan CP3.V in a White/University Blue colorway.
Marquette University will have the option to wear a White/Midnight Navy-University Blue and Gold colorway of the Air Jordan 2012 in addition to the Jordan Fly Wade 2 in a University Gold/Obsidian colorway.
The University of California-Berkeley gets the Air Jordan 2012 in a White/Midnight Navy-Gold colorway with Georgetown University having the option to wear a Grey/Midnight Navy colorway.
ON LAUNCHES CLOUDRACER AND CLOUDSTER COLLECTIONSOn AG, the new running shoe company based in Zurich, has expanded its product line for 2012. The collection includes the ultra-light Cloudracer; the Cloudster; plus the redesigned Cloudsurfer and Cloudrunner. On is available at nearly 100 leading U.S. retailers including specialty running stores and select Foot Locker locations.
The patented CloudTec™ system, comprised of three-dimensional elements or “clouds” made of highly flexible circular pieces of rubber, is at the heart of On’s active sole technology. The new design allows the sole to absorb both vertical and horizontal forces. Upon landing, these elements bend back and, with their inbuilt slight instability, they activate the body’s running muscles and its postural control and glide the foot smoothly into its step. Once on the ground, the “clouds” lock together providing a solid foundation for push-off.
“It’s like barefoot running, just without the shocks,” said Olivier Bernhard, a 6-time Ironman champion and co-founder of On. “We have re-invented the running shoe based on a simple premise: put the fun back into running. You glide smoothly into your step and push-off with force for a fast yet natural run. On activates your muscles and enables you to stabilize your foot strike without artificial support – you are back in control. The On offers runners the same benefits they look for when going natural without the lengthy adjustment period.”
Cloudsurfer
3T Barefoot
"College Collection" colorways for signature Nike Air Jordan's
MARCH 19, 2012 | SGBWeekly.com 9© 2012 INVISTA. CORDURA® is a registered trademark of INVISTA for durable fabrics. Property of INVISTA. CPROJ-00254
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10 SGBWeekly.com | MARCH 19, 2012
Salomon launched the S-Lab Sense, a featherlight trail runner (weighing 6.9 oz. in standard U.S. size 9) designed in close collaboration with Spanish ultrarunning star Kilian Jornet in his quest to win the 2011 Western States 100 ultra trail race. Along with a 4mm offset from heel-to-toe, the S-Lab Sense features include the Profeel Film lightweight layer under the forefoot to deliver protection without sacrificing flexibility; EndoFit internal fit sleeves for comfort and intuitive feedback; and Dynamic Traction for grip. To celebrate the launch of the S-Lab Sense, Salomon will release 106 limited edition pairs to the trail running community.
LESS IS MORE:SAUCONY INTRODUCES THE KINVARA 3Saucony unveiled the Kinvara 3 line of minimal running shoes and performance apparel that builds on the award-winning Kinvara launched in early 2010, which was among the first minimal running shoes available in the marketplace.
Weighing only 7.7 ounces (based on a men's size 9), the Kinvara 3 features FlexFilm technology, a thin, flexible film welded onto the upper that stabilizes the foot while reducing layers. The performance training shoe also features a 4mm heel-to-toe offset that positions the runner's foot during impact in a way that creates a greater range of motion than traditional running shoes (which typically have a 12mm heel-to-toe offset) for the Gastrocnemius-Soleus-Achilles tendon system, allowing for a more powerful running stride.
The new collection also includes the Kinvara TR, a low profile trail running shoe that fuses the award-winning fit and technologies of its namesake with off-road traction, protection and durability; and a range of brightly hued performance apparel including shorts, tights, shirts and jackets made of advanced moisture-wicking fabrics, superior fit silhouettes, innovative performance features and FlexFilm aesthetics.
"The bottom line is that we want to be part of the runner's run every day," said Richie Woodworth, Saucony brand president. "To succeed in this goal, we need to deliver more than a great shoe, we need to inspire an incredible running experience and our new Kinvara collection is aimed at doing just that. The focal shoe in the line, Kinvara 3, is an ultra-lightweight, yet durable performer with a re-engineered outsole that delivers an even smoother transition than its predecessor. Without a doubt, this is the future of running."
Spalding entered into endorsement agreements with Sacramento Kings' rookie Jimmer Fredette, Miami Heat guard Mario Chalmers and Washington Wizards’ rookie Chris Singleton to support its launch of a new licensed shoe and lifestyle apparel line.
As part of the brand's 2012 campaign, the trio of rising stars will appear in digital and print advertising as well as in-store signage. They will also wear the new Spalding signature shoe during game time. The three also join Boston Celtics forward Paul Pierce, a long-standing Spalding ambassador of basketballs and equipment.
"This is a very exciting day for Spalding as we welcome these three outstanding players to the Spalding team," said Gary Barfield, EVP, Russell Brands, the parent of Spalding. "Every basketball player, from the casual player to the super star athlete, has experienced the quality of the Spalding brand through our basketballs and equipment, and now, with the help of these players, they will get to expand that experience into the shoes and apparel they wear when they play the game."
The shoe, produced by Mercury International through a licensing agreement with Spalding, will arrive at sports specialty and online retail stores, including select Finish Line stores, dickssportinggoods.com, West-coast based Shiekh stores and others, for Spring 2012.
SALOMON LAUNCHES S-LAB SENSE TRAIL RACING SHOE
Spalding brand ambassadors from left to right - Sacramento Kings rookie Jimmer Fredette, Miami Heat guard Mario Chalmers and Washington Wizards rookie Chris Singleton. As part of the brand's 2012 marketing campaign, each will wear the new Spalding signature shoe this season during game time.
SPOTLIGHTSPALDING SIGNS NBA ENDORSERS IN FOOTWEAR LAUNCH
12 SGBWeekly.com | MARCH 19, 2012
PADDLESPORTS POSTS STRONG 2011 &
BEGINS 2012 WITH SOLID GROWTHWhile the paddling industry treaded water right alongside everyone else during the recession, it’s showing signs of climbing back out of the trough. According to the most recent sales reports from the Outdoor Industry Association, overall paddlesports sales rose 14.6 percent in 2011 to $511.5 million. And while holiday sales usually represent a small proportion of the year’s overall sales, this past year those signs were promising as well, rising 12.4 percent to $35.4 million.
“Paddlesports had a strong year,” said David Mudd, Business Intelligence Manager for OIA. “And they’re doing well this year so far as well.”
As a barometer from t he retail front, Rutabaga, the country’s largest specialty paddlesports dealer,
By Eugene Buchanan
MARCH 19, 2012 | SGBWeekly.com 13
reported growth in 2011, though not to the same degree as OIA’s sales statistics due to local weather and economic factors. “We were up in 2011 over 2010, but not by much,” said owner Darren Bush. “It wasn’t a barn burner, but a slight increase.”
Indeed, it seems that weather, with record snowpack throughout the country, had a bigger affect on sales than did the economy. That proved especially true in regions affected by runoff.
“Last year was a big water year in our key regions, which translated into strong sales for our whitewater products,” said Chris Callanan, marketing manager for raft manufacturer AIRE. “Typically, in a big snow year our sales to outfitters increases. They have a larger window for trips and consumers choose to go guided since they don’t feel as comfortable on big, cold water. Our retail sales aren’t as strong but outfitters place multiple raft orders. So while unit sales may be down, dollar volume is greater.” These orders, he added carried all the way through November and December.
Confluence, whose brands include Dagger, WaveSport, Perception, Wilderness Systems, Bomber Gear and more, reported similar results. CEO Sue Rechner said the company finished 2011 in a solid position, which is especially encouraging after the year’s slow start due to the weather. “And it ended on an incredibly high note,” she added. “November and December were the best in company history. Consumers had demand and retailers responded.”
Other companies also ended strongly. Jackson Kayak, said president Eric Jackson, was up 48 percent overall and enjoyed a major profit increase as well. This growth occurred in all categories, led by rec and touring, which grew 144 percent, with whitewater growing 15 percent. The company also entered the fish kayak category for the first time with the Coosa and the surge held on late in the year. “Our fourth quarter was huge compared to any other year, up more than 100 percent,” he said. “But we were shipping some program boats as well, so it’s hard to quantify beyond our own sales reports.”
Hedging their bets against the recession and weather, some companies battened down the hatches, which proved a good move. “It was a year of retrenchment and repositioning for us so it is hard to compare to other seasons,” noted Bill Medlin, COO of Legacy Paddlesports. “We broadened Liquidlogic’s product offering, narrowed Native’s so it’s solely focused on kayak fishing, photography, and outdoor sporting, and directed Heritage into new distribution channels. We also provided more pricing options - entry, mid, upper - across the lines. It was a lot of change but it set the stage for us for this year.”
Like Jackson, Legacy also rode the wave to the end of the calendar year. “Our holiday sales were strong,” Medlin added. “We started off our fiscal year (September 1) on a very strong basis - maybe 20 percent ahead of what we think the rest of our industry was doing. That multiplied several times during the holiday season into early January so overall we are up in double-digits over the same period last year. We attribute that to the retrenching and repositioning we accomplished in 2011, but also to the warmer weather. We’re very strong in the sunbelt and we can’t tell that there was an off-season there yet.”
Another key player, Johnson Watercraft, is also buoyed by last year’s results. “The 2011 season went well across our brands, with a notable mention to the recreational and day touring category, especially for kayaks between 10 and 12 feet,” said marketing director Sara Knies. “The fishing category continues to remain strong for us as well.” As for the end of the season, it, too, followed the same path. “Holiday sales were very solid this year,” she added. “The three different promotions we ran then, all of which had good redemption rates, certainly helped.” ■
14 SGBWeekly.com | MARCH 19, 2012
echoes this trend. “Our sales are up by 40 percent so far this year as of the end of February,” said Eric Jackson, president of Jackson Kayak. Leading the pack, he added, is the fish kayak category, which is up 100 percent over 2011, followed by whitewater, which is up 33 percent, and rec and touring, which are up 10 percent.
Sara Kneis, marketing director for industry powerhouse Johnson Watercraft, whose brands include Old Town Canoe, Necky Kayaks, Ocean Kayak, Carlisle Paddles and more, said its year was also beginning strong. “We've talked to a number of specialty retailers who look like they're starting strong this season,” she said. “One
Outlook one of optimism
PADDLESPORTS THE YEAR AHEAD
While snow sports sales might be suffering in 2012 due to low snowfall and warmer temperatures everywhere but the Northwest, the mild weather is getting consumers thinking about summer – in particular, paddling on that snowfall’s runoff – sooner.
Despite the lingering effects of the recession, paddlesports sales continue to, if not prosper, at least persevere while its winter coun-terparts are lagging. According to David Mudd, Business Intelligence Manager for the Outdoor Industry Association, paddlesports sales in January 2012 rose 22.9 percent compared to January 2011.
A look at manufacturers’ sales across the paddlesports spectrum
By Eugene Buchanan
Photo courtesy of Confluence
MARCH 19, 2012 | SGBWeekly.com 15
East Coast retailer in particular said he was up 30 percent from January versus the prior year. Other specialty retailers are also seeing some increases and remain optimistic about the season ahead. That, combined with a mild spring, could shape up for a great year.”
Confluence, another major player in the category, reported strong earnings as well. “Last year ended strong and we’re off to a strong start in 2012 as well,” said CEO Sue Rechner. “If Canoecopia is any indication, it’s going to be a good year. And we’re not selling close-outs out of desperation. The most critical indicator is retail sell-through, which has been great. I’m feeling a little optimism in the industry.” Rechner added that the company has also invested a tremendous amount in the whitewater category, with Bomber Gear selling out-of-stock already. “People will see some of the fruits of all that labor at this year’s OR show,” she added.
Others on the accessory side are equally bullish. “We’re above our forecast in Q1, which is a great place to be,” said Jim Miller, marketing director for Werner Paddles, which is also enjoying robust growth in the burgeoning stand-up paddleboard category. “The next quarter will really tell the story for us this year, but we’re
cautiously optimistic that 2012 will be another great year for paddlesports across the board.”
Another company expecting big growth for 2012 is South Africa’s Fluid Kayaks, which just began making boats domestically in late February. “We’re going through some big changes and expect big growth this year. We’re launching new boats, have complete new outfitting, a new website, a new icon and new team paddlers. We’re basically launching a new Fluid.”
The industry’s other major player, Legacy Paddlesports, whose brands include Native, Heritage and Liquidlogic, is also encour-aged by the year’s early results. “We’re seeing overall growth,” said COO Bill Medlin. “There isn't a category for us that isn't growing faster than reported industry trends. Kayak fishing and our Propel pedal drives are the strongest gainers for us so far. Our whitewater products, including the Stomper, Freeride, and XPs, showed some nice action late last season and we expect to see some extraor-dinary numbers as the season develops - unless the light snow pack really hurts the domestic part of that category. We could see whitewater even outgrow kayak fishing.” ■
Photo courtesy Fluid Kayaks. Copywrite Ashley Eldredge-Martin
Photo courtesy of Jackson Kayak
Photo courtesy of Confluence
16 SGBWeekly.com | MARCH 19, 2012
If this year’s Canoecopia consumer paddlesports show held in Madison, Wis., Mar. 9-11, is any indication, the upcoming paddlesports retail season is poised for a solid showing.
“It was fantastic this year,” said Daren Bush, owner of paddlesports retailer Rutabaga, which hosts the annual show. “It was up by a double-digit increase across the board, in terms of attendees, exhibitors and sales.”
Bush attributed the increase to both a mild winter, which got people thinking about paddling early, as well as an improving economy. He also gave a nod to the local government situation, which has resolved itself somewhat from last year’s protests, which occurred around the same time as Canoecopia 2011, causing those numbers to be flat or slightly down. This year’s numbers were up in the single digits over 2010’s show.
“Last year we also had a hitch in the local city economy,” he said. “Many of the workers around here are government employees, who all had to take a $300 pay cut last year. And that was all discretionary funds. This year everyone accounted for it, and the economy certainly seems a little better.”
The weather was also a big factor. With a milder-than-average winter sweeping the Midwest, it not only got people thinking of
CANOECOPIA GOES GANGBUSTERS
By Eugene Buchanan
Canoecopia offers customers and sales reps the opportunity to check out the latest products. Photo courtesy of Marcin Szczepanski/State Journal
MARCH 19, 2012 | SGBWeekly.com 17
summer sooner, but also freed up dollars that might have otherwise been spent on winter wares. “There was a lot of open-to-buy dollars in the recreation category among consumers,” Bush said. “People didn’t buy skis, snowboards and snowshoes this year and instead allocated those funds to paddlesports.”
In all, more than 24,000 consumers descended upon the annual consumer tradeshow at Madison’s 100,000-square-foot Alliant Energy Center to attend seminars and programs, rub elbows with fellow paddlers and rub fingers on the latest products in paddlesports. Inside, they found up to 30 new exhibitors displaying their wares, from traditional sea kayak and canoe companies to a burgeoning number of stand-up paddleboard manufacturers.
“The SUP side of things went crazy this year,” said Bush, adding that several SUP-specific companies like Imagine Surf, BIC and Surf Tech took advantage of the opportunity to present their wares to inland consumers. In particular, he added, the price point plastic SUPs seemed to be moving well, especially those in the $600-$800 range. “People want things that go straight,” he said.
On the more traditional paddlesports side, while he said that everything seemed to move well, in particular consumers seemed to crave more high-end boats this year. He pointed to such day touring fiberglass boats as Wilderness Systems’ Tsnumai 135 doing well, as well as others in the category. “People are wanting the weight savings this year, and they’re willing to pay a little more for it,” he said. “Things were moving in the composite high-end category, as well as the middle-of-the road offerings. It seems like people are finally opening their pocketbooks a bit. The sentiment seems to be that if people are going to get involved in paddling, they want to do it right.”
That feeling was certainly shared by Confluence Watersports, whose brands include Perception, Dagger, WaveSport and Wilderness Systems. “We had a phenomenal show, and price-point wasn’t an issue,” said CEO Sue Rechner. “People seem to be moving straight into the touring category,
especially boats 14 feet and longer, and bypassing more rec-oriented product. There was no price resistance or resistance to higher-end improvements. People weren’t just kicking tires.”
It seemed as if that sentiment carried across all categories, said Bush, adding that it wasn’t just high-end hardgoods seeing the up tick. Softgoods and accessories also moved well, he said. “What was interesting is that there were no dead spots,” he added. “From apparel and accessories to kayaks and canoes, everything was good across the board.”
Apparel maker Stohlquist was one of several manufacturers seeing increases on the softgoods front. “Canoecopia went great,” said national sales manager Jake Wisse. “People were excited to get out on the water earlier this year with the warm weather. We ran out of a lot of product - our newly redesigned Cruisers and Trekkers and new Ebbs and Flos sold like hotcakes. It's exciting when the new stuff sells so well.”
Other exhibitors echoed this assessment. “The show was strong for us,” said Bill Medlin, COO of Legacy Paddlesports, whose boat brands include Liquidlogic, Native and Heritage.
“According to our count it will be a record event for us, and I think you’ll find that true for all participants - if not a record then a very strong event. The warmer weather had everyone primed.”
More importantly, every product category seemed to do well. “Product was moving across the entire spectrum of our offerings,” Medlin said. “One person flew all the way from Colorado to buy a Mariner Propel and because our entire stock of Mariners was sold through he ended up buying one anyway - sight unseen - because he had done his research and knew what he wanted. A good number of people came in knowing what they were looking for and why.”
People also came for the presentations. Offering far more than a wealth of paddlesports products on display and the manufacturers to talk to about them, Canoecopia also lured consumers in with a variety of programs and seminars. In all, consumers could choose from more than 166 presentations covering 115 different topics at the show, also a record for the event. Topics included skills sessions in a swimming pool to presentations on boat building, expeditions, destinations and more. ■
Alec and Sharon Bloyd-Peshkin demonstrating a "T" rescue
APRIL
19-22 Sea Otter Classic Monterey, CA
19-22 FIBO 2012 Essen, Germany
MAY
6-9 NSGA Management Conference and Team Dealer Summit San Antonio, TX
JUNE
12-14 Licensing International Expo Las Vegas, NV
18-20 EORA Southeast Summer Market Greenville, SC
21-22 NBS Specialty Outdoor Market Austin, TX
25-27 EORA Mid-Atlantic Market Parsippany, NJ
25-27 EORA New England Summer Market Manchester, NH
28-30 Sports Inc. Athletic Show Indianapolis, IN
29-1 TAG Spring/Summer Show St. Charles, MO
JULY
11-13 NBS Summer Market Indianapolis, IN
AUGUST
1 Outdoor Retailer Open Air Demo Salt Lake City, UT
2-5 Outdoor Retailer Trade Show Salt Lake City, UT
9-11 Sports Inc. Outdoor Show Indianapolis, IN
SEPTEMBER
7-9 NBS Fall Semi-Annual Market Fort Worth, TX
OCTOBER
16-17 Let’s Play Hockey International Expo Las Vegas, NV
NOVEMBER
3-4 NBS Fall Athletic Market Indianapolis, IN
7-9 TAG Fall/Winter Show N. Charleston, SC
12-14 ADA Fall Show Las Vegas, NV
18-20 Sports Inc. Athletic Show Las Vegas, NV
CALENDAR For full year calendar go to sportsonesource.com/events
Athletic Dealers of America1395 Highland AvenueMelbourne, FL 32935t 321.254.0091f 321.242.7419athleticdealersofamerica.com
National Shooting Sports FoundationFlintlock Ridge Office Center11 Mile Hill RoadNewtown, CT 06470t 203.426.1320 f. 203.426.1087nssf.org
National Sporting Goods Association1601 Feehanville Drive / Suite 300Mount Prospect, IL 60056t 847.296.6742f 847.391.9827nsga.org
Nation’s Best Sports4216 Hahn Blvd.Ft. Worth, TX 76117t 817.788.0034f 817.788.8542nbs.com
Outdoor Industry Association4909 Pearl East Circle / Suite 200Boulder, CO 80301t 303.444.3353f 303.444.3284outdoorindustry.org
SGMA 8505 Fenton StreetSilver Spring, MD 20910t 301.495.6321f 301.495.6322sgma.com
Snow Sports Industries America8377-B Greensboro DriveMcLean, VA 22102t 703.556.9020f 703.821.8276snowsports.org
Sports, Inc.333 2nd Avenue NorthLewistown, MT 59457t 406.538.3496f 406.538.2801sportsinc.com
Sports Specialists Ltd.590 Fishers Station Drive / Suite 110Victor, NY 14564t 585.742.1010f 585.742.2645sportsspecialistsltd.com
Team Athletic Goods629 Cepi DriveChesterfield, MO 63005t 636.530.3710f 636.530.3711tag1.com
Worldwide 8211 South 194thKent, WA 98032t 253.872.8746f 253.872.7603wdi-wdi.com
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Photo courtesy of Imagine Surf
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VISIT OUTDOORRETAILER.COM OR CALL 949/226-5722 FOR MORE INFORMATION.
2 0 1 2AUGUST 2-5, 2012
Salt Palace Convention CenterSalt Lake City, UT
Open Air DemoAUGUST 1, 2012
2 0 1 3JANUARY 24-27, 2013
Salt Palace Convention CenterSalt Lake City, UT
All Mountain DemoJANUARY 23, 2013
SEE YOU THERE!
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