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Intersport shines in the spotlight
Last month’s Intersport Q3 show included a number of key developments for the buying group, and was warmly welcomed by those in attendance. David Pittman reports from the show floor.
The Intersport Q3 show, held in the first week of January, was heralded as a major success.
Outgoing general manager Barry Mellis said: “From member and supplier feedback, we have just come out of our best show ever. The attendance and buzz around the two days has been exceptional, with brand offers and deals amongst the best available.”
Mellis’ replacement Tom Foley was in attendance, as were representatives from DW Sports, which was one of the main headlines to emerge from the show with DW Sports agreeing to join Intersport in 2011 (see panel p12).
They were in good company too, as Intersport said over 92 per cent of members, including its two latest, Adrenalin Sports and Cliff Roe Sports, attended the show.
The usual array of brands from numerous product categories were in attendance, such as Precision Training, Lotto, Reusch, Canterbury, Optimum, Gore, Ronhill, Salomon, Saucony,Unicorn, Zoggs, Top 2 Toe and Cybertill. Precision Training was showcasing its new ranges for goalkeeping, boxing and running, with national sales manager Dave Sanderson reporting strong interest from buyers walking the floor.
“Business was very good,” he said. “We had a good response to these three lines and took plenty of orders over the two days. We’re also launching three further lines in cricket, rugby and hockey this year, which we’re very excited about.”
Ronhill reported a strong response to its new product lines for 2011, notably its Vizion hi-viz range, with UK sales manager Jon Wild saying: “It went very well. The show allowed us to put products in front of retailers and showcase them.
“There are a number of people entering the running market with products that are eroding our market share, but being at the top of the industry means we’re there to be targeted and we’re working hard to make sure we stay at the top.”
Gore Running Wear made its debut at an Intersport show last month, and the company's Benjamin Washington said: “We’ve been chatting to people and making contacts; we’ve probably spoken to about a dozen or so people, so it’s not been crazy but it’s been busy.”
For more, see the February issue of SGB Sports, p10.
