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First words from the Ed
Spring is well and truly here with typical variations in the weather - although I have to say the snow took me by surprise earlier this week, just as I thought the worst of the weather had passed.
Whilst the weather does have an impact to a certain degree on sales, the glimpses of sun we have had of late has certainly added further fuel to the growth within family camping. Our feature this month on tents and sleeping bags covers this very element, since it is an area, as outdoor specialists, you can all capitalise on. Although I’m not trying to preach to the converted, I strongly believe, that the independent retailers are in a unique position to capitalise on this and the many other areas of outdoor pursuits for not just the specialist outdoor activists but for the so called weekend warriors too.
Promotional campaigns that are currently breaking from suppliers such as Merrell and TNF who are utilising taxis to draw city dwellers out into the countryside will certainly help, as will the growth in other outdoor activities such as Nordic Walking, Fell Running and so forth. (Each of these areas are to be covered in exclusive interviews that we have undertaken over the coming months).
Mountain Biking is another area that is proving popular for the weekend activist - and with money to burn on the right type of gear, our feature this month highlights that although many retailers may believe it is not an area for them to expand into, there are plenty of others who have already seen the synergy in product sales and are making a good profit from it. We are not in anyway suggesting that stocking the bikes is a way forward, but perhaps consider all the accessories, apparel, clothing etc - lines that you are probably already selling. Displaying them with a mountain bike theme can certainly help draw in the crowds, particularly over the coming weeks with Bike Week only just around the corner. (see pages 18-21).
On a final note, as we were going to press we heard that Gangotra’s distribution centre, offices and design studio in had burnt down. Luckily no-one was injured but the fire destroyed to two thirds of the company’s stock plus all computers and equipment were completely destroyed. Gangotra has relocated to a temporary address: Gangotra
Enterprises Limited, Sherwood House, High Church Street, New Basford, Nottingham, NG7 7JP. Tel: 0115 9424265 / Fax: 0115 9424404. The company is trading as normal but advises all customers to email contact details full postal address, telephone number and fax number to the email address. sales@gangotra.com.
Dawn Davison Editor
