Euro Surf News - September
ispo Russia and Surf Shop UK
It is, it claims, the UK’s leading trade event for the boardriding industry, and by all accounts this year’s Surf Shop Expo at Exeter kept the crowds happy. Taking place early last month, the expo played host to some of the industries biggest brands over three days. While exact attendee figures weren’t available as ASB went to press, the feedback from management and exhibitors certainly proved positive.
“The stand was busy the whole way through taking orders, everyone was extremely busy,” said Reef marketing manager Catherine James.
“Best show in Europe for hardwear,” said O’Neill wetsuits marketing manager, Daniel Macaulay.
Over the other side of the continent, ispo Russia’s summer show also found itself playing to a happy audience. More than 8000 attended the Crocus Expo Centre in Moscow over four days, visiting some of the 284 national and international brands on display.
Among others, boardsport specialists such as Vans, Lib Tec, Dragon, Sapient, Fanatic and F2 as well as renowned outdoor brands such as Columbia, BASK, Salewa, Red Fox, Marmot, Schöffel and Tatonka exhibited. And it looks like more is in store for next yea.
“We are going to expand the key account program further with our Russian partners, who have a very good network not only in the individual regions of Russia, but also in the neighbouring countries of Eastern Europe and Central Asia, to increase quality even more,” said Manfred Wutzlhofer, CEO Messe München GmbH. “In addition, we are going to expand visitor canvassing by collaborating with media partners from mass media all the way to sport trade and special interest magazines.”
ispo Russia summer 07 will take place from September 5 to 8, 2007.
Volcom Europe opening for business
The office building is under construction in Anglet’s new dedicated surf business park, the team is in place, and Volcom is readying for business under the auspices of its new European team, lead by former Swiss Volcom distributor, Bruno Gujère.
Developed in Europe by licensee Michel Gamay, the brand’s sales are estimated at about $30 million, with all European operations to be taken over by the Volcom Europe in the northern hemisphere by fall 2007. So far it appears few plans have been made for further development of stores in Europe – one store was recently opened in Hossegor – though the company has confirmed the renewal of its existing European distribution agreements.
When questioned by ASB on the new developments, Gujère regretfully refrained from comment, citing the usual “I’m sorry, we’re a public company now” mantra. “We’re super happy,” was all he would let slip.
VF Corp plans international expansion with new appointee
Looks like VF Corporation (The North Face, Vans, Reef) is set for a growth spurt with the appointment of Karl Heinz Salzburger to the new position of President of Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia. The appointment of Salzburger – formerly President for VF’s Outdoor Coalition – comes at a time when the global company is looking to accelerate revenue growth internationally.
“VF’s transformation to a growing, global lifestyle brand company is well underway and working and international expansion is a key component of this transformation,” VF Corporation President and COO Eric Wiseman told Surfers Village.
Salzburger will be responsible for VF’s European outdoor and jeanswear businesses on four continents.
New blood at ispo
Mick Wallace, former ispo boardsports head and the man behind ispo Russia, has appointed two new successors at ispo following his recent move to Quicksilver and Roxy.
David Badalec is set to step in to the lead role for ispo boardsports following three editions with the show giant. Meanwhile, Stefan Reschke will shoulder responsibility for ispo Russia after serving as exhibition director of ispo China. Next year’s February winter show will be the first to come under his management.
Nikita goes tech
Following five years of streetwear design, Icelandic board sports company, Nikita, will be adding a technical outerwear line to its upcoming autumn/winter range.
“With our strong relationship to snowboarding, the introduction of outerwear into our collection seems very natural and logical,” comments Nikita Clothing’s owner and designer Heida Birgisdottir. “We have been snowboarding for more than 15 years in the harsh conditions of Iceland, so we are confident that we can create performance outerwear that meets and exceeds even the highest standards.”
Creating a women’s specific snowboard range, the first ever Nikita Outerwear collection consists of four jackets and three pants. With varying levels of technical features, the higher end styles, such as the Sideways Sista jacket and pant include fully taped seams, waterproof zippers and great waterproof and breathability.
Check out www.nikitaclothing.com for more.
Happy Birthday Britain
The British Surfing Association celebrated its 40th anniversary last month with the help of a stunning photographic exhibition displayed at London’s British Surfing Museum.
The exhibition included 40 iconic photographs selected for their ability to capture the soul of British surfing over the past four decades. The images were shot by surf and photography legends such as Doug Wilson, Alex Williams and Paul Gill, their works standing alongside five historic surfboards ranging from ‘60s flower power to the latest Eco board created by the Eden Project.
The photographs will tour a few galleries in Britain before being auctioned off, with money raised from the sales going toward support of the GB surf team.
Surfing Europe takes two
Surfing Europe is releasing a completely revised and updated second edition in May 07, featuring a new Italian chapter, expanded information on Britain, the Channel Islands and Northern Island and new photography from Europe’s leading lensmen. Worth the 25 quid cover price.
Quik projected profit dips
A sluggish golf market has seen Quiksilver’s 2005 acquisition, Cleveland Golf (acquired alongside Rossignol), drag the company’s projected 4th quarter profit down by five percent.
The business will remain in the stable, however, with management expressing confidence at the potential of the brand and its future turnaround. Cleveland Golf is expected to contribute $150 million to group revenues during the current fiscal year.