Euro Surf News - November
Go east…
The surf industry is on the march in Russia. While known more for Eastern Block babes in minks than surf-crazed comrades on Mals, the growth potential of the populace nation is fast being recognized.
The Russian Association of Sports Industry Enterprises (RASIE) placed Russia’s sporting goods market at $1.7 billion in 2003, up from just $0.48 billion in 1994. That’s a growth of 20 to 35 per cent annually (minus the massive slump attributed the economic crisis of 1999 and 2000). Better news is RASIE’s prediction for further growth of up to $20 billion within the next decade or two.
Now that’s a lot of boardshorts.
To push the point, World Federation Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI) experts believe that between 2000 and 2015 the American, European and Japanese markets could incur increases of just 14, 42 and 17 per cent respectively. Contrast this with predictions for Russia, at up to 700 per cent predicted growth, and it’s easy to see where future interests lay.
Keen to catch the early train, ISPO launched their assault in September with the inaugural ISPO Russia. The objective was cultivation of a foreign and previously untapped market, and results - according to the company’s own statistics – have been positive: 309 national and international brands attracted more than six thousand visitors to the Moscow show, with stats suggesting a high percentage of companies will be returning for round two in February.
Also on board? Quiksilver. In a neat switcheroo, former ISPO exhibition director, Peter Knoll – the man behind ISPO’s launch in to Russia – has taken up the post of general manager Quiksilver Germany and Russia. A distribution deal between the surf giant and Russian company Trassa (distributor for Gotcha, among others) has already been signed, with Quik Northern Europe GM Jeff Bradburn revealing in an October interview the location search for a Russian flagship store is currently underway.
Black Sea surf trip, anyone?
Saving our seas… in skirts
Cross-dressing male surfers took a stand outside the European Parliament in Strasbourg last month, as the vote on new legislation that would better protect waterways from toxic household chemicals was taken.
The Surfers Against Sewerage (SAS) campaigners donned wigs and dresses to highlight the potential effects on human hormones of toxic waste in waterways.
Though the legislation is in its formative phase, early indications look good for a cleaner European water environment. Now if only we could get those boys out of their dresses…
Opening shop
Oakley Europe has begun construction on a 250-square-metre concept store in Paris. Following on the heels of openings in Barcelona, London and New York, the store will be located at the entrance to streetwear retail district, Les Halles. Opening is set for February.
Further south, French company Oxbow is in preparation for the roll out of a new store concept in France, starting with a 100-square-metre unit in Nice.
O’Neill’s multi-brand concept, boardstore, has made its presence felt in recent months. Reports in from Portugal and Amsterdam (and soon Rotterdam) suggest the stores are performing well and looking great. Aussie brands Insight and Cult feature among other international labels.