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Fjällräven
With names like Primus and Hanwag in their stable among many others, Rosker is firmly established in the outdoor market. Now they’re taking on the UK distribution for Fjällräven, and hoping they can bring their magic touch to what is a really practical-looking line incorporating jackets, trousers, fleeces, backpacks and a lot more. Ralph explains to SGB what they will be focussing on for the first 12 months – and also on this spread, we present a range of Fjällräven’s ‘staples’ so you can get a good idea of what this trusted brand can add to your shop…
ACCAPI – NEXUS ENERGY SOURCE
Recently, SGB Outdoor attended the launch for Accapi in the UK, and saw a very interesting presentation which was mentioned in the editorial column a couple of issues back. The presentation involved the company’s ‘Photonizer’, a drinks sleeve which uses Nexus Energy Source fabric to apply infra-red energy to liquids, and also a demonstration of the immediate effect skin contact with Nexus has on basic core strength. It was bizarre – and the room was filled with a reasonably cynical group of journalists. We all left puzzled, impressed and certainly intrigued.
Freedom - The Outdoor Buying Group
STAG is very, very well known as a buying group for the sports retail trade, not so well known for its work in the outdoor arena. While the company has a perfectly reasonable number of outdoor stores (85 of a total of 460 members) under its wing, it's not even close to its reach in the sports industry. That's partly why joint MDs Ricky Chandler and Ward Robertson have rebranded their outdoor arm with a view to increasing their outdoor membership. They spoke with SGB Outdoor and explained the whys and wherefores...
Basic Instinct
At the risk of repeating ourselves, even the best waterproof in the world won't keep its hard-walking wearer dry if it's worn over the wrong layers. Sure, it'll keep the rain out, but that's only part of the problem and most people who complain about getting wet out on the hill are actually getting wet from the inside out, rather than the other way around.
Garmin
Marine, Outdoor, Fitness, Automotive, and Aviation - the five fields Garmin enjoy great success in. Fitness has taken time to build because of the strength of competition, but in most areas, Garmin have been among the first (if not the first) to establish sat-nav technology. They're a creative company, always innovating and pushing the boundaries of what they do, and runners, hikers, seafarers, pilots and drivers love them.
New Brand on the Block
Their trail running shoes are hardy, well-constructed and double up nicely as walkers; the hiking boots look the absolute business. They've paid great attention to launching with the right products for the right customers, and it should stand them in good stead as they embark on their first full year as a footwear company.
Timberland
Often imitated, Timberland's classic wheat-coloured boot is one of the most recognisable pieces of footwear you can buy. But the brand, which started out with an outdoors-focussed identity, has found itself mainly occupying the High Street in recent years. Paul is determined to restore its place in the outdoor market, as he explains to SGB.
