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Welcome to the November issue of SGB - Sports and Outdoor.
You may have noticed on our cover – from last issue, in fact - we are now a media partner of buying group STAG. This agreement was made after much thought and discussion as one of the best ways to move the magazine forward, in conjunction with one of the most forward thinking buying groups in our industry. With that in mind, we are delighted to be working with STAG.
Editor's Choice
Each month, SGB – Sports and Outdoor Editor Jon Bruford looks at a new or innovative piece of sports or outdoor gear and puts it through its paces. First up is the Timex iControl watch.
Nike and Umbro agree deal
Sports giant Nike recently agreed a deal to buy British brand Umbro which will give shareholders just over 193 pence per share.
The deal values Umbro at £285million and the offer represents a 61 per cent premium on the last business day of trading before the approach was made public. Shares stood at 120 pence each on October 17.
mandmdirect.com bought out
In another high-profile buyout, mandmdirect.com has been acquired by TA Associates, a growth private equity and buyout firm, headed by former Tesco CEO Steve Robinson.
ispo – no small beer!
Another business year on the horizon and with that new calendar comes the list that has retailers rolling their eyes and sighing… trade shows. It used to be so simple, with one or two strong national events and a couple of regional alternatives thrown in for good measure.
Influx of new exhibitors for BETA International 2008
A host of new exhibitors will be at BETA International 2008, bringing with them fresh ideas to inspire visiting retailers.
Leading manufacturers and distributors will also be introducing new products at the three-day trade exhibition at the NEC, Birmingham on 17-19 February.
Regatta moves Christmas forward
Christmas has come early for buyers looking to take advantage of festive sunglasses incentives available from Regatta, one of the UK’s most recognised outdoor clothing brands. Outlets ordering before the end of January 2008 will receive a 10% discount off all immediate or forward orders for delivery in March 2008 for the Regatta Spring Summer sunglasses collection.
Davydenko To Switch To New Prince Ozone Tour
Nikolay Davydenko, the hard-nosed, gritty Russian tennis player whose world ranking soared from 20 to 3 after making the switch to Prince O3 racquet technology, has his sights set on a new O3 frame, the Ozone Tour, which he expects to pick up following the Masters Cup.
Umbro presents to key retail partners for 2008
In a presentation to its key retail partners under the arch of the new Wembley stadium last week, Umbro underlined its commitment to being a truly authentic football brand. Owners and buyers from some of Britain’s leading retailers heard how Umbro UK would deliver the brand to the high street for the Euro 2008 tournament year.
FSPA's REACH seminar to alert industry in December
The Federation of Sports and Play Associations alert the industry to the impact of the new (EU) REACH Regulation on suppliers of footwear and apparel.
First Mueller Sports Injury Centre opens
Bourne Sports in Stoke on Trent has become the first authorised Mueller Sports Injury Centre. The shop now contains a designated Mueller space, large enough to carry supports and braces as well as tapes, strapping and hot/cold packs across the Elastic, Neoprene and Hg80 ranges. The display area is supported with a colour television showing Mueller product presentations.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Burton goes online
Burton goes online at the end of October to sell apparel directly to the customers. In the focus are the textile sub-brands Mark XIII, iDiom and AK, that means the high valued clothing lines of the snowboard supplier. The Europe-headquarters in Innsbruck/Austria promises its retailers two things: Burton doesn’t want to experiment in making prices, and the core business hardware should stay out of the internet.
Nottingham Trent University to host 'talent camp'
Gifted children identified as potential sporting superstars of to morrow will attend a ‘talent camp’ at Nottingham Trent University after it was chosen as a regional academy aimed at helping to develop their core sports skills. The university will become one of just nine pilot Regional Multi-skills Academies (RMSA) across the UK as part of the Youth Sport Trust’s National Talent Strategy.
Winmau signs The Viper
Darts brand Winmau has announced the signing of the hugely talented Tony 'The Viper' Eccles.
Tony has been a darts professional since 1999 and has won over 22 World Professional Tour Titles, including the largest Darts Open in the World (the 2005 Dutch Open).
1000 Mile ties up Ladies' Cricket Team
1000 Mile Sportswear, official sock supplier to the ECB, is now supplying the Wales’ Ladies Cricket Team with its 1000 Mile Cricket socks. The socks were developed with the ECB with all England players wearing either the double layer ‘bowling’ sock, or the Wool Ultra ‘bat & field’ sock. The ladies are also being supplied with Maxim sports nutrition.
Rip Curl Girls return
This winter, The Rip Curl Girls Tour is back! The freestyle snowboard and freeski initiations tour, for girls only will visit the best European ski resorts between January and March 08.
Buff adds to range
Buff's wonderful range of multi-function headgear is welcoming a new addition to its range for 2008 with the Buff Headband. Designed and manufactured as a direct result of consumer feedback, Buff Headband offers the same improved wicking performance as their other Coolmax products but with less fabric bulk.
Trade Talk
Been there, done that, got the t-shirt. When it was first mooted that it might be timely to visit STAG and meet Ward Robertson, I wondered if there would be anything new to add to what I had written following my previous visit to see John Fisher, its founder, when I was last in Swindon in December 2000. Yes, Ward had replaced John, and the premises, although still in Swindon, has a new location.
Granger’s helps Nepalese porters
Proofing and aftercare experts Granger's is helping Nepalese porters and field workers to stay comfortable at altitude through an initiative set up with Community Action Nepal (CAN) and Community Action Treks (CAT).
Snowbaw looms in Scotland
The Snowbaw show will run from January 20-22nd 2008, and the organisers have arranged for the venue to be available to exhibitors for setup from the 19th.
New HI-TEC appointments
Following the company's recent appointment of Martin Binnendijk as their new European President, HI-TEC has reinforced its ranks with two promotions and a fresh face.
Merrell's jungle challenge
Ever fancied an exciting adventure through the jungle, but weren’t sure where to start? Merrell has the answer in the form of their exciting new race event The Merrell Jungle Adventure. Taking place from 22nd to the 29th February 2008, this unique challenge is set in the deepest jungles of Borneo where 12 teams of four will be challenged both physically and mentally as they compete in one of the most toughest and exhilarating outdoor experiences of their lives.
OTS and the Tent Show 2008
The organisers of the Outdoor Trade Show have announced the dates for their 2008 event. OTS 2008 will take place in Hall 2 at Stoneleigh Park, near Coventry over three days from 30th September – 2nd October.
North Face athlete Hawker sets record
The North Face-sponsored ultra-runner Elizabeth “Lizzy” Hawker successfully concluded her double feat of summiting Ama Dablam (6,848 metres/22,467 feet) followed by a world-record breaking run from Everest Base Camp to Kathmandu in just over three days.
AMG makes three appointments
Leading outdoor, snow and footwear supplier AMG Group has recruited three top planning and customer service staff.
The three new recruits, Szarita Pap, Dean McGhee and John Boyle join the company this month to strengthen its rapidly growing team.
Berghaus builds for growth in Germany, Austria and Scandinavia
Berghaus has signed new sales and distribution agreements for Germany, Austria and Scandinavia, as part of the brand’s strategy to grow its business across Europe.
byrdRench – a new kind of multi-tool
As multitools go the byrdRench doesn’t resemble any other pocket tool on the market. Unlike standard multitool fare it has a full-sized knife blade that opens/closes one handed and locks open like a real pocketknife. It also comes with a pocket clip and nylon sheath so if you’re a hang-it-on-a-belt-loop person or a clip-in-my-pocket-person, you’re covered.
Leatherman leads
First produced in 1982 Leatherman are universally recognised as the leading multi-tool brand. Always at the forefront of innovation, design and production quality, Leatherman tools are quite literally the best in the world. The Juice CS4 is from the incredibly popular Juice range of multi-tools which are smaller and more compact than the classic range.
Tool Logic's latest innovation
Tool Logic offers a range of multi-functional tools including the Firestarter tool (SRP £29.99), a one-handed operation which features a wet/dry magnesium alloy firestarter to easily light kindling so you can concentrate on keeping warm.
Wenger launches world's biggest Swiss Army Knife
Swiss Army knife manufacturer Wenger has produced The Giant Collector’s Knife – the world’s biggest ever Swiss Army knife which contains every single implement which has been designed by the company.
Winter Hiking
Kitting up for a first winter in the mountains can be daunting. Packs need to be bigger, boots stiffer, jackets thicker, and then there’s all that metalware to carry. It’s little wonder that the winter virgin often falls at the first fence. Yet it’s not really rocket science, and a few well-chosen words of advice will see many a first-timer stomping the snow-covered hills this winter, and will also win over a good loyal customer.
DMM Winter Climbing Equipment.
DMM is based in Llanberis North Wales in the UK, and is now the sole remaining dedicated manufacturer of Climbing and Mountaineering Equipment left in the UK. Originally better known for their range of Rock Climbing Equipment, DMM first ventured into winter gear in the early 90s with the launch of the then-revolutionary Predator Ice Tool.
Lowe Alpine's range for winter hikers
Lowe Alpine is working closely with WL Gore on the launch of its new Pro Shell line. The launch campaign features extensive advertising in the specialist titles over the winter, including a special promotion where for one month buyers of Lowe Alpine Pro Shell garments gain a free Petzl e-Lite head torch.
Granger's Treatments
It's at this time of year that we dig out our four-season boots in anticipation of a little snow and ice action in the hills. Unless you were very organised at the end of last winter, most of us will now be examining a pair of dirty boots with very dry leather. Don't despair, with the right treatments you can recover the situation.
HI-TEC boots
Apres Ski or extreme cold conditions.....aimed at everyone who requires an instantly comfortable all-rounder boot at a great price!
The HI-TEC Bozeman (SRP £60) is a fully insulated boot (200 grams of Thinsulate insulation) to temperature of -34 degrees celcius. This truly stylish Winter boot features a fully waterproof suede upper and has incredible flexibility like a hiking boot but offers protection from freezing temperatures, plus a deep winter traction outsole for even the snowiest of conditions.
Snugpak's Sasquatch Ideal insulation for winter walking
Tried and tested by the military, Snugpak's insulated Sasquatch jacket is suitable for extreme temperatures down to -10° C and is now available for the outdoor enthusiast that wants to keep warm while walking in winter time. The Sasquatch has a fully insulated permanent hood with a volume adjuster to ensure the snorkel follows your face and does not impair vision, two side zipped pockets and adjustable waist.
brasher's ProVolution pole
brasher's most technical pole to date, ProVolution is ideal for mountaineering, trekking and backpacking, especially in wintry conditions.
Berghaus has winter covered
For winter 2007, Berghaus has strengthened its collection with some great new products that will appeal to outdoor enthusiasts of all persuasions.
Result Performance
The Zhico Down Feel Winter Jacket SRP £60.00 from Result Performance is a Dexfil insulated garment that is perfect for winter walking conditions. Dexfil performance insulation gives extra warmth as well as being lightweight.
Merrell branches out into lifestyle
Merrell’s brand new Apparel range has taken the practical capabilities of outdoor wear and transferred these benefits into a lifestyle clothing collection.
Timberland Re-Boots for Christmas 07 with the Earthkeepers Boot
Think again for Christmas 07 as the iconic Timberland yellow boot takes on a new, more modern look and goes dark for the first time in its history.
Millet – Mountain by Experience
K Expert Jacket
New for 2007, Millet's award winning K Jacket has received a makeover. Millet's premier three layer Gore-tex Pro Shell jacket now features Micro Grid Backer technology, offering reduced weight, but improved comfort, breathability and abrasion resistance. The K Jacket also features stretch panels for maximum freedom of movement. Kevlar re-inforced shoulders, pit zips, two large chest/map pockets and a fully adjustable mountain hood.
Vango launches 2008 collection
Vango's 2008 collection includes much-loved favourites alongside updated product and pioneering new product.
The new range sees the return of the popular Force 10 series offering some of the most technical products in the market at some of the most competitive prices. F10 by Vango contains innovations such as the F10 Helium tent with a trail weight of just 900g (SRP £170 - £200).
Mitre's Sticky Fingers
These gloves are the ultimate accessory for rugby players in all areas of the pitch. With a vibrant green graphic on the back of the glove and a colourful, distinctive metallic silver grip in the palm, they are certainly eye catching. This latest fingerless offering is perfect for all conditions and the exclusive ‘Sticky Fingers’ silicone design on the palms enables the ultimate ball to hand grip.
Medallion - a leading player
The Medallion brand is now firmly established as the umbrella brand for all sportswear items in the Blue Max Group portfolio though historically, it has long been regarded as a leading player on the rugby wear field.
Power Suit training aid
Soup up training with the Power Suit, available in either shorts or vest (sold seperately), and available in small-medium-large-XL sizes. It's a simple idea, a vest and short combo with pockets to hold iron bars.
Canterbury sets standard
As the world’s largest rugby brand it is no surprise that Canterbury of New Zealand’s 2008 range of rugby product continues to set the standards both on and off the pitch.
Mitre Max impresses
As official ball supplier to the Federazione Italiana Rugby (FIR) for their club and Six Nations matches, Mitre continues to impress with yet another world class rugby product. The Max 460 is a professional quality match ball boasting patented G-Spin groove technology, the same innovative design used by the Italian National Rugby Team. It has a new ‘valve-in-seam’ system, specifically requested by some of the world’s top rugby players, ensuring superior weighting and balance and therefore improved flight stability.
PUMA Launches Evolution of v-Konstrukt Statement Concept
While often associated with football, PUMA's v-Konstruct II is finding favour with many pro rugby players. World Cup players Matt Tait (England) and Gordon D'arcy (Ireland) wear the boot, which is surely a telling endorsement.
Canterbury delivers downstairs
Canterbury’s range of underwear products is being heralded by men the length and breadth of the UK as the greatest invention of all time.
If there is one area of the body that men need to keep sweat free, bacteria free and ready for action it is the area that comes into contact with underwear – and thanks to the same revolutionary material that Canterbury uses for its range of BaseLayer products for professional athletes, that is now a reality.
Mitre Reload – see it to believe it!
The weirdest and most wonderful rugby ball you’ve ever seen – one way to keep you fit and your kicking straight!
With the unexpectedly useful performance of the England rugby team at the RWC the Mitre Reload ball is flying off the shelves at the moment as a wealth of Wilkinson wannabes try to hone their skills.
Canterbury's IonX a smash
Canterbury of New Zealand have developed a product over the last three years called IonX, in conjunction with scientists at Loughborough University, that has already caused a stir in world rugby. The shirts (worn by Australia , South Africa , Ireland, Scotland and Japan, as well as by England internationals Phil Vickery, Andrew Sheridan and Matt Stevens) are coated with an IonX liquid wash that, when it comes into contact with the skin, delivers ionic energy to the body through a negatively charged electromagnetic field.
Mitre's Mako snapped up
Mitre has re-launched the Mako rugby boot in their footwear range and has already been snapped up by professionals across the board.
Offering a wider and deeper fit around the foot, the Mako has been developed specifically to accommodate a rugby player’s build. Made from full grain leather, this boot also boasts a side framework attached to the lacing system providing additional lateral support.
Skins leads with technology
Skins are the undisputed market leader in the compression/therapeutic garment product category.
The BioAcceleration technology in Skins garments is an engineered gradient compression which applies balanced and accurate surface pressure over specific body parts. This triggers enhanced blood flow and increases oxygen delivery to working muscles.
PUMA launches Bodywear
PUMA has launched its Complete Bodywear Collection – the perfect solution for the active, sporty consumer. In true PUMA fashion, the Complete Bodywear pieces are just as stylish as they are athletic. The collection is offered in three categories – advanced, active, and authentic - each with different functions and benefits.
X-Bionic
X-Socks are well known for their revolutionary, climate regulating, prize-winning socks. With their ultimate aim being the health, comfort and performance of our whole body, and not just our feet, their award winning X-Bionic range is quickly becoming just as popular.
ODLO's high specification collection
The Evolution is ODLO's high specification collection with body mapping, which allows greater moisture dispersion, as a main selling proposition. Contoured, seamless and body hugging this technologically advanced range has silver ions inserted into the fabric to stop the bacteria created by sweating from developing and thus minimising the problems experienced with odour. Zip necks retail at £45; Crew necks at £40. Long pants at £40.
Canterbury's IonX
Canterbury of New Zealand have developed a product over the last three years called IonX, in conjunction with scientists at Loughborough University, that has already caused a stir in world rugby. The shirts (worn by Australia, South Africa, Ireland, Scotland and Japan, as well as by England internationals Phil Vickery, Andrew Sheridan and Matt Stevens) are coated with an IonX liquid wash that, when it comes into contact with the skin, delivers ionic energy to the body through a negatively charged electromagnetic field.
Nike’s Base Layers
Dri-FIT Crew LS Baselayer
RRP - £25
Content:
174g Dri-FIT UV Protective;
100% Polyester
Single Knit Flat Back Mesh
The Seven Silkbody Wonders
Why choose Silk Body?
1) Silkbody feels amazing against the skin because silk fibres are one of the finest and softest fibres in the world.
2) Silkbody will dry very fast on or off your body. Silkbody keeps your skin dry because the hydroscopic silk fibre will absorb one third of its own weight in water without feeling damp.
Canterbury Unveiled
Canterbury has been around since 1904, what's been the core of the brand in that time?
It started in New Zealand and it was because of all the sheep in the South Island. One of the first major orders was to kit out the All Blacks rugby team – we have in fact made their kit for 85 years.
PUMA unveils Poland away shirt for 2008
PUMA recently unveiled the 2008 away shirt of the Poland national football team, which they will wear at Euro 2008 next summer. Leo Beenhakker’s players hold the first position in qualifying Group A for Euro 2008 and have a great chance to qualify into the finals for the first time in their history.
PUMA unleashes Italy away shirt for 2008
World champions Italy recently unveiled their new away team shirt prior to their November 17 Euro 2008 qualifier against Scotland in Glasgow. The Squadra Azzurri was the first PUMA-sponsored national team to win the FIFA World Cup when it won last year in Germany and has been a PUMA-sponsored team since 2003.
It’s snow time with Mitre's Revolve snow ball
Help is at hand to brighten up British winter blues. Mitre, the official ball supplier to The Football League, has produced the Snow ball as the ultimate ball to play with in the white stuff!
Touchline Pro's portable dug out
Now even the smallest outdoor sports teams can benefit from shelter from our typical wet British weather with the amazing portable dug out from Touchline Pro. The Touchline Pro Dug Out is a fully portable shelter that can be assembled on the playing field in less than two minutes by one person without the need for tools.
Polar Electro introduces first activity watch
Polar Electro UK has introduced a new innovation in exercise – the AW200 activity watch. With the health of the nation high on the agenda this stylish watch allows you to monitor just how active your everyday life is. More than just a pedometer, this intelligent watch also measures the calories you burn and the intensity of your daily routine.
Arkwright - The Independent Voice
Through the summer we’d planned a refurbishment of the flat above the sports shop, or “apartment” as we refer to it for our holiday guests – sounds a bit more 'travel brochure'!
