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OutdoorPreview - Show Stoppers
With only a few weeks to outdoorpreview, SGB Outdoor takes a closer look at the event, and why it makes sense for retailers to attend...
Outdoorpreview 2006, the OIA flagship event, takes place on the 4th - 6th July. Successfully launched in July 2005 at Birmingham's NEC, the show moves to Harrogate in 2006 taking full advantage of the town's unique character and facilities.
Set up as a showcase for the UK's outdoor leisure sector, and organised by your industry association, the OIA, outdoorpreview will have many leading brand names participating, giving progressive retailers an early opportunity to view, compare and even influence ranges for the coming year.
Commenting on the benefits of the show, Geoff Thomson, Buying Director, Graham Tiso Ltd, said in a press statement, "At last, a show in the UK that has relevance to my business"
Early in the season it may be, a positive move it certainly is. Be in no doubt that this show gives the UK's outdoor trade a progressive lead; but it is not change for change's sake - it is the development of years of planning and discussion and is the way forward for this dynamic and diverse sector. "Compare and contrast in one place, at one time" adds Rab Ferrell, Managing Director, Nevisport.
Feet first
Anatom’s, certified pedorthist Andy Blair has been selected by the Outdoor Industries Association to hold a seminar at this year’s outdoorpreview trade show, about one of the industry’s hot topics – footcare. Andy, is one of only eight fully qualified pedorthists within the UK and recently underwent an intensive training course and online distance learning at the University of Philadelphia, USA, to gain the prestigious accolade.
Anatom has supported Andy throughout his training, recognising the importance of footwear and boot fitting within any business. Anatom distributes an array of specialist brands including; Superfeet premium insoles, Smartwool performance socks and apparel and Bite orthotic sandals.
Within his hour long seminar Andy will discuss the benefits of training shop staff correctly about footwear fitting and how this can enhance your business. He will also give a brief introduction to the foot and why products like Superfeet are integral to having comfortable feet and reducing the amount of pain / stress felt by the body.
Commenting he said, "The switched on retailers in the outdoor business recognise the benefit of offering footwear customers a thoroughly professional level of service. This has been proven by stores achieving added sales from accessory products such as socks, footbeds and footcare products, in addition to increasing sales longer term from customer retention and referral."
The workshop will take place on Tuesday 4th July at 10.30 – 11.30 am.
Product debuts
Whilst the following information is only a taster of what you can expect to see on show at outdoorpreview, it underlines how important this year’s event is to the industry. Retailers who attend will certainly gain a head start on their competitors since there are a plethora of products that will be unveiled during the 3 day event, which are destined to make a profitable return.
Pacific Market International
The outdoors has never looked (or tasted) better than with the Stanley Outdoor Series, which is set to be unveiled by Pacific Market International (PMI) at Outdoor Preview 2006.With its ultra tough Powdura external finish and stunning olive green and orange livery, it looks streets ahead of the competition. Designed specifically for the outdoor enthusiast, the range combines the thermal benefits of vacuum insulation with the durability of steel.
RuffWear
RuffWear, outdoor dog accessory brand, is launching technical dog boots for autumn: think human running shoes with a nautical twist. Boasting Vibram soles, the leading human technical sole brand and durable, breathable nylon uppers, the ‘Bark n’ Boots Grip Tex’ look great whilst offering technical durability for maximum endurance.
Vibram, so impressed by the project, has opted to enter a joint marketing programme with the American company. The boots will now be sold in shoe boxes, much like our own, with red for boys, blue for girls, and catering for a pawwidth of between 2" and 3.75".
As if that is not enough, imagine a tent for dogs? The RuffWear Mutt Hutt, a smaller version of the full-sized, full-featured human tent, gives your dog his very own camping space. Features include a zip-dog-door, panels and rain fly. Pitched in an instant the Mutt Hutt is as easy to put up as an umbrella. Great for camping trips or for use by show dogs and service dogs. Being sent to the doghouse has never been such fun.
Gerber
A reliable torch is essential kit for hiking, biking, and any other outdoors activity you care to mention, and you’d be hard pressed to find one trustier than the top of the range Gerber LX3.0™ L.E.D. Flashlight.
Rosker
At a mere 69g (2oz) the new Primus Micron Ti 2.5 Stove will be the lightest backpacking LPgas stove in the world. It has an amazingly wind-resistant burner that produces a powerful, tightly focused flame that delivers a mighty impressive 2200W output. The titanium pot supports are collapsible and they give the Micron Ti 2.5 one of the smallest pack down sizes on the market. So small it will even fit into a shirt pocket!
The worldwide launch will occur at Outdoor Preview, where Primus President & Chief Designer, Joakim Gronvik, will be in attendance.
Premierlight
A premium range of innovative LED lighting instruments that are not only powerful, durable, have 5500x the lifetime of a traditional torch, but may even save your life.
These advanced, high performance LED torches are brighter and more powerful than incandescent torches and eliminate their common deficiencies such as dark spots, limited power and short bulb life.
Premierlight is the result of a Kent-based family firm’s 30 years of experience in optical products and their dedication to innovation, performance and simplicity: "I saw the need for a strong and reliable lighting instrument that’s lightweight and easy to use in the outdoors", comments John Vickers, Premierlight, Managing Director. "After years of perfecting the precision engineered designs, selecting the highest standard of materials, manufacturing by skilled technicians and implementing stringent quality control, I am absolutely delighted that our torches are now ready for the outdoor consumer to use and enjoy".
Buffera Ltd
With Outdoor Preview’s move to Harrogate, so Buffera moves to Hall B and stand B28. The Buffera stand, known for its relaxed and comfortable feel, will be the ideal place to take a moment and drink in 2006’s extended range. Original Buff is now available in over 100 gorgeous designs. Summer Buff and Visor Buff have sold extremely well through the spring and summer and with the addition of thermal proTM to the Polar Buff and Combi Buff ranges, and new lines, Cyclone Buff and Typhoon Buff, which comprise our new Buff innova range there will be plenty to see and consider for the Autumn Winter season. Buff is now truly a brand for all seasons and all sizes. Buffera will also be displaying its new merchandising unit and the latest edition of its, now famous, in-store DVD.
Merrell
The hottest news in outdoor footwear for ‘07 comes from Merrell, who continues to stride forward with new designs and technology and provide retailers with strong, exciting offerings across the brand. Women get a huge slice of the action with the launch of the Siren range, innovative newcomers to Merrell’s Outventure category.
A new addition to the Outventure Range is the Race collection which includes the Fanatic, Overdrive and Octane. Top of the range design, the Fanatic is a high performance, lightweight, full specification product which provides the ultimate support and comfort needed in a trail running, adventure shoe.
Those passionate about watersports will not be disappointed either, with Merrell’s launch of the new Oasis range which includes 2 new models – the Hydro and the Vapour. Both sandals are for adventurous outdoor athletes who spend much of their time in and around water and need durable, lightweight and technically designed products which provide full protection for the foot with this end useage.
Richard Codgbrook, Marketing Manager for Merrell UK commented, "We are extremely pleased with next year’s offering to retailers and once again Merrell has produced something which is genuinely exciting and newsworthy for the industry and untimately, the consumer. We are really looking forward to see in the reaction to the launch of these new ranges at both Harrogate and Friedrichshafen this summer".
Mag-Lite
Launching at this year’s Outdoor Preview Show, is the new and unique range of Mag- lite LED. Having already established the standard in incandescent torches against which all others are judged, Mag-Lite’s quest was to produce an LED torch with not only extended battery life, but also the same durability, reliability and superior performance for which Mag-Lite are renowned. Despite the need to incorporate new technology, Mag-Lite has managed to keep its familiar iconic shape, which is recognised the world over.
Allcord Limited
C5 is the stand to visit for the UK first-viewing of some of the most innovative new products for the specialist climbing and trekking markets. Newcastle-based Allcord Limited generally does show many interesting new lines. This year is no exception with product launches from their leading brands: C.A.M.P., Acopa, Pad, Lost Arrow and Kayland.
Other Allcord brands include Millet ropes and climbing shoes; TSL head torches, trekking poles and snowshoes; Tefal non-stick cookware, as well as Allcord’s own-brand AC leather boots, socks and accessories.
Lyon Equipment
Talking about what would be on show at outdoorpreview, director of marketing and sales, Frank Bennett said, "Harrogate's outdoorpreview offers a great platform for launching our partnership with Grangers. Their reputation for producing the most innovative waterproofing and maintenance products sits perfectly with our other brands, which have all become technical leaders in their individual market sectors."
Other Lyon brands that will also be well to the fore at Harrogate will be. Petzl - A major new release from Petzl. The new lighting product will debut at Harrogate ahead of its European release at Friedrichshafen at the end of July.
Hi Gear
The hot news for the industry this season comes from Hi Gear as the company prepares to tell one of its biggest stories to the trade. The project which has been months in development will be unveiled at Outdoor Preview in Harrogate and is one of Hi Gear’s most important developments this century. Keeping the news very closely guarded, Chris Sproson at Hi Gear commented, "We are really looking forward to announcing this significant development to the Trade when we get to Harrogate and all will be revealed at a special launch for the press and key retailers on Tuesday 4 July".
