Sports Trader Q3 2019

Southern Africa’s business-to-business magazine for the sport, outdoor and leisure industries • Vol 40 No 3 • Q3 2019

New retail chains to benefit industry A good and bad year for the tackle trade Rugby World Cup: Japan is sports brand land

Vol 40 Nr3 Q3 2019

Regulars

On the cover

Publisher: Nicol du Toit Editor: Carin Hardisty Managing editor: Trudi du Toit Features: Carin Hardisty, Trudi du Toit Design: Carin Hardisty, Trudi du Toit Photography: Nicol du Toit Advertising: Nicol du Toit Subscriptions: Carin Hardisty Printing: FA Print Distribution: InsideData Sports Trader is published quarterly

by Rocklands Communications cc.

Reg. No: 1997/057165/23.

Members: N. J. & G. C. du Toit & C. Hardisty

Contact details:

PO Box 12197 Mill Street 8010 22 Rocklands Avenue, Vredehoek, Cape Town 8001 Tel: 021 461 2544 Fax: 021 461 2549 Website: www.sportstrader.co.za Facebook: SportsTraderMagazine Twitter: @SASportsTrader Blog: sasportstrader.wordpress.com Advertising: nicol@sportstrader.co.za Editorial: trudi@sportstrader.co.za Subscribe: carin@sportstrader.co.za Publication information: The title and contents of Sports Trader are protected by copyright. It is a business to business publication compiled to inform, entertain and educate retailers, distributors and manufacturers of sports and outdoor equipment, footwear and clothing. It is available only to members of the sport, outdoor and activewear industries and is published quarterly. © Rocklands Communications.

News about people in the industry.

RWC: Japan is sports brand land

Brands on the move

The state of the fishing market

News about brand activity in the industry.

Why sock features matter

Sport news

Exciting retail chain growth

News from sports brands in the industry.

Industry

11 12 13 14 24 36

1721 Distributors’ first year

The South African distributor of Fila celebrates its first birthday in stylish new premises.

Mr Tekkie’s founding bus trip

A year ago a bus trip gave birth to the new Mr Tekkie footwear chain.

26 30

The state of the fishing industry

Retailers found the past year very tough, but suppliers didn’t do too badly. But import statistics indicate higher prices and lower demand.

Fishing show winners in SA

Many of the award-winning brands at this year’s international fishing trade shows are available in South Africa.

Independent retailer Footgear turns the table by acquiring the Edgars Active retail chain..

Company results

International clothing and footwear brands have grown sales during the first half of the year.

W.E.T. Sports got is right for 35 years

The distributorship that sells mainly to independents have managed to successfully grow sales, product categories and their client base.

Global news

Apparel and footwear

20 22

Outdoor

Footgear buys Edgar Active

International news, including sales of sporting goods across the world; which products are affected by the latest Trump tariffs, etc.

16

Highlights:

Photo: Trudi du Toit.

Retailers in the outdoor and footwear industries have come to appreciate Rocky as the supplier of quality performance sandals for adventurers.

The brand now offers a truly South African range of locally made genuine leather ankle boots and vellies that should appeal to all adventurous and style conscious customers.

The Wilder, Gunnar and Kaine ranges are available in various colour ways.

For trade enquiries and to hear more about this exciting range contact Crown Footwear on 031 700 1601.

4 6 41

People on the move

www.sportstrader.co.za

Sandals for summer wear

In the current economic climate sandals will have to multi-task by offering performance features in fashion styles.

What sets sock brands apart

There are big differences between the features of the various sock brands.

A sock for every sport

The requirements for running socks are very different to socks used for hiking or cycling. Find out why.

For some the past year in the tackle trade had been ‘surprisingly good’, for others ‘extremely tough’. See p26.

32 33 34

Fishing companies change names Some well-known fishing companies now have new names.

A new outdoor chain sells brands The new Expedition North franchise chain will mainly sell goods from well-known brands.

Outdoor news

A news round-up from suppliers and resellers of outdoor goods.

Sport

38 40 42 45

RWC: Japan known for top brands Many of the well-known sports brands come from Japan, or have their headquarters there.

Karakal & Ashaway’s new supplier

Racket brands Karakal and Ashaway have found a new distributor in South Africa.

Selling next to the pool

How does selling and marketing directly to consumers affect the retail trade?

Product knowledge: dart barrels What are the important features to keep in mind when selling darts?

Trade shows

Footgear is set to become one of the major footwear chains after acquiring Edgars Active. Read more on p13.

48

Event and trade show news News from local and international events and trade shows.

People on the move

p4 :: Industry

Ping signs young SA champ PING HAS signed Wilco Nienaber, one of South Africa’s most promising young golfers, who recently made his professional debut on the European Challenge Tour. Opal Sports is the local distributor of Ping and Nienaber has been signed with them locally for a few years as well, but now he’s signed by the brand internationally.

The 19 year old is said to have one of the longest drives in the game.

During his amateur career, he won 21 titles, including this year’s SA Amateur Championship. He also represented South Africa in the World Amateur Team Championships last year and retained his number one ranking, even though he was still busy finishing school at Grey College, which put certain constraints on his playing time.

Nienaber was also the first South African to be the leading qualifier at Royal Aberdeen and Murcar Links in the strokeplay

portion of the Amateur Championship in 2018. He has been a member of the GolfRSA National Squad since 2015, when the squad was founded.

Above: Wilco Nienaber (middle), his father Willem and Brad Vilas (right) of Opal Sports with the SA Amateur Championship trophy. Photo: supplied.

Timea Babos and Ashleigh Bartos celebrate their wins at the 2019 French Open. Photos supplied.

Fila-wearing WTA players in top rankings for US Open FILA-WEARING Ashleigh Barty, Australia’s #1 Women’s Singles player and #1 seeded player at the 2019 Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati, remains at #2 in the WTA ranking after failing to reach the final in Cincinnati, leaving Naomi Osaka as #1 in the WTA rankings. Barty moved to the World #2 spot after winning her maiden Grand Slam singles title at the French Open this year and if she reached the finals in Cincinnati she could have earned the top spot in women’s tennis going into the forthcoming US Open in New York (starting August 26th), the final Grand Slam event of the year.

Barty is wearing the special-edition P.L. Rolando Collection, which is a modern version of FILA’s first creative director Pierluigi Rolando’s archival sketches dating back to the early 2000s. She plays with the Head Graphene 360 Speed racket.

Another FILA WTA player, Karolina Pliskova from the Czech Republic, is currently ranked #3 in the world as well as in Cincinnati and was

Sports Trader :: 2019 Q3

also a contender for the World #1 spot if she had not been eliminated in the quarter finals.

She is a former #1 world ranked player and Her racket of choice is the Babolat Pure Drive.

Last year’s winner in Cincinnati, Kiki Bertens, recently switched her clothing and footwear sponsor from Mizuno to FILA. The Netherlands champion was ranked #5 at the tournament this year, but lost to Venus Williams in the Round of 16.

FILA’s Timea Babos in June won her second Grand Slam title of the year at the French Open, which earned her the #2 WTA World doubles ranking. For most of 2018 she was ranked #1 in World doubles after she and her partner Kristina Mladenovic started the year with a victory at the Australian Open.

Babos plays with a Yonex VCore racket.

Other women in the WTA Top 100 rankings who wear FILA are Kateryna Kozlova, Sofia Kenin, Margarita Gasparyan, Laura Siegemund and Alison Van Uytvanck.

ESPY Best Female Golfer SKECHERS AND PING golfer Brooke Henderson was honoured at the Excellence in Sports Performance Awards (ESPYs) with the Best Female Golfer award. Other nominees for the award included world #1 Sung Hyun Park and #2 Jin Young Ko. The 21-year old Henderson won her ninth LPGA Tour title in June, making her the Canadian golfer with the most major tour wins ever (be it male or female), and is currently ranked #8 in the world.

She currently plays with Ping’s G400 clubs, locally available from Opal Sports.

“This phenomenal athlete hasn’t just broken Canada’s history books — she’s done it in record time with four straight years of multiple titles in the majors, winning all of her victories in the last couple of years in Skechers GO GOLF,” says Skechers president Michael Greenberg. “Her talent and confidence on the green has made her an icon for the sport, an inspiration to golfers everywhere and an incredible ambassador for our brand. We’re thrilled to congratulate her on this well-deserved honour, and we look forward to seeing what’s next for this legend in the making.”

Skechers is locally distributed by Brandfolio.

The ESPYs celebrates the highest-achieving individuals and teams in sports, spotlighting the year’s most popular athletic icons, and winners are voted on by both professionals and fans.

Henderson turned professional in December 2014. The next year she won her first LPGA Tour event (Cambria Portland Classic) and successfully defended it in 2016. She joined the Skechers Performance team in 2016 and the same year she became the second youngest player to win a major at the 2016 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and represented Canada at the 2016 Olympic Games.

She became the first Canadian to win the Lotte Championship in 2018, as well as the first Canadian in 45 years to win the national championship at the CP Women’s Open.

Advertorial :: p5

launches exclusive basketball Grant Hill range THE LEGENDARY American NBA Hall of Fame basketball player Grant Hill is world famous and chose to align himself with the Fila brand.

He is currently a host of NBA TV's Inside Stuff and during his professional career in the National Basketball Association (NBA) he played for four teams: the Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, and Los Angeles Clippers.

Hill was the 1994 ACC Player of the Year, a two-time NCAA All-American, and a two-time NCAA champion. As a professional he was the 1995 NBA co-Rookie of the Year, a seven-time NBA All-Star, five-time All-NBA selection, and three-time winner of the NBA Sportsmanship Award.

He was also inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.

Hill was widely considered to be one of the

best all-around players in the game, often leading his team in points, rebounds and assists.

Touted as one of the best players in Duke history, many went as far as to say that he was one of the greatest collegiate basketball players of his era. After his first six seasons with the Pistons he averaged 21.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 6.3 assists.

On June 1, 2013, after 19 years in the league, Hill announced his retirement from the NBA. With Tony Ressler, Hill purchased the Atlanta Hawks on June 24 2015 for $850-m.

He is a true philanthropist, who spends most of his time working on social programs uplifting disadvantaged kids by reconstructing basketball courts and promoting of Fila basketball.

Recently, Fila signed a lifetime deal with Hill — the proven on and off the court champion.

More than two decades after he first joined the Fila family, he reunited with the brand for the development of his limited edition signature range.

To celebrate this true heritage legend, Fila South Africa has imported a limited range of Grant Hill apparel and footwear for November, which will be sold through limited retailers.

Winter 2020 will see the main launch of the Heritage Grant Hill basketball range, as well as the Fila basketball collection, inclusive of footwear, apparel and accessories.

Enquiries 1721 Distributors (Fila South Africa) Tel: 011630-4000 marketing@1721.co.za.

p6 :: Apparel & Footwear

Brands on the move

Ayanda Thabethe wears LQDCELL

The Speedy Orbiter

TV PERSONALITY and model Ayanda Thabethe is the face of the latest PUMA LQDCELL Shatter trainer, “designed for the bold female athlete, who shatters every stereotype in the gym, the streets, and everywhere in between,” says the brand.

LQDCELL is a versatile technology, which works in different ways, depending on the benefits required by the athlete. Soft, yet sturdy, hexagonal cells compress and work together with PUMA’s foams to keep you steady while working out.

“Consumers will experience heightened stability and a comfort needed from start to finish for any kick ass workout.”Its unique midsole shape offers stable cushioning and energy return in a lightweight package, while the internal heel counter provides additional heel support for training movements.

The technology and energetic design shatter stereotypes, while offering various benefits

PUMA’S LATEST running shoe, SPEED Orbiter, combines cushioning and responsiveness features with the use of Hybrid Foam - a combination of the brand’s Ignite Foam and NRGY bead technologies.

A 3D-engineered propulsion plate that offers a reflex toe-off and the maximum traction and durability offered by the DIN40 performance rubber outsole, the shoe is true to its name. The outsole is also built for stability and a smoother gait cycle transition.

The knitted upper creates a sock-like feel for added comfort.

The mens’ style (above) weighs 340gm and the women’s 275gm.

like stable cushioning, provided by the LQDCELL midsole, energy and support. PROFOAM offers immediate cushioning and energy return in a lightweight package and an internal heel counter provides additional heel support for training movements.

African Sun inspired Sundowns’ kit

PUMA shows its first Manchester City kit THE FIRST Manchester City home and away kits the brand created pay homage to the city’s industrial and cultural heritage, says PUMA. Earlier this year, PUMA signed a longterm partnership with City Football Group, which owns Manchester City, Melbourne City FC, Girona FC, Club Atlético Torque and Sichuan Jiuniu FC. “The home kit (above) draws inspiration from Manchester’s industrial heritage, celebrating the true grit, fight, and character that emerged from the cotton mills of Manchester. The woven jacquard wave pattern, running through the shirt, is a visual representation of the looms which were integral to the industrial revolution in Manchester. The iconic City blue is highlighted with purple, a colour previously used in historic club away kits, and is used on the home shirt for the first time.”

The away kit on the other hand celebrates the city’s Madchester years: “a period of extraordinary cultural activity in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The kit is directly inspired by former nightclub, The Haçienda, which was once an epicentre for emerging music, bands, DJs, and artists. Using black colour as a base, this away kit features yellow stripes on the left shoulder: a reference to The Haçienda’s iconic graphic identity.

Additional peach and City blue pops create a colourful representation of this legendary cultural icon that was the heartbeat of the city.”

“The partnership between Manchester City and PUMA goes beyond football. We want the club’s global fans and local Mancunians to all feel invested in this, and it starts with combining our very creative kit designs with authentic stories from Manchester’s history and music scene,” says Adam Petrick, PUMA’s Global Brand Marketing Director.

There is also a range of stadium, team- and fanwear.

Sports Trader :: 2019 Q3

UNDER AFRICAN SUN, Mamelodi Sundowns’ new home and away kit, “takes inspiration from the blazing African Sun which beats down on the stadiums where these stars rock our world,” says PUMA, the club’s official kit supplier.

PUMA’s moisture wicking dryCELL technology in the jersey draws sweat away from the skin to keep the body dry during the game.

Both replica and fan wear are available.

“In addition to the blazing African Sun, PUMA puts the fan culture at the heart of the 2019/20 campaign with short videos featuring live gig-style posters of Mamelodi Sundowns players wearing the new Home and Away kits, accompanied by background beats,” says PUMA. “Playing football in a stadium is like performing live on stage at a music concert, with both sets of performers feeding on the energy from the chanting crowd,” says PUMA South Africa Marketing Director Brett Bellinger.

PUMA AC Milan Third Kit THE THIRD AC Milan kit was released last week, and it takes inspiration from the founder of the club, Herbert Kilpin. It features a bold, graphical representation of the club’s famous founding statement by Kilpin, who described the club colours as: “we’re going to be a team of devils. Our colours will be red like flames and black like our opponents’ fear!” The design is symbolic of the youth and energy of the AC Milan squad.

DryCELL in the jersey will keep players cool and dry.

Advertorial :: p7 Adriana Lima wears apparel and footwear from the LQDCELL collection, including the LQDCELL Shatter XT training shoes.

I

n recent years of functional training footwear development, the industry has certainly come full circle with regards to the experimental phase — changing through the various densities and materials to formulate a product that not only works to suit the purpose, but also looks modern, stylish and futuristic. The introduction to LQDCELL technology in our current range of performance and training footwear is nothing short of amazing and certainly stands out in a bold way.

The LQDCELL Tension, a men’s specific training shoe, has a flexible heel counter — to accommodate diagonal motion during functional training — with a straight last outsole.

The mid-sole is made up of 3 different densities of LQDCELL technology. The softer of the 3 is the stand out visual feature on the shoe which looks like transparent polyurethane material. This blend of PU is in fact Cell technology that is heated and then compressed into its purist form. The Tension also provides a wider fit upper across the toe box. The lacing system uses a flat lace to avoid irritation across the bridge of the foot during long, more intense use of the shoe. The upper holds a modern breathable mesh and seamless finish with the lining of the upper very well padded — without adding much weight to the shoe. The tongue

above the bridge has a thin sock lined material to provide extra fit in comfort.

The LQDCELL Shatter XT oozes sophistication with the way it’s designed. The launch colour is a bold white upper, with a hint of yellow and coral pink in the mid-sole. The colour tone combination really does set this style apart from all the others. The LQDCELL Shatter XT sports a silhouette that creates an illusion of being a slip on with no laces, which also adds to its intriguing design allure.

The upper is made from a lightweight breathable mesh specifically contoured for functional training support. It holds a combo of heat bonded and selectively stitched detailing to add to its unique aesthetic detailing. The Shatter XT provides an external flexible heel counter while the outsole has a non-marking rubber tread around the front of the fore foot area and outer heel ground contact area.

To round off, PUMA have definitely pieced together innovative and brilliant functional training shoes with aesthetically pleasing designs that will have every fitness fanatic out there wanting more.

For trade enquiries contact PUMA on Tel: 021 551 0832 or info-southafrica@puma.com.

Lewis Hamilton in LQDCELL apparel and footwear, including LQDCELL Tension training shoes.

p8 :: Apparel & Footwear

Skechers won four awards with Hyper Burst technology HYPER BURST has already earned Skechers’ running shoes four editorial awards this year: Outside magazine chose the GOrun Razor 7 Hyper as its Gear of the Year and the GOrun Razor 3 Hyper was Runner’s World’s Editor’s Choice in its Best new running shoes article at the beginning of the year. The Maxroad (below) won Shape and Runners’ World awards.

The foaming process that’s used to make Hyper Burst creates spherically-shaped cells in a tight format. “This is the lightest and most resilient midsole foam that Skechers Performance has offered to date,” says the brand. “The unique cell structure is unlike most other EVA foams on the market today.”

“As the awards keep coming in, it’s clear that runners and editors have fallen in love with our collection of performance shoes featuring our innovative Hyper Burst cushioning,” says Michael Greenberg, president of Skechers. “We will continue expanding the range of products featuring this groundbreaking technology to make it accessible, so more runners can find it in their favourite style to experience for themselves. Now with Skechers GO RUN Maxroad 4 Hyper added to the line, we look forward to hearing the feedback from runners who need that total cushion for comfort and support on long distance runs.”

The Maxroad 4 Hyper is designed for long runs, including marathons and ultra-marathons. In addition to the Hyper Burst midsole, the shoe features a breathable compression knit upper for a sock-like fit that also offers multi-zone stretch and is designed to stretch and provide structure and durability, as and where needed. It has flex grooves in the forefoot for flexibility and Skecher’s MStrike technology that promotes a midfoot strike for natural motion and greater efficiency.

GOrun impresses at outdoor shows SKECHERS’ GORUN Maxroad 4 Hyper road running shoe stood out so much at the recent Outdoor Retailer show that it received editorial awards by both Shape and Runners’ World magazines as their Best of Outdoor Retailer and Editor’s Choice Outdoor Retailer pick respectively.

“We’re suckers for running sneakers with that soft, sock-like knit upper and these are a beautiful pair on the brand’s bouncy and responsive cushioning technology,” says Shape. “For a smooth, neutral run with a featherlight feel, slip in, lace them up and head out.”

“We liked this because it’s so widely appealing,” adds Runner’s World. “Like the current version, the Maxroad 4 is a lightweight, well-cushioned trainer (the Max in its name is for max cushioning). But this model gets the company’s Hyper Burst midsole. The material is produced with some fun science (plasma!) to create a platform that’s responsive and cushioned yet weighs less than a traditional EVA foam.”

David Weinberg, Skechers COO, President Michael Greenberg and CFO John Vandemore celebrates the 20th Anniversary of Skechers listing on the New York Stock Exchange.

Photo: NYSE.

Skechers celebrates 20 years as a public company JULY MARKED Skechers’ 20th year as a public company. “It’s wonderful to be back on the floor of the stock exchange ringing the bell for the third time — after going public and returning for our 10th year as a public company, being here again brings back many memories,” says Skechers president Michael Greenberg.

In the years since going public, its annual sales have grown from $424.6-m to $4.64-bn, and by the end of 2018, Skechers was the #1 brand in walk, work, dress casuals and casual lifestyle footwear in the US, according to SportsOneSource.

Recently Skechers celebrated the relaunch

Sports Trader :: 2019 Q3

of its heritage D’Lites collection and its 3000th retail store, and has won awards for its GOrun products from Runner’s World and Outside magazines.

Over the years a host of celebrities have represented Skechers, from Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Matt Dillon, and Robert Downey Jr, to Camila Cabello, Brooke Burke, Sugar Ray Leonard, Tony Romo, and of course Meb Keflezighi, Matt Kuchar and Brooke Henderson.

“We’ve had incredible milestones as a brand,” says Greenberg. “From our first store in Manhattan Beach in 1995, to our first Times Square store in 1997. The year we reached our

The Shaq basketball shoes for kids KIDS NOW have the chance to step into the size 22 shoes of Shaquille O’Neal. The Shaq by Skechers collection, developed in collaboration with the basketball star, is the first-ever Skechers Kids athletic footwear designed especially for the basketball court.

“I think kids are going to love the way the new styles look, and they’ll love playing in them even more,” says O’Neal. “These boys and girls might not be dunking yet, but I can’t wait to see them posting up!”

“This all-new children’s basketball collection is an important addition to our offering, so it’s only fitting that we’re launching with the help of one of the biggest and best players in NBA history,” says Skechers president Michael Greenberg.

“Fans everywhere continue to enjoy Shaq’s enthusiasm for the sport, so we know kids will be excited to wear his shoes while on the court or at play. We couldn’t ask for a better ambassador to help us bring athletic footwear to elementary and middle schoolers in a new and exciting way.”

The core styles are available in three colourways on the leather and knitted uppers, paired with lightweight midsoles and rubber outsoles for grip and durability. The midheight sneakers feature a lace-up closure, with one of the styles offering a wide single strap for an easy, adjustable and snug fit.

Every style includes the Shaq by Skechers mark and iconic dunking Shaq logo.

The 2.16m (7’ 1”) O'Neal is considered by some as one of the most dominant basketball players in history, on and off the court, due to his larger-than-life personality that attracts a huge global fan base. O'Neal won three consecutive championships during his 19-year professional basketball career.

He is one of only three players to win the MVP, All-Star game MVP and Finals MVP awards in the same year.

The Skechers Kids’ range is available in South Africa in X-Kids stores. first billion dollars in annual sales in 2005, and when our international sales became more than half of our total business just a few years ago.

“How collections like Twinkle Toes and SLights have brought joy to generations of children. And how we’ve gone from Britney Spears on the cover of Forbes magazine in Skechers Energy, to a star-studded line-up of global celebrities and athletic legends telling the world about our product — including the popular Skechers D’Lites and Skechers GOwalk.

“It’s been an amazing ride for Skechers, but this is just our first 20 years as a public company, and there’s so much more to come.”

Advertorial :: p9

S

ince the early '90s, Bronx has always been known as a tough and rugged brand of footwear at affordable price points. Our Winter 2020 range captures the essence of Bronx ranges from the '90s with some injected nuances inspired by today's environment. The modern man wants something practical that suits just about every occasion. From that coffee date to breaking business deals. He needs something he can rely on that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. We've selected some key styles from Winter 2020, which we believe best epitomize our DNA and today's man in his urban environment.

To achieve comfort, durability and practically in our footwear. We have utilized an array of materials, which include antique leathers with natural marks and scratches to provide originality and raw genuine leather feel.

Suede for softness and a combination of meshes and pylon to achieve lightness on the more the active product.

We are currently booking deliveries on this range for early next year. Contact your Bronx agent or Marc Lailvaux (021 590 7117) to reserve your shipment.

The Bronx team, from left to right: Fahiem Frizlar, Marketing manager, Gordon Gassert, Product development manager, and Marc Lailvaux, Sales Manager.

Tough. Rugged. Affordable.

The Bronx Winter 2020 range Influenced by the South African lifestyle of being outdoors whenever possible, the A-Town boot and shoe (left) offer good looks and aggressive styling. They can be worn with just about anything.

The oily leathers on the upper offer a pull-up effect creating an antiqued, worn-in look. All the leathers we use are made locally in Cape Town to suit the local guys who appreciate the feel of a genuine quality leather boot.

The imported Italian sole has a subtle antiqued look as well which, combined with the upper, creates very stylish and handsome footwear.

The shoe’s collar is padded for a snugger fit and added comfort around the ankle and we have used d-rings for easier lacing.

The Neo lace up (left) and gusset boots (below right), both of which have gotten a facelift, are inspired by the fast pace of life.

Their uppers are also made from an oily leather that give a slightly worn-in look, but they can still be worn as smart boots with chino’s or smart jeans.

The soles have a sleek yet aggressive profile and the cleats underneath are wide-set allowing for amazing flexibility and comfort as well as being fairly lightweight.

The inner sock is padded for comfort as well so between the padded sock and comfort flex of the sole these are very appealing boots that, due to the nature of the leather, will look even better after a few weeks of wear.

In addition, the lace up boot also has round laces with a lightly waxed finish, which complements the oiliness of the upper.

The elastic gussets on the other style have a heavy weave, giving the boot a stronger personality.

A boot inspired by the WWII combat boot, we have used a suede leather upper to give the Delta lace up boot (left) a warmer appeal with some

brush-off leather on the back that creates an antique, worn-in appeal. Due to the nature of the upper leathers this boot will age well and take on it’s own look through wear and tear.

The lightweight, flexible sole that we used also has a gnarled worn-in look to it, thus complementing the upper leathers. The sole tread pattern is a unique combination of both fashion and military tread patterns.

We have added not one but two zips to this boot thereby making it unnecessary to tie the laces more than once! Just unzip one or both sides of the boot and slide your foot into it for an all day comfortable wear.

The waxed laces will also complement the upper as it takes on it’s worn in look after weeks of wear.

The collar has added padding for both ankle support and extra comfort. casual Boston trainer (right) was

The

influenced by the runways of Paris and New York and the emergence of the chunky soled sneakers. With the sports brands dominating the sneaker market we decided to offer our own, unique version for the man that wants something different, but not over the top!

The upper is a mix of suede leather, nylon mesh and synthetic materials all carefully combined to create an aggressive but fashionable trainer. The tan trim adds a burst of colour.

The tongue and collar area are padded for comfort and a snug fit, while the inner sock has EVA padding for added comfort during wear.

The sole carries the look of a 70’s retro trainer and has an interesting pebble-grain pattern on the side. Underneath, the tread pattern is both functional and aggressive to complement the look of the upper.

This shoe will look pretty cool as part of just about any outfit.

Dad’s sneaker just got upgraded! The combination of a simple, stylish upper on this chunky sole with it’s free flowing lines and tread pattern gives rise

to the Peak sneaker (left) with the looks of Tom Cruise and snarl of Mike Tyson!

The combination of suede leather, nylon mesh and HF welded panels allows for both comfort and breathability. The inner sock is both removable and offers extra comfort.

Despite it’s chunky appearance the sole is surprisingly light and is also flexible. The midsole is made from phylon, which is both light and comfortable, and the outer tread pattern is made from TPR for longer lasting wear.

This sneaker is on point with international market trends and is unique to Bronx. Wear it with jeans for that rugged look. A great weekend shoe to do just about anything in.

Inspired by the outdoors the Sherman lace up boot (right) carries the Bronx identity forward into the fashion arena by using an upper consisting of leather, synthetic and breathable nylon mesh.

The padding in the tongue and collar area provides for more comfort and snugger fit and the inner sock is padded for added comfort during wear.

The branding on the side takes on a unique combination of printing and HF welding.

The sole has a sporty profile with flowing lines and the tread pattern underneath is both goodlooking and aggressive. The midsole is made from shock absorbing phylon material and the outsole in a hard wearing TPR compound.

A great boot to wear around town and over weekends while enjoying a good time with your mates.

Force is an aggressive lace up boot with nononsense looks and a bad attitude!

The sole profile oozes adrenaline and the bottom tread pattern is dying to tear up the path ahead!

The midsole is made from shock absorbing phylon material and the outsole is a hard wearing TPR compound. The sock is inner padded for added comfort.

This boot is made from sports PU and HF welded panels to ensure it is lightweight and strong enough to conquer the streets and make you look good while doing it!

p10 :: Apparel & Footwear

Brands on the move cont.

Outdoor styles with a Fila fashion twist FILA IS also finding ways to capitalize on the current outdoor wear as fashion trend, adopting outdoor styles with a fashion-forward twist. Since the end of July, Fila opened nine pop-up stores worldwide to launch the brand’s limited-edition Fila Explore collection, consisting of roughly 140 pieces inspired by the elements.

The brand had a three-week pop-up in New York’s Soho neighbourhood, as well as stores in Los Angeles, London, China, Japan, Korea, Brazil, India and Berlin.

“Fila’s shift into outdoor gear comes as more fashion brands are creeping into territory held by brands like The North Face and Columbia,” says the brand’s VP of heritage and trend, Louis W. Colon III. “We were able to see that this outdoor lifestyle trend is coming — it’s coming in the fall. We wanted to tell how our story fits into that.”

Adventure and exploration have been part of the brand’s history since 1978, when Fila worked with legendary climber Reinhold Messner to create custom high-tech Fila mountain gear. “The Fila Explore collection is broken into four sub-collections, inspired by different aspects of nature: canyon, woods, moun-

tains and elements.” Among the styles are tank tops, wind jackets, backpacks and sandals.

“This outdoor movement has been growing from season to season, getting larger and larger with the awareness of earth and the environment,” says RoDerick Gilbert, design director at Fila. “People wanting to be out and immersed in nature was a natural pitch for us. Using a topographical map, we figured out a way to create that into a graphic element that is threaded through the collection.”

Fila also opened four pop-ups for its last limited-edition Mindblower collection. The brand wanted to go bigger, moving into nine locations and creating immersive, Instagram-able experiences for fans, says Colon. “At each pop-up, the brand had three rooms mirroring three of the four subcollections: canyon, mountains and woods.”

The mountain room, for example, is a soundproof room filled with mirrors. When custom-

ers enter, they will see pictures of mountain peaks, designed to make them feel like they’re on top of a mountain. “We want to create those Instagram-able experiences for the customer, because it’s a fun way for them to have a takeaway that has a longer life than just buying the item.”

How Gene Yoon turned Fila around

Fila at the 2018 Milan Fashion Week.

CURRENT FILA owner Gene Yoon is regarded as one of the driving forces behind the success of the brand, which now reports more than $2-bn in revenue. Fila has experienced significant increase in its share price over the first six months of this year and footwear and apparel sales increased by 52% during 2018 compared to the previous year. This on the back of a brand that was struggling at the turn of the century.

In 2007 Yoon was integral in Fila Korea buying the brand. Fila Korea had up till then been a subsidiary, and Yoon and his family own around 20% of it. At that point, Fila was struggling — the brand had done well in the 90s, but sales didn’t translate into the changing trends of the 2000s and the then management had made excessive investments.

One of the steps he took to change the brand’s fortune was to adjust the target market from 30-40 year olds to younger consumers. He also lowered the products’ price ranges.

The following year Yoon received the Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic — an honourable order bestowed on those who show great effort in social, cultural, and economical relationship between Italy and a foreign country.

Fila rocks the fashion world OVER THE past two years Fila has been rocking the fashion world with multiple collaborations, says Laurence Slotsky of the local distributor, 1721 Distributors. “Top global high-end luxury fashion brands like Fendi, have associated and partnered themselves with Fila, which has real brand identity, Italian heritage and genuine history in the sports and fashion industry.”

This year, Fila will be the only sports brand invited to the Milan Fashion Week runway show. Following this, Fila will host a six day exhibition at La Triennale Museum in Milan.

“Around the globe, Fila has once again made a strong mark amongst the urban youth and fashion-conscious consumers who want to look individual, unique and cool and understand what true brand identity is,” says Slotsky.

Sports Trader :: 2019 Q3

Disruptor disrupts market THE TREND that brought the return of the chunky 90s-style sneaker has been good to Fila: the relaunched Disruptor 2 was one of the brand’s most popular styles in 2018. The 2019 Disruptor 3 also features the iconic sawtooth sole design that makes the shoe instantly recognisable even in updates.

One of these is the updated midsole design that gives it a new look. There is also more cushioning in the shoe than before, a reinforced toe cap, back heel pull tab and a molded EVA sockliner.

The men’s style is available in two colourways with a new lacing system featuring reinforced gillies construction. In addition to the men’s shoe features, the women’s style,

named Disruptor 3 Zip, has a zipper design on the side for an updated aesthetic.

Apparel & Footwear :: p11

1721 Distributors celebrates its 1st year

The local distributor of Fila celebrates a momentous first year of trading by moving in to a new building that will keep pace with their growth

T

growth and pace of he passion, ‘We are well posi- Fila, we are now well energy and spirit raditioned in our new positioned in our new ated by the showroom and of- showrooms and offices to ensure we can entire South fices to ensure we achieve organic susAfrican Fila team has have organic sus- tainable growth for resulted in a year of success way beyond tainable growth and our company and supour forecasted expecsupport for our key port our key retailers.

We are ready to take tations, given the curretailers’ on new opportunities rent economic and powhen they present litical volatility in South themselves.

Africa, says Laurence “Our offices and space have amazing Slotsky, MD of 1721 Distributors, opened a energy, which creates a great positive year ago to distribute Fila.

“The economy has been extremely chal- working environment for all our staff — lenging, with most branded retailers over- to work, play and have fun.”

For summer 2019 they have undertaken exposed with overstocks and declining consumption, due to less freely available some new marketing initiatives that focus money to spend and increase in the un- on consumers and support their retail employment rate and inflation affecting partners. New global categories have been introduced to South Africa, like unmost of the population.”

The past 12 months also presented them derwear, swimwear and accessories and with multiple hurdles and challenges, he their kids ranges are expanding.

“The demand for Fila is far greater than adds. For example, Jon Epstein, the CEO of the US market and “a dear friend to us we are supplying in the market,” says Slotsky. “This will ensure brand longevity and all” passed away in February.

After they sold their property in Selby the consumer aspiration for the Fila brand they had only three months to find and will be ensured for the years ahead.”

It is only the beginning and they will relocate to suitable new headquarters for continue to face any economic challenges Fila in South Africa.

“Luckily, we managed to find an amaz- presented in a positive way, whilst taking ing new building located near Melrose every opportunity that fits in and is core Arch, which had an amazing feel and ener- to their business model and strategy, he gy that was suited to the ethos and spirit adds.

“We welcome all retailers and partners of the Fila team,” says Slotsky. “We only had two months to design and fit out the to visit our new showrooms and Caffe complete interior, which was relevant to Biella, where you will be treated to the our future vision for Fila and our growth best coffee in town and products. My staff is my biggest asset,” says Slotsky. expectations for 1721 Distributors.”

They also implemented a fully integrat- “As a team we value and respect each and every one of us. ed new IT and logistics support system.

“Watch the space … there is a lot more “Having jumped all these hurdles and keeping up with the amazing global is to come.”

From the top: The eye-catching entrance hall; pool, pinball and memorabilia in the Biella Caffe; most buyers are visiting the new showrooms to get the real Fila brand experience; another view of the entrance hall.

Right and left: Happy Fila staff.

Photos supplied.

2019 Q3 :: Sports Trader

p12 :: Industry Left: Boarding the Tekkie bus: Anton Roetz, Willem Wait, Robin Seabrook, Wessel du Plessis, Brian Groenewald, Gert Claassen, Bernard Mostert, Dawie van Niekerk and Braam van Huyssteen.

All photos supplied.

Merely a year ago the current Mr Tekkie team was at a crossroad: what to do next after the management team was joined by about 100 staff members when they left Tekkie Town. They got on a bus to reflect ... and a year later the new chain has 27 stores.

The bus trip that launched Mr Tekkie

“O

ne year ago, today, we got onto a bus and decided to thrash out what we will do with the rest of our lives,” Mr Tekkie CEO Bernard Mostert remembered on August 5th. Now, a year later they are successfully running a new footwear chain, Mr Tekkie, with 27 stores.

When the group boarded the bus between George and Port Elizabeth, six weeks after they had walked out on their comfortable management positions at Tekkie Town, they were divided about the way forward. “Some wanted to go their own way, others wanted to wait, others wanted to start over,” recounts Mostert.

“Personally, I thought our legal battles against Steinhoff and its subsidiary Pepkor would consume all my and Braam’s time.

Little did I know how much capacity we really have.”

Bus trips have become metaphors and symbols of events that create close-knit groups that change perceptions. The term being on the bus or off the bus was coined by author Ken Kesey and his Merry Pranksters

during their epic bus trip in 1964 that became symbolic of the hippie generation. A few years earlier the publication of Jack Kerouac’s book On the Road, also describing a pivotal bus journey, launched the jazz and Beat Generation.

That bus trip was seminal.

Over two days we crafted our future.

It can be assumed that the Eastern Cape bus trip undertaken by the former Tekkie Town team would have been much more sedate and law-abiding than the above two trips.

But, its bonding impact and resultant changed perception about individuals challenging corporate power cannot be discounted.

Mostert tells the story in his own words: “That bus trip was seminal. Over two days we crafted our future. How we would walk away from the wreck of Steinhoff and use what we have to make our families, town and country better. How we would leave a legacy of creation and how we would expand our territory.

“Seventy nine days later the first Mr. Tekkie opened its doors (end of October last year).

Quite surprisingly, Pepkor tried with all their might to shut us down. We saw the inside of a courtroom more times that we could ever imagine — and we ended up on the high ground of every judgement. We also got a landmark interdict against Pepkor’s parent Steinhoff to protect our interest in our defrauded business.

“In the words of Theodore Parker (an American abolitionist): I do not pretend to understand the moral universe. The arc is a long one. My eye reaches but little ways. I cannot calculate the curve and complete the figure by experience of sight. I can divine it by conscience. And from what I see I am sure it bends toward justice.”

A year later, Mr Tekkie is “27 stores stronger and growing”, Mostert adds. “I am forever grateful for those two days on the bus. I am equally grateful for every supplier and landlord who ignored the noise and who backed Braam and a team that they have known for decades.

“Our bonds run strong and deep. I am equally gratefully for every one of our customers and that we may serve you. That is the one thing that we genuinely love to do.”

Jimmy Motaung, Thabang Selamolela and Leonard Matlala are Mr Tekkie Regional Managers who started on the sales floor. “All legends!” says Mostert.

Clockwise from the back (with hand raised) Bernard Mostert, Michael Brown, Braam van Huyssteen, Robin Seabrook, Dawie van Niekerk and Gert Claassen.

Sports Trader :: 2019 Q3

Industry :: p13

By acquiring more than 100 Edgars Active and High Key stores, independent retailer Footgear will become one of South Africa’s biggest footwear chains

Footgear

becomes major industry player

B

ack in 2001 two former Sportshoe World colleagues, Stephen O’Brien and Barry Sickle, created a stir in the independent footwear retail industry when they opened Footgear in Access Park, Cape Town. Today, we would call them innovative disruptors, but in those days, they were known as discounters who offered customers top branded footwear at prices they could almost not understand, but certainly afford.

Now, Footgear is again disrupting the existing market by bucking the acquisition trend: as a relatively small chain they are buying a slice of the debt-ridden behemoth, Edcon – more precisely, its Edgars Active and High Key athleisure footwear and clothing stores.

Eighteen years ago, the first big, double storey Footgear store offered a good selection of technical performance rugby, soccer, hockey, hiking, etc. boots as well as lifestyle footwear and their cheeky ads ensured that the store was jam-packed, especially on a Saturday morning. After a few months the founders were joined by sport shoe industry experts Rob Williams and Neil Stephens, who are currently running the show.

Over the next few years they opened another store in Cape Town and two more in Johannesburg. But, in 2012 “we reviewed our strategy and decided to roll out stores,” says CEO Stephens. Whilst mostly remaining under the radar, they quietly grew the chain to 63 stores across the country — some in value centres, others in malls, with the larger stores carrying more variety than the smaller ones. They also focused more on athleisure than sports specific footwear.

From the start Footgear was known for offering top branded footwear at lower prices and yet they have always been well supported by the top brands, including adidas, who is currently running a competition with them. “We have always worked very closely with our suppliers,” confirms Stephens.

Then, earlier this month (July) they instantly they became a Top 5 player in the local footwear and clothing market by growing their

footprint to 180-200 stores through the acquisition of Edgars Active and High Key. “Their store footprint was a good fit with ours — in other words, mostly in locations where we are not, and it would take us several years to get to that number of stores,” explains Stephens.

While Footgear had been growing successfully in the athleisure market, the Edcon “debt issues were a major distraction from trading.”

This, they hope to remedy by following the Footgear success recipe of placing the focus on the customer through “high levels of customer service, in a unique retail experience, delivered by an energetic and motivated staff complement.”

Their store footprint was a good fit with ours, mostly in locations where we are not, and it would take us several years to get to that number of stores The transaction was concluded after Old Mutual Private Equity (OMPE) acquired a majority interest in Footgear at the beginning of June. It is the direct private equity investing arm of Old Mutual Alternative Investments, which manages over $4-bn in assets across private equity, infrastructure and various impact funds via its offices in South Africa, West and East Africa.

Depending on Competition Commission approval, it was announced that OMPE would not only provide capital to support the growth of the Footgear business but will also be a strategic partner to the management team, who hold the remaining shares.

“Footgear’s acquisition of Edgars Active and High Key will significantly enhance the retailer’s scale and footprint across Southern Africa, effectively tripling the existing store base and put them on track to reaching a network of 200 stores,” says Chumani Kula, Investment Principal at OMPE, in a statement. “We look forward

to supporting the management team as they roll out Footgear’s highly successful formula across all of the newly acquired stores.”

The acquisition highlights their own and their investor’s mutual confidence in Footgear’s business model and the markets in which they operate, said Stephens in the statement. “Through this acquisition we are able to undertake the next steps in our expansion plans, supported by an enabling partnership with a market-leading private equity firm like OMPE.” Once the Competition Commission gives the go-ahead – they are hoping for an outcome by November, at the latest - Footgear will be taking over the Edcon store locations, stock and store fittings. Edgars is retaining the Jabari brand and Edgars Active brand name, which they will incorporate in existing Edgars stores.

Footgear’s plan is to convert the Edgars Active stores, but they are still assessing how the High Key stores will fit in their plans. Other decisions in the pipeline are whether the former Edcon stores will be incorporated into the Footgear model, or if the stores will be differentiated, and whether there will be any difference between the target consumer profiles of the stores. They will initially continue with the clothing currently sold by Edgars Active, but still have to make an assessment whether clothing will be expanded into the current Footgear stores and if the current brands will be retained.

“Branded footwear remains a robust and growing market, and has shown relative resilience, even in times of slower macro-economic growth,” Kula said. “We are culturally and commercially aligned to Footgear’s high-quality management team and are proud to back a team that has a long and successful track record.”

OMPE seeks to back savvy operators, like Footgear, that are building a business to international standards, added Farhad Khan, OMPE Investment Principal. “We view this as a smart means to invest in a resilient and burgeoning sector in a brand that is loved by its customers. We look forward to working alongside the team as it enters its next growth phase.”

2019 Q3 :: Sports Trader

Company Results

p14 :: Industry

The year started positively with double-digit growth for some big brands Record Q2 sales for Skechers

Good Q1 for Vans and TNF VF CORP. reported that its Q1 revenues grew 6.3% to $2.27-bn from the same period the previous year, which is better than predictions from economists.

The share price grew 61% to 30 cents. The company owns footwear and clothing brands like Vans, The North Face (TNF), Timberland and Dickies.

Vans sales increased 20%, and TNF sales grew 9%, but Dickies only managed 1% growth and Timberland sales declined 1%. VF also reported 14% growth in its direct-to-consumer business, while China recorded double-digit growth in all three brands. Vans is distributed in South Africa by Bounty Brands, TNF by the Sector Group and Dickies by Skye Brands. The Timberland importer doesn’t distribute to other retailers.

The VF company’s reported $111-m drop in profits to $49.2-m was mainly due to divesting from its Wrangler and Lee denim business, which is now owned by Kontoor Brands Inc. In May VF concluded the separating of its more profitable athleisure and outdoor brands from its denim businesses and outlets.

“As a result of our strong results and increased confidence in the full year, we are raising our fiscal 2020 outlook, including an additional $20 million of investments aimed at accelerating growth and value creation in fiscal year 2020 and beyond,” reported VF chairman, president and CEO Steve Rendle.

A good first half for PUMA THIS YEAR started very positively for PUMA, with new styles of footwear selling well, apparel continuing to be strong, replenishment orders for both apparel and footwear developing well, and their direct-to-consumer business also performing well,” CEO Bjørn Gulden told investors.

“We would also like to mention that we are extremely happy with the cooperation with our new partner Manchester City and the entire City Football Group. The launch of their kits has been very successful and the initial sales have been higher than we both expected.”

The brand also signed Valencia FC and it will be the official match ball supplier of the Spanish Football League La Liga.

In the second quarter PUMA sales increased 15.7% to € 1.2-bn (currency-adjusted), with sales growing in all regions and product divisions. The gross profit margin improved 49.3% and EBIT increased 39% to €80-m.

This contributed to a 15.5% growth in sales for the first half of the year to €2.5-bn (currency-adjusted) and a 31% improvement in EBIT to €223-m. The company’s net earnings increased from €99-m last year to €144-m and earnings per share increased from €0.30 last year to €0.96.

In the second quarter sales in the Asia/Pacific and Americas regions grew double-digits and in the EMEA region it grew at a high singledigit rate. Apparel and footwear sales grew 22.7% and 14.5% respectively, with accessory sales a more modest 6.3% growth. All product categories reported growth, with Sportstyle,

Sports Trader :: 2019 Q3

DURING THE second quarter this year, Skechers recorded $1.259-bn in sales — a 10.9% increase or 13.7% growth in currency neutral (CN) terms. This is a new record for the company. International sales increased by 19.8% (25.2% CN) and represents 55.7% of total sales.

International wholesale increased by 18.2%. In the US, sales increased by 1.5% and wholesale was down by 3.8%.

Skechers saw growth in every region and the biggest increase in dollar terms was in India, the Middle East and China. Skechers in South Africa reports to Dubai in the Middle East.

It also increased its direct-to-consumer business by 14.4% and comparable same store sales (own stores and e-commerce) increased by 4.9% (4.2% in the US and 6.7% internationally).

By the end of June, the company had 768 own-stores, 306 stores run in joint ventures and 2 098 distributor, licensee and franchise stores. This is a total of 3 172 Skechers stores (3 060 at the end of Q1) around the world.

“In our direct-to-consumer channels, we saw monthly sales increases in the quarter, an upward trend that’s continuing in July,” says Robert Greenberg, CEO of Skechers.

Performance awards

Sergio Aguero in the new Manchester City PUMA kit.

Motorsport and Golf performing best.

Other relationships that increased brand recognition during the second quarter was a strong showing in the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France through sponsorship of quarter finalist Italy and 78 individual players, sponsorship of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations finalist team Senegal, Danny Glover winning the NBA Championship with the Toronto Raptors and the signing of Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola as a brand ambassador.

With this development in the first half-year and the current expectations for the second half, PUMA has slightly adapted its outlook for the full year, expecting revenues to now improve around 13% in constant currency and the full-year EBIT to come in between € 410-m and €430-m.

“Based on feedback from recent account meetings, we are seeing a similar trend within our domestic wholesale business in June and July and continue to believe we’ll have a stronger back half of the year. To support this growth, we are investing in our global infrastructure — including our eCommerce platforms and distribution centres and designing and developing new products for 2020.

“As the world continues to become closer and digital becomes a critical means of communicating and embracing trends to tell your brand’s story, it’s no longer what is happening in one market that matters; it’s what’s happening across all markets. We’re continuing to strategically view our business with a global lens as trends are travelling faster,” he adds.

“Specifically, many of our key product styles are introduced at virtually the same time around the world, with nuances in certain markets, giving us the ability to replicate our success around the globe.

“In the second quarter, we saw this with the broad acceptance of our women’s and men’s sport and streetwear lines, as well as with the resurgence of our GOwalk collection and our fresh new Skech-Air styles.”

During the second quarter, Skechers Performance earned three awards for its products: Gear of the Year from Outside magazine for Skechers GO Run 7 Hyper, and Best of Outdoor Retailer from Shape and Editors’ Choice Outdoor Retailer from Runner’s World for its Skechers GO Run Maxroad 4 Hyper.

p16 :: Apparel & Footwear

Summer footwear

D

uring the winter, feet are cooped up inside shoes. Come summer, and it’s time for them to get air and sun — but it is no longer enough for footwear to be summer-friendly, sandals are bought to multi-task from everyday fashion wear to evening wear and also as performance footwear — including for water sport.

Sandals are not only required to look elegant, customers will also be looking for performance features that will provide comfort, support and cushioning, whether worn in town or in the bush.

Several thin multi-coloured straps, platform soles and the use of natural fibres are sandal trends for Spring/Summer 2020 that have been seen on fashion runways across the world.

During winter neutrals such as black, brown or grey are the easiest to mix into wardrobes, but in the forthcoming spring and summer, yellow is also treated as one of these neutrals and sets a key tone for the season.

Overall, bright colours are on trend. Among these are light blue (geared towards the young and lively consumer) and mint green, which infuses freshness and summer into shoes.

Soft metallics will also be among the popular colours on summer footwear for 2020.

Hi-Tec is ready for summer Hi-Tec has a number of summer-ready sandals that are available from as early as midAugust.

The ladies’ Savanna II sandal (left) features a comfortable, ergonomic moulded

Sports Trader :: 2019 Q3

EVA footbed and a contour rubber outsole that helps with stability and durability.

The fully adjustable PU upper with nylon webbing straps makes this a very easy wearing sandal.

It is available in a multitude of fun colours from mid-August in sizes UK3-10.

The Ula Ultra (left) and Ula Raft sandals feature high-performance synthetic uppers for support and increased durability.

Each also comes equipped with three adjustable hook and loop fastenings to provide a secure and comfortable fit. Additionally, the non-wicking, contoured EVA sockliner and compression-moulded EVA midsole offer comfort, support and cushioning.

The sandals are also extremely lightweight and flexible and stable thanks to the durable fork shank incorporated into the midsole. M-D Traction technology is provided in the sandals outsole to improve grip when walking up- or downhill.

Ula Ultra, available from mid-August, comes in two colourways (black/ charcoal and dark slate/ red orange) in sizes UK6-13.

Ula Raft (left) is available from mid-September. It comes in black/charcoal and sizes range from UK6-13.

Photo: Justin Credible Photography for Gumbies.

lets feet breathe

When money is tight consumers want footwear that can be worn everywhere — from the beach to the office, from an evening out to a vigorous hike or a satisfying day’s fishing ... sandals that offer performance features while looking elegant will be in demand.

The unisex Cancun sandal (right) is “manufactured for ultimate comfort in the sun using a nylon upper with soft linings and a compression moulded EVA midsole. Removing the sandal is perfectly effortless with a removable heel strap and an easy on off closing system.”

Stability and durability are provided with a rubber outsole.

All colourways (navy/grey, olive/grey, black/ grey) will be available mid-October in sizes UK3-12.

J&J offers attractive comfort With sturdy webbing and leather straps, an ergonomically moulded footbed and a performance outsole that offers good grip, the J&J sandal range from JFK Trading offers performance packed in an attractive package at a price that will make your customers smile.

The sandals with the distinctive half-star logo are available in navy, blue, grey and black.

Gumbies reflects ethical passion The yearning for freedom and adventure has been part of Gumbies-founder Michel Maurer’s DNA from a young age when he was known to constantly be making things from To p18

p18 :: Apparel & Footwear

Rocky takes adventure footwear to new levels ROCKY, THE popular performance sandal brand, has taken the concept of adventure footwear a step further … with a true South African flavour. Its range of vellies, leather and Chelsea boots are all handmade in South Africa from genuine locally sourced leather.

What can be more homegrown than the Kaine cow hide vellie (left) available in Donkey (tan) and Algae (grey/brown) colours? A unique sole compound developed by Rocky provides exceptional shock absorption. “We have also added a removable padded insole, often referred to as a sock, which adds extra comfort so you can wear your new vellies all day long,” says the brand, locally available from Crown Footwear.

The Gunnar (left) is an ankle boot made from genuine leather. It boasts comfort through the convenience of a pull tab and EVA inners that keep your foot supported throughout your day. Lastly, your comfort needs are met through polyurethane soles. These act as shock absorbers which relieve walking stress on your feet.

It is available in Algae (grey/brown), tan and brown.

The customer looking for a smarter-looking shoe with all the above comfort features might be interested in the Wilder Chelsea boot range from Rocky. It features elasticated gussets paired with pull tabs that aid in getting this particularly comfortable boot on and off.

Added comfort is provided by the EVA padded socks that form the insole of the boot and their newest addition, polyurethane soles that absorb more impact on each step. This makes it comfortable for both casual wear and a lifestyle on the move. The Wilder boot is available in tan or brown.

A new addition to the popular Rocky sandal collection is the Walker Trail Fatigue sandal (left) with what the brand calls fatigue construction. It offers “the support and functionality of a trail shoe with the breathability of a sandal” which makes it the ideal hiking sandal for hot summer days and over wet terrain.

The upper is made of quick drying webbing and it has three-point hook-and-loop straps to fine-tune the fit and provide optimum support. In addition, the straps have sure grip rubber tab strap ends for quick and easy adjustments on the go.

The foot is comfortably cradled and supported by a contoured and textured drop-in compression moulded EVA footbed, while the rubber outsole compound “provides a superior coefficient of friction for all environments, therefore providing excellent grip and traction,” says the brand. This sandal is available in Charcoal and Camo and Aqua colours.

Other sandals in the Rocky range are the Genesis adventure sandal for ladies, which combines a PU upper with neoprene lining to provide breathability. Four adjustable velcro straps allow for a precise fit and the ankle strap can be removed. The Terra casual slip-on has a durable PU webbed upper and a moulded spongy insole with comfortable arch-support. The TPR outsole offers good traction.

Sports Trader :: 2019 Q3

Summer footwear cont. from p19 discarded bits and pieces in his dad’s garage and dreaming up new quests and designs. He did what he could to avoid conformance, or anything that got in the way of what he considered to be real living, says the brand. In addition, the use of ethical materials is also important to him and this forms a strong foundation for the Gumbies products.

The Islander flip flop (below), also known as the 1000-miler, was made using the most practical, natural and recycled, planet-friendly materials where possible. Originally Maurer made prototypes from old car tyres, but he realised these were too crude and not commercially viable and focused on recycled rubber instead.

He bonded the rubber with jute for strength, sandwiched an EVA midsole for comfort, and topped it with canvas (made from post-consumer bottles) for a more natural touch to the skin. The sandal is finished off with vibrant, but contemporary colours.

It follows the contours of the foot, supports the arch of the sole and is comfortable between the toes.

The Corker (right) natural cork flip-flops is the bornagain original. “We have reintroduced the flip-flop that started it all way back when.”

It features a real cork top layer, which has many attributes: warm in winter, cool in summer, breathable, antimicrobial, durable, water resistant and super comfortable. Corker also uses the same outsole as the Islander with jute for strength in addition to a recycled cotton canvas strap and super soft cotton toe post for a nonchafing flip-flop experience.

Get feet wet (and then dry) with Aqualine Aqualine has a wide range of water shoes that will delight your customers who plan to head to the water’s edge (and beyond).

The latest, Hydro Surf (left), features a contrast stitch pattern on the upper that adds a fun twist to the design.

Additionally, the outsole is treated to have a paint splash design in vibrant colours. Hydro Surf is good for water aerobics, surfing, beach volleyball, pilates, weight training, sailing, swimming, boating, kayaking, windsurfing and yoga, says distributor De Wet Sports.

The upper is made from super stretch fabric, which is quick drying and offers very good ventilation. Additionally, the outsole is quick drain and is made from anti-slip rubber with multiple drainage holes. The shoe is ultra lightweight and flexible, which allows your customer to compact it so as to minimise storage space, and the elastic laces have quick fit toggle locks to achieve the best fit.

Hydro Surf is available in three colourways: black (sizes 3-11), purple (sizes 3-7) and olive (sizes 8-10).

The brightly coloured Hydro Vent water shoe (right) features a super stretch mesh fabric upper with quick dry action and excellent ventilation. The anti-slip rubber outsole has drainage ports in the midsole for quick drain action and the midsole also offers good cushioning with high energy return. It’s available in black/yellow (sizes 3-11), aqua/pink (sizes 3-7) and royal/white (sizes 8-11). These shoes are good for hiking, surfing, beach volleyball, pilates, weight training, sailing, swimming, boating, kayaking, windsurfing and yoga.

Aqualine’s Hydro Lite Pro is good for water aerobics, surfing, beach volleyball, pilates, weight training, sailing, swimming, boating, kayak-

Apparel & Footwear :: p19

Photo supplied by Hi-Tec.

ing, windsurfing and yoga.

It features a super stretch fabric upper for quick dry action and good ventilation and a quick drain, anti-slip rubber outsole with multiple drainage holes. It’s also ultra lightweight and flexible, allowing for compact storage. Hydro Lite Pro is available in black (sizes 3-10), magenta (sizes 3-7) and royal (sizes 8-10).

Hydro Glow is “ideal for all water and outdoor activities!” It features a padded mesh upper, black, rubberised sole for grip and a velcro strap that allows for the correct fit. It is available in neon pink (sizes 3-7) and neon blue (sizes 3-12), both with a black trim.

Hydro Cross has a padded mesh upper and a black, rubberised and reinforced outsole for grip and comfort. The elastic laces ensure a snug fit. It’s available in black/grey with a royal blue trim in sizes 3-12.

Hydro Tech has a padded mesh upper, adjustable toggle to get a good fit, as well as a black, rubberised outsole for good grip in all conditions.

It comes in two styles (navy blue with royal blue mesh and black with grey mesh) in sizes 3-12.

Hyrdo Rush features a vibrant printed neoprene upper in royal/yellow (sizes 3-12) and pink (sizes 3-7) colourways. The black, rubberised outsole provides good grip and the adjustable toggle helps to find the correct fit.

Aqualine also caters for the youngsters with its Hyrdo Kidz and Hydro Step Jnr (left) water shoes. Both have padded mesh uppers and black, rubberised outsoles for grip. Hydro Step Jnr also has a sole design that follows the contour of the foot for even more grip and comfort.

Hydro Kids is available in sizes 10-3 in royal blue with yellow mesh and neon pink with pink mesh, and Hydro Step Jnr is available in aqua green in sizes 10-3.

Ipanema: relaxed beach vibes “Ipanema has long been one of Brazil’s hottest flip flop brands, proudly presenting stylish new designs every season, with a large range of flip flops, sandals and wedges available in a spectrum of colours and finishes,” says local distributor Intershu.

“Brazil is a nation of vibrant colours, natural beauty, great joy, and easy-going people. One location that showcases this true Brazilian spirit is Ipanema, a neighbourhood located in the southern region of Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro.”

The Ipanema brand “was created with a casual and relaxed beach spirit in mind. The brand epitomises the look and spirit of Ipanema. Being biodegradeable and recyclable, Ipanema is not only good for your feet, but a better choice for the environment.”

2019 Q3 :: Sports Trader

p20 :: Apparel & Footwear

What sets socks apart?

Long gone are the days when socks were boring. Now there’s one for every personality, activity, and more. In this bustling world of socks, the consumer’s choices are nearly endless. But what sets one brand’s socks apart from others and can socks really be so unique that brands can claim copyright protection?

I

n July, Woolworths and Sexy Socks made headlines with the sock company accusing the retail giant of creating a range that closely resembles theirs. The design had been “changed sufficiently so as to not infringe any copyright laws,” Sexy Socks founder Dave Hutchison told Bruce Whitfield on 702’s The Money Show, but at first glance they looked enough like his that he received several messages congratulating him on getting his product into Woolworths.

Only, he hadn’t.

The bamboo sock at the centre of the Sexy Socks and Woolworths issue features a bicycle design on a grey background — a striking resemblance to one of Sexy Socks’ early designs that was a top seller for several years, says Hutchison. Woolworths countered that they had been using a bicycle design on several of their products since 2015 and had made a variety of products such as shirts, trousers, jackets and socks from bamboo since 2005.

“I don’t believe they have copied directly, but they have used the inspiration of a bicycle and they have produced a pair of socks that looks frighteningly similar to our range,” Hutchison told Whitfield.

This is not the first run-in Woolworths has had with local companies though (it has had to please explain to Frankies as well as Ubuntu Baba, for example), and therefore consumers now assume it’s guilty until proven otherwise.

Consumers being confused between products is one of the tests that you look at in situations such as this, Andrew Papadopoulos, a trademark attorney at KISCH IP told Whitfield.

While there is a lot of support pouring in from consumers in favour of Sexy Socks, comments on Hutchison’s Facebook post (that he made in response to finding the Woolworths sock range) also point out that bicycles are

Sports Trader :: 2019 Q3

David Hasselhoff featured in Happy Socks’ Spring/Summer 2019 campaign (The Hoff’s Day Out), which also included the launch of its swimwear collection. The collection caters for men and women and features vibrant prints and patterns. Other items in the S/S collection include slider sandals, towels and beach bags - “all made for fun in the sun,” says the brand. Photo supplied.

“Happy Socks promotes a culture of fun and happiness. Every element of the brand and product is created to make you smile.” hardly new designs on clothing items or unique to his brand.

It’s not only Sexy Socks’ staff that lose out, he adds. It’s also children in townships, as the brand donates a pair of school socks for every pair of Sexy Socks sold.

How can consumers differentiate?

With many designs and products available in the market, Sports Trader asked several sock brands to highlight what sets their product apart from others on the market and what they believe makes them instantly recognis-

able to consumers (unfortunately we didn’t get a response from Sexy Socks).

“Happy Socks is the original fun sock brand,” says distributor Kartal Distribution. “Our Big Dot style is one of our oldest and best selling styles and consumers often associate this print with Happy Socks.”

In addition to their bright colours and trending patterns, the logo and name are also instantly recognisable, it adds.

“Happy Socks promotes a culture of fun and happiness. Every element of the brand and product is created to make you smile.”

The brand also “often works on awesome collaborations (The Rolling Stones, David Hasselhoff, Wiz Khalifa, etc.) so should consumers come across an exciting brand collaboration with socks, it’s probably theirs”.

Appeal to the touch A natural tendency is to want to touch product in store, especially if it’s an item of clothing.

Apparel & Footwear :: p21 “Falke’s design language and colour palette definitely sets us apart from other brands, but for the consumer the most important differentiator is to feel the difference of Falke,” says Keaton Quarmby of Falke SA. “By this we mean the sheer softness of our Drynamix moisture management fiber that we use in all our performance socks.” Drynamix only retains a maximum of 0.4% of its own weight in moisture, where other materials will retain more moisture, for example Nylon retains 5% of its weight and cotton up to 2 500%.

“If the sock has more than 50% nylon or cotton it will get heavier as you perspire, and the wearer will have to work that bit harder to keep moving. In addition to the extra weight, moisture also increases friction on the skin, which again increases the risk of blisters on those long runs.

“Drynamic is by far the softest fiber on the skin in the market, and in socks softness definitely equals comfort!”

Fit is king The shape and fit of the sock also sets it apart, says Falke. The performance running and hiking socks are ergonomically shaped for left and right feet to achieve the ultimate fit.

“This means the toe box of our socks is shaped in the form of the left and right foot on the knitting machines. What this does is eliminate any excess fabric to accumulate around your small toes as this can cause unwanted friction

Consumers being confused between products is one of the tests that you look at [when determining if one product infringes on another]. and blisters.”

They also have extra deep heel pockets to ensure that the socks cup the heel properly.

“This, along with the strategic use of elastic throughout parts of the sock, ensures that your sock fits like a second skin and will not move on your foot.”

The price is right How much an item costs is also a strong influence when deciding what to buy. “What sets our socks apart from the current range of sport socks is the cost,” says Brandon Herr of Undeez. “Our designs are more basic compared to the other brands, but it’s our price point which gives us the competitive edge. We are a manufacturer so there is no middle man — we sell direct to the retailer.

“We try to focus on offering people a really great pair of socks at a good price. Our Epic 2pk is a really good seller on Takealot, for example, because of the price point. The name Epic comes from the Cape Epic mountain bike

race where a few years ago we sponsored a team with our socks and they rode the entire race with them.”

The product’s origin The story or where a product is created can be rather special, especially when it shows a home-grown birth.

Falke, for example, designs all their socks for the South African market here in South Africa. “Falke is an international brand, but also a very proudly South African brand and all the socks for the South African, Australian and New Zealand markets are designed, developed and produced at our factory in Bellville, Cape Town, where we employ 480 passionate South African craftsmen and women that produce 30 000 pairs of socks every day,” says Quarmby.

“We produce and design all of our styles,” says Herr. “We take inspiration from what is currently on the market, but we design our own.” The designs are done in-house and the products are manufactured in China.

“I have noticed over the last year there has been an increase in competition in the sock market,” he adds. “A few more local brands have hit the market, which is great, but the price is really high. The more competition, however, the better.”

Happy Socks’ designs are created at the brand’s headquarters in Sweden, and the socks are also manufactured there.

p22 :: Apparel & Footwear A running sock should feature moisture wicking technology, for example the Drynamix technology in Falke’s Hidden Stride (featured). Photo provided by Falke.

Match the sock to the activity Recommend that your athletic customers avoid the cottons and rather try on a pair of socks designed to meet their performance needs. Sport-specific socks will make the world of difference to your customer’s enjoyment of his chosen activity.

Y

our customers might know that they should wear socks when trying on shoes, because the sock’s thickness makes a difference to the fit. But do they know that they can’t just use any old cotton sock for sport or outdoor activities? Do they know that they should wear a sock designed specifically for the chosen activity? And do they know that there are often different types of socks for a specific sport?

Cotton socks are fine for regular everyday wear, but if he plans to take part in more strenuous activities your customer will need performance socks, since cotton socks retain moisture and don’t wick it away from the feet. This could lead to blisters and an overall sore and uncomfortable experience.

Performance socks, on the other hand, are designed to keep the athlete as comfortable as possible so that he can get on with enjoying his chosen activity. In fact, you know the sock is doing a sterling job when the wearer

Sports Trader :: 2019 Q3

The taller the sock, the warmer it will be as it covers more skin. Similarly, the more cushioning, the warmer the sock. doesn’t think about it at all while taking part in his activity (if he is, it usually means something is bothering him).

Sock basics Before you get to the sport-specific requirements, ensure the socks have basic technical qualities, such as breathability and moisture wicking. Performance socks tend to be made from a blend of synthetic and natural materials like merino wool and bamboo, each of which brings different qualities to the mix.

• Merino wool regulates temperature (even insulates when wet), provides cushioning, is naturally anti-microbial and retains less

•

•

• •

•

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smell than synthetics. It also wicks moisture and breathes well. Merino wool doesn’t itch, like regular wool will, and is more durable, but not as durable as polyester.

Bamboo is softer and more breathable than cotton and has a natural sheen to the surface. It is also hypoallergenic, naturally anti-microbial and durable.

Polyester insulates, wicks moisture and dries quickly. It is more UV resistant than nylon and doesn’t absorb as much water.

Nylon adds durability and helps to improve moisture wicking.

Olefin provides good moisture wicking, is breathable, and has a good bulk-to-weight ratio, which means it’s a good insulator while keeping the weight low.

Acrylic creates a wool-like feel and can be used in such a way as to mimic the softness of cotton. Can pill easily.

Silk is a natural insulator, comfortable and lightweight.

Elastic and spandex helps the sock to keep its

Apparel & Footwear :: p23 shape for a better fit, stay up, offer support, and create the hugging or constricting feeling under the arch. It normally only makes up a very small percentage of the blend.

Typically, the higher the wool percentage in the blend, the warmer the sock. Synthetics are good for warmer temperatures and tend to be cheaper and more durable.

In addition to special fibres, you also need to consider unisex vs gender-specific fit when recommending a pair. Don’t get hung up on the label: socks labeled as women’s feature a narrower heel than men’s and, therefore, if your female customer has a wider foot, she will probably wear a man’s sock, and viceversa for a man with a narrower foot.

The sock should fit snug, but not be overly tight. If it’s too big, it can rub and cause blisters; if too small, it can restrict movement. To make sure of the fit, check that the heel cup lines up with the heel of your customer’s foot and that there’s no spare material at the toes.

Loose material can bunch and cause chafing and blisters, but if the sock is too short it will keep falling down.

Your customer will also appreciate socks that have seamless toes: seams can cause friction! If the sock has a seam, it should sit on top of the foot and not at the tips of the toes.

Hiking Specific activities have their own requirements when it comes to socks. Hikers, for example, require socks that extend beyond the cuff on the hiking boot or shoe so that it forms a layer of protection against rubbing. The crew sock length is popular as it covers the ankle bone and protects the skin against boots with high cuffs. It’s also versatile in that it can also be worn with shorter boots and shoes.

Taller socks are also better for hiking in the bush or through tall grass as they provide more protection to the skin.

The taller the sock, however, the warmer it will be as it covers more skin. Similarly, the more cushioning, the warmer the sock.

Liners can also be worn underneath a pair of socks to help with moisture wicking and to prevent blisters. If your customer wants to wear liners, he should wear thinner socks over the liners than normal as the liner adds to the thickness.

Hiking socks tend to be sorted by weight: • Ultra-lightweight: good for hikes of up to a day in length in warm temperatures. These socks are breathable and don’t have a lot of padding, which makes them thinner and thus cooler.

• Lightweight: good for day hikes and is more geared at high-intensity activities such as backpacking, running, etc. than socks in the ultra-lightweight category. It’s also more suited for cool to warm temperatures.

• Midweight: this category is designed for multi-day hikes and offers more cushioning in the heel and forefoot. These socks are thicker to insulate against colder weather, but can still be worn during warmer conditions.

Performance socks are designed to keep the athlete as comfortable as possible so that he can get on with enjoying his chosen activity.

In fact, you know the sock is doing a sterling job when the wearer doesn’t think about it at all while taking part in his activity (if he is, it usually means something is bothering him).

• Heavyweight: good for multi-day hikes in cold weather. It has heavy padding in the heel and forefoot for both warmth and comfort. Tends to be less breathable and wicking than the lighter socks and a liner will benefit your customer if he is prone to blisters.

Cycling Cycling shoes are made to fit snug so that the foot can’t move around. The socks therefore also have to be thin: they need to wick moisture away from the foot, but not add extra pressure by adding too much thickness between the foot and shoe.

A snug fit will also ensure the sock stays in place while your customer is cycling. If it can move around it will cause blisters and irritation.

UCI (Union Cycliste International) rules state that the sock may not extend beyond the halfway point between the ankle and the bottom of the knee, but this is for professional cyclists. It also doesn’t specify a minimum length.

For other cyclists, the length of the sock is up to their own personal preference, but generally, mid-crew socks tend to be the most popular as they provide foot and ankle support and offer some ankle protection in the event of a crash. They also provide MTBers with some protection against thorns, for example.

Very short socks can allow dirt into the shoe, but on the other hand the taller the sock the warmer it is. It’s therefore useful to know the conditions that your customer might find himself cycling in, for example if he’ll be doing mostly early-morning cycling he might appreciate a slightly warmer style.

Cycling socks tend to be made from synthetic fibres such as nylon and polyester: these can usually be woven closer together than natural fibres and thus allows the sock to fit better around the foot to wick moisture away and minimize the chance of dirt entering through the fibres.

They also usually feature anti-bacterial or – microbial properties, which reduce the chance of skin irritation and prevent the socks from retaining odour, and are moisture wicking.

Merino wool socks will keep a cyclist warm in colder temperatures.

Manufacturers often use different types of

fibres in different areas of the sock, for example merino on top of the foot to regulate temperature, moisture wicking fibres on the soles and mesh around the ankles or calves to keep them in place.

Running Running socks need to protect the feet from friction and wick moisture away. To achieve this they are usually made from a blend of different types of synthetic fibres, such as polyester, nylon and elastic, as well as wool.

They also need to be thin so that they are not too warm. Manufacturers will state the thickness of the sock and the most common are described below. Point out to your customer that his running shoes will fit differently each time he wears different thickness socks with them.

• Ultra-lightweight: very thin with no padding or cushioning. Good for very warm conditions when extra breathability and moisture wicking is essential.

• Lightweight: a combination of thin, breathable fabrics on top of the foot and through the arch, and padding and cushioning in the heel and forefoot. This offers moisture wicking and breathability, while also protecting high-impact areas.

• Midweight: thicker fabric throughout the sock, which makes it better for cooler conditions. Offers moisture wicking all over as well as added protection and padding due to the thicker material.

Good arch support will help keep the sock in place and lessen movement and friction that can lead to blisters.

Running is a high-impact activity, but cushioning in the sock will help to lessen the chafing that can lead to blisters. The padded area is usually made from polyester or wool fibres that wick moisture away from the foot.

This padding will make the sock thicker, so keep that in mind as it’ll affect how the shoe fits.

Running socks also come in a variety of lengths: • No show: invisible when worn (doesn’t extend above the ankle) with a tab area on the back that helps to prevent the sock from slipping down. The tab also provides the Achilles area with protection from rubbing against the shoe. ◦ Road runners often prefer this style. It has the least amount of skin coverage, making it the coolest of the sock styles (and it also doesn’t create tan lines). ◦ Not ideal for trail runners as this style can let dirt and debris in.

• Mini crew: ends just above the ankle. These will keep dirt and debris out, so is a better choice for trail runners who want shorter socks. They also provide some protection to the skin around the ankles.

• Knee high: these are usually compression socks that help to increase blood flow around the calves and shins while running and help reduce muscle fatigue. They are also good for runners who’ll be running through tall grasses as they’ll protect the skin.

2019 Q3 :: Sports Trader

p24 :: Industry

How W.E.T. Sports got it right for 35 years

T

For more than 30 years W.E.T. Sports have not only survived, but flourished, as a distributor by supplying mainly independent retailers. They share their formula for success

he ingredients of the magic formula that kept W.E.T. Sports growing over the past 35 years is actually quite simple: their wide and diversified range of products enable them to sell to a large client base of independent retail stores, whom they try to visit a few times per year, explains Andrew Wentzel snr.

“Good hard work, good quality products and good quality service and we strive to foster relationships with our customers,” add Andrew Wentzel jnr and Patrick Franck, who now run the company, assisted by Darren Wentzel. “If we fall short of our mantra, we try and sort the problem out as quickly as possible.”

The formula hasn’t really changed after Andrew snr retired three years ago, they add, although they did make a few strategic shifts to adapt to a changing market. “Any modern business has to evolve and although it coincided with Andrew Snr retiring, many of the moves were already in place before he called it a day.”

For example, while sport still plays a very big part in the W.E.T. Sports stable, their biggest growth has been in fishing and underwater equipment (see article following page), with fishing tackle currently the main product category they supply.

Andrew Snr is full of praise for the hard work

Sports Trader :: 2019 Q3

The affordable rackets became good sellers in independent retailers — and showed how important it is to diversify your product offering when selling to independent retailers. and dedication of the younger generation, who managed to grow turnover and profits during the current bleak economic cycle.

Founding fathers When the three partners whose surnames form an acronym for W.E.T. — Andrew Wentzel, Jaap Engelbrecht (of Somerset Sport fame) and Niel du Toit (a Hermanus retailer) — founded the distributorship in 1984, they supplied a few local fishing tackle brands.

Wentzel and Engelbrecht found it was tough breaking into a very competitive wholesale market, dominated by their former employer, Logans Sports, which evolved into Sportsmans Warehouse. In the early years they had to side-step many obstacles, including a legal challenge to the W.E.T. name.

Their fortunes started improving in 1989 after they signed a contract with the Taiwanese

long string pioneer RoxPro. The affordable rackets became good sellers in independent retailers — and showed how important it is to diversify your product offering when selling to independent retailers. “It is very difficult to make a living from supplying a single product category to independents,” says Wentzel Snr. “You must be able to offer a variety.”

Grow market and products Just over ten years after they started the company, Engelbrecht left to take up a retail opportunity in his family business. Andrew Jnr joined his father the next year after a stint as auditor, with Franck and the younger Wentzel, Darren, completing the team.

They not only grew market penetration, but also their product categories. Nowadays, when a retail customer does not need one specific product, there is bound to be another that they can supply — whether it is equipment for fishing, diving, soccer, rugby, netball, hockey, racket sports, darts, table tennis, fitness, or any of the myriad accessories they supply.

Their product offering has grown so much that they have to produce three annual catalogues to accommodate all: one for sport, one for fishing and one for underwater sport equipment.

They are also constantly looking for new products and brands that would be well suited

Industry :: p25 to the South African market — especially in fishing. They have all undertaken trips to the UK, Netherlands, Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, Vietnam and Pakistan to source products that match their customers’ needs.

“We recently added the Mantis squash range, which includes their rackets, bags, strings and eyewear,” explain Andrew Jnr and Franck. “It is a small brand, but there are a group of players within the squash fraternity who know the product and support us. We would like to give it a bigger footprint in South Africa and will

You cannot expect a retailer to stock your products if you don’t bother to pay him a visit. Personal contact is essential to build relationships.

Patrick Franck, Darren and Andrew Wentzel are familiar faces on the W.E.T. Sports stand at SAFTAD.

be working on growing the brand and offering our same after sales service in support of the retailers.”

From the start, their main focus had been on providing the best service to independent retailers — and it still is. Over more than three decades strong relationships had been fostered with their retail customers, many who became good friends. This was done by visiting each customer a couple of times per year, as this is the only way to understand his business to such an extent that he/she will trust you to recommend products in quantities that will benefit the store, Andrew Snr says.

“You cannot expect a retailer to stock your products if you don’t bother to pay him a visit.

Personal contact is essential to build relationships. Sure, it cost a few Rand and requires sacrifices as you are away from home for periods of time, but it is the only way to succeed in sales.”

The youngest Wentzel, Darren, visits retailers in the Western Cape, Garden Route and Namibia, where he used to accompany his father on several trips to be introduced and get to know customers.

Sales and marketing manager Franck visits retail customers/friends in the Eastern Cape, Free State and Northern Cape.

As general manager, Andrew Jnr runs the office in Cape Town, but uses the opportunity to visit retail customers in Gauteng and further north during the week before the annual SAFTAD show. The main SAFTAD and satellite shows also provide them with the opportunity to meet new and catch up with up-country customers (see article next column).

Andrew Snr laughs at the often-heard myth that there are no more independents left.

They may have moved out of the CBD areas of the major cities and some may have gone online, but they are still there for those who are prepared to leave their desks and travel a bit, or look beyond the borders.

After all, the W.E.T. Sports growth in sales to independents bears testimony to this.

Major growth was in fishing tackle VISITORS TO the W.E.T. Sports booth at the discerning fisherman searching for that elusive SAFTAD trade show would over the years have big bass,” they say.

“We were very fortunate that developments noticed strong growth in the fishing tackle and underwater sport products and brands they of- in the industry — like Akals closing down their fishing department — helped us just as we fer. This year it was no different.

“We are always excited to go to Johannes- were making an effort to increase our range burg and see our loyal customers and hopeful- of Mustad goods and the lines we import from ly start a few new business friendships along China.

“The REACT brand, in particular, has offered the way,” say the W.E.T. team.

“We have had to expand our 35th Anniver- a more cost effective alternative to the more sary Fishing and Underwater Catalogues to expensive global brands available. We have accommodate a host of new products on our worked hard to source good value products, rather than cheap and nasty ones. Some prodstand this year.” ucts aren’t always the Apart from their tried but we aim and tested best sellThey had to expand their cheapest, to import products ers, they have made 35th anniversary fish- that exceed the end improvements, where possible, and have ing and underwater cata- users’ expectations. added a number of logues to accommodate a In this way we partner with our retailers in new products. There host of new products on providing them items are, for example, a few their stand this year. they can sell with more Mustad tools. “In confidence, without particular, the Big Eye breaking the bank.

Bucktails, the Zippy, “We are also blessed to have some very good Daggerman and Moon Riser Jigs have got the suppliers like Pro Hunter and Saekodive who fishermen talking,” they say.

There are a few practical additions to the Pro continue to develop products overseas and Hunter range, for example, for the safe keep- allow us to select products from their ranges ing of rods, as well as a new spoon mould, that suit our Southern Africa markets.”

Andrew (jnr), who also serves on the SAFTAD ceramic scissors and a few new metal lures, namely the Mahi, Kaido and Sotong. They have committee, has attended meetings on behalf also added a few soft lures like the Vibratail, of SACRAA with DAFF (Department of AgriculSauras and also a moth, which has a jitterbug ture, Forestry and Fisheries) on the West Coast Rock Lobster quota issues. This has a direct imaction.

Under the REACT label they’ve added a budg- pact on the underwater retail market. “I have et range of lures, knives, a 2+1 LED headlamp tried to make sure that the recreational sector and a more affordable electronic scale. “We’ve is still looked after,” he says. “However, the also found a few new hook boxes to add to our transparency from DAFF has not been great range and a tiered tackle box for the guys off and they last year had no discussion meetings with regards to the TAC (total allowable catch) on a fishing pilgrimage.”

At last year’s show they introduced samples allocation as it had to be reduced substantially of the exciting Westin range, which is a more due to the court order granted against them. upmarket line. “The attention to detail and This is an ongoing challenge as the resource superb packaging make it a must have for the needs to be managed properly.”

2019 Q3 :: Sports Trader

When times are tough, the tough p26 :: Outdoor

go fishing

F

ishing is one of the biggest categories in terms of the number of Southern African retailers selling fishing related equipment, clothing and footwear — and most of the 350 fishing specialists are independent traders. In addition, there are more than 650 sport and outdoor retailers who also stock fishing gear, bringing the number of fishing tackle traders to more than a thousand.

It is also the only market category in South Africa that warrants an annual trade only show — the South African Tackle Agents and Distributors (SAFTAD) show in August.

The state of the fishing industry could therefore be a good indicator of the state of the sport and outdoor retail trade.

In 2018 fishing tackle to the value of R239-m were imported into South Africa (that is before wholesale and retail margins were added). That was 13% more in Rand value than in 2017. The volume of fishing tackle units imported was, however, 10% lower in 2018 than in 2017, which signify the concerning combination of higher prices and less demand.

Over the past year, fishing tackle traders indeed found that it was tough times for the industry. More than half the respondents to the Sports Trader survey on The State of the SA Tackle Trade* describe the past year as either Extremely Tough or Difficult.

Sports Trader :: 2019 Q3

The respondents that are distributors of fishing tackle are much more positive than the retailers.

The 22% who said that trading was extremely tough, reported sales being down more than 20% from the year before, while the 33% who described trading conditions as Difficult, were more philosophical, indicating that it is to be expected that sales would be down in the current economic climate.

But, that gloomy outlook is not quite universal, because 28% of the respondents found the past year was either Surprisingly good (17%) or Better than expected (11%). A further 17% of them are more neutral, reporting sales about the same as the previous year.

Interestingly, the respondents that are distributors of fishing tackle are much more positive than the retailers, as all the respondents who said the past year was Surprisingly good are distributors, and two-thirds of the distributor respondents said that 2017 was a good year for them.

For most (more than three-quarters) of all the respondents trading conditions were not too bad in 2017 — varying between so-so (12%), moderately good (35%), to very good

The saying left by SAFTAD chair John Pledger seems to be true in the current weak economic conditions: the fishing tackle retail trade is not so much in the doldrums, even though the South African economy is hovering on the edge of a depression, because the trade and consumers have adapted sales trends to the diminished buying power, report respondents to the Sports Trader survey.

Photo & words: Trudi du Toit

(for 29%). Only 18% said that trading was extremely tough in 2017.

Impact of the drought It was, however, not only the weak economy that impacted on the fishing tackle trade — the drought in many parts of the country also had negative impact, especially on the freshwater market where customers could not go fishing, reported 39% of the respondents.

This was especially evident in a drop in sales in the Cape area, where some dams just about ran dry, adds a distributor.

On the other hand, an anonymous distributor found that “the drought definitely had an impact on freshwater angling, but growth in other areas more than made up for it.”

The economy did, however, have an impact on the type of products bought by customers: anglers bought more consumables like lines, lures, hooks that don’t cost much, but have to be replaced often said more than half (56%) of the respondents.

“The servicing of reels etc. was more in demand,” indicated Theo Herbst of TJ’s Bait and Tackle, who is supported by 22% of the respondents. This is another indication that anglers were keeping more expensive equipment like reels for longer periods instead of replacing them.

On the other hand, 28% reported To p28

WHAT’S NEW FROM W.E.T. SPORTS IN 2019 Celebrating 35 Years of Quality Products and Service

Mustad Zippy

Mustad Daggerman Mustad Big Eye Bucktail

CL Rig 39

CL Rig 42

Spoon Sinker Mould

Mustad Moon Riser

Consult the latest catalogue for the full range of colours and sizes available

FFD 212 Knife

Ceramic Scissors

Coco the Crab

Available in 8 colour variations

K5 Trend

Available in 3 colour variations

3301 Side Cutters

Vibratail

Available in 3 colour variations

Mahi

Available in 3 colour variations

Spiral Wrap Rod Protector

Moth

Available in 3 colour variations

Kaido

Available in 3 colour variations

EZ Self Loc Rod Hanger

Sauras

Available in 6 colour variations

Sotong

Available in 3 colour variations

B3182 Tiered Tackle Box

Come see our latest ranges of Fishing and Diving Products at the Joburg, Hartenbos or Cape Town Shows To request the latest Catalogues contact the office 021-9488150 or email sales@wetsports.co.za

p28 :: Outdoor

Fishing industry

The economy and tighter budgets could be a reason why nearly 40% of visitors say they visit the show to see what is available, but only place orders later.

cont. from p26

there was no change in product demand from their customers, while 11% found that customers bought more expensive items from wellknown brands than before because it is more durable.

Biggest challenges faced For most of the respondents (83%) the current tough economic conditions is one of the biggest challenges faced by the industry, because they claim it makes it difficult for anglers to buy as much fishing tackle as in previous years.

As a supplier explains: “no doubt, the consumer is looking for affordable alternatives.”

But, interestingly, the second biggest chal-

lenge 66% of the respondents identified was that there are too many retailers competing for the same customer base.

Crime at fishing spots and the fact that imported equipment is becoming more expensive are industry challenges identified by half of the respondents.

But, in the fishing industry direct sales to consumers does not seem to be such a big problem as in the sports industry — whether

Trading conditions in 2017

Trading conditions in 2018

Sports Trader :: 2019 Q3

via online websites or brands approaching consumers directly. Only a third of the respondents identified this as a problem.

“The bigger retailers are cutting prices and so making it difficult for the smaller retailer to survive,” is another challenge for specialist tackle traders, says Anthony Pretorius, of the Tackle Shack in Mossel Bay. While “fewer agents who are prepared to visit retailers,” is a problem identified by Mohamed Mahmood of Skerparabie Trading.

He is supported by Macksons Sport and Outdoor who says “online ordering that has replaced supplier visits to retailers,” is a major challenge.

Attending SAFTAD Two-thirds of the distributors who responded were exhibiting at the SAFTAD show this year.

For all of them “meeting customers and discussing their concerns” are one of the main benefits of exhibiting at the show.

The show also offers a good opportunity to “share new products with our loyal client base” says an exhibitor who wishes to stay anonymous.

While the show offers an opportunity to place orders for the coming year as you can see the equipment from so many suppliers under one roof — a big benefit for 38% respondents — the nature of the show has changed over the past few years to more of a look now, buy later experience. The economy and tighter budgets could be a reason why nearly 40% of visitors say they visit the show to see what is available but that they will place orders later.

The show also has another important function. More than half (54%) of all respondents say the main benefit of attending the show is because it is essential to attend to see the trends in the fishing tackle industry.

Other benefits of attending the annual trade show is to find new customers or suppliers (for 38%) and about a third go to the show to socialise and talking shop.

About a third don’t attend the SAFTAD show.

This is mainly because they don’t see the need because they regularly interact with their cus-

Outdoor :: p29 Trade statistics from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) show that the fishing tackle industry is plagued by the same problems as all other retail categories: rising prices of goods and caution from importers about committing to bringing in high volumes, which might not sell due to diminished buying power.

106

250 200 150 100

Value of H1 imports R-m 110

Ave unit import price 2017-19 300

50 106

0

105

Rods

100

Hooks (per unit)

97

2017

95

85 80 2016

2017

2018

2018

Other

2019

Average import price per unit in H1 2017-2019

89

90

Reels

2019

H1 imports First half import value and volume

The value and volume of all fishing tackle imports during the first half of the year from 2016 to 2019 (above) show an interesting pattern: in the first half of 2017 and 2018 the value of fishing tackle imports dropped considerably from R106-m to R97-m and R89-m respectively, but regained the 2016 Rand value in the first half of 2019.

But, when the import volumes for the same period is compared (below), it is clear that the number of units imported increased considerably in 2017 (to 3.67-m) and 2018 (to 4.13m) from the 3-m units imported in the first half of 2016. In the first half of this year, the number of units imported dropped to 2.33-m. This will indicate that fishing tackle was imported at a considerably lower price during 2017 and 2018 than in 2016 and 2019.

This was, however, not always true — as the chart left showing the average import price per unit, indicate.

Over the past three years the average price per unit imported in the first half of the year have been higher in 2019 — but the average unit price in 2018 was lower than in 2017. The chart below shows that the average import price for reels had been the highest, although the unit prices for reels and hooks had become closer in 2018. The DTI did not specify the unit used for hooks.

Ave import price/unit per year 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 2017

Rods

2018

Hooks (per unit)

2019

Reels

Other

Imports of accessory units 2015-2018 '000

H1 Import volumes in millions 4.50

4.13 3.67

4.00 3.50 3.00

3.00 2.33

2.50 2.00 1.50 1.00

0

2 000

4 000

0.50

6 000

2018

0.00 2016

2017

2018

2019

All charts produced by Sports Trader from trade statistics supplied by the Department of Trade and Statistics.

Fishing cont. from p28

tomers and show them new products, says 57%.

The economy also affects show attendance, as 43% of the respondents said the expense of travelling to Johannesburg to exhibit or visit was too high during the current depressed economy and that is why they don’t attend.

Nearly a third furthermore say that regional roadshows by some distributors — or pre-show hosting of retailers — reduces the need for visiting the show.

This issue of Sports Trader went to print before this year’s SAFTAD Show and it is therefore not possible to report on show support. Over the past few years visitor and exhibitor numbers have, however, been dropping at trade shows. This is also an international trend. * The State of the SA Tackle Trade survey was conducted online during

July and early August 2019. Retailers and suppliers active in the tackle industry were invited to complete the questionnaire. A third were distributors or manufacturers. Most respondents chose to stay anonymous.

2017

8 000 2016

10 000

12 000

2015

Imports of accessories drop between 2015 to 2018 The chart above shows that the number of accessory units imported into South Africa has been dropping from 2015 to 2018 — even though respondents to the Sports Trader survey say that people are buying more accessories (lures, tools, nets, etc.) when money is tight. But, the chart below shows that between 2015-2018 the number of rods, hooks and reels have differed per year: the most reels were imported in 2016, while hook and rod imports peaked in 2017.

Unit imports of reels, hooks and reels Reels

Hooks

Rods 0

100

200 2018

300 2017

2016

400

500

600

2015

2019 Q3 :: Sports Trader

p30 :: Outdoor Top right: EFTTEX attracted fewer exhibitors this year.

Right below: The Force Trolling Motor was the big winner at ICAST this year, here with Garmin’s PR manager Carly Hysell, Garmin Director of Marine Sales David Dunn and ASA President Glenn Hughes.

Photos supplied.

International winning brands in SA Many of the brands that won awards at this year’s major fishing tackle trade shows, EFTTEX and ICAST for the best new products are also available in South Africa

T

he European Fishing Tackle Trade Expo (EFTTEX) was this year held in Brussels and the close proximity to Amsterdam, where the 2018 show was held, could be a reason why this year’s show was not as well supported as last year, said EFTTA President Robin Morley.

Last year 222 exhibitors occupied 6 266m2 — this year there were 182 exhibitors on 5 530m2 floor space.

Wholesalers (distributors) comprised the largest number (42%) of the 1 636 visitors, followed by 30% retailers and 13% manufacturers. The visitors came from 71 countries — 76% of them from Europe. The 509 respondents to a post-show questionnaire said that they visit the trade show to • Find new products • Gather information • Meet partners • Network • Source new suppliers Pure Fishing — distributed in South Africa by Iron River — was again the clear front-runner at the Best New Products award ceremony held during the Gala evening. The company received four winner trophies — for all three the reel categories, as well as the Best New Rod — and their fishing line also won a runner up award.

Apart from Pure Fishing's stable of brands, many of the other prize-winning brands are available in South Africa (local distributor in brackets). For example: • Svendsen Sport (RAD Fishing Gear): 4 awards — 3 winners and 1 runner-up

Sports Trader :: 2019 Q3

• Snowbee (The Kingfisher): 5 awards — 1 winner and 4 runners-up • Daiwa (The Kingfisher): 3 awards — 2 winners and 1 runner-up • Rapala VMC (Normark Africa): 3 awards — 1 winner and 2 runners-up • RIO Products (Xplorer Fly Fishing): 2 awards — 2 winners.

• DAM (DAM SA): 2 awards — 1 winner and 1 runner-up • Mustad: 1 award — runner up. Available from several South African distributors: Kingfisher, Mias, Tuckers Tackle and W.E.T. Sports.

• Strike Pro (Kingfisher and Sensational Angling): 1 award — runner up • Costa (Normark Africa): 1 award — runner up.

Next year the 39th EFTTEX trade show will be held in Prague from 11 to 13 June and according to Morley the exhibitor space is already 65% booked.

ICAST winners differ The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) this year organised the US tackle industry’s 60th ICAST trade show in Orlando, Florida, where more than 15 000 visitors came to view the latest ranges from 600 exhibitors.

The American Fly Fishing Trade Association (AFFTA) did not hold their annual International Fly Tackle Dealer (IFTD) trade show during ICAST as in previous years — this year it will be held in Denver, Colorado, in October (see below).

Over 300 companies entered more than 1

000 new products in the Best of Show competition. The 29 category winning products once again demonstrated the different product preferences between the judges in Europe and America — the Hobie Mirage was the only product and Costa eyewear the only brand to win awards at EFTTEX as well as at ICAST. The winner of the overall Best of Show award in Orlando was the Force Trolling Motor from Garmin. It also won the Best Fishing Lifestyle award.

Other big winners were: • St Croix (available in SA from Xplorer Fly Fishing) won the three Best Rod categories (freshwater, saltwater and fly); • Live Target (locally available from Adrenaline Fishing) won three lure categories, namely Best Saltwater Soft Lure (Slow-Roll Shiner), Best Freshwater Hard Lure (Erratic Shiner) and Best Saltwater Hard Lure (Flutter Sardine); • Shimano (locally available from Normark Africa, previously known as Rapala VMC) won the Best Saltwater and Best Freshwater Reel categories.

Fly fishers go it alone The American Fly Fishing Trade Association (AFFTA) has more than quadrupled its membership from about 250 companies to more than 1 000 — giving it the numbers to again host a standalone International Fly Tackle Dealer (IFTD) show in Colorado in October.

During the previous few years the world’s biggest annual fly fishing trade show had been held at the same time (in July) and venue (in

Outdoor :: p31

Best of show winners at ICAST

EFTTEX Best New Products

Best of Show and Best Fishing Lifestyle – Garmin Force Trolling Motor Best Freshwater Reel – Shimano SLX DC Baitcasting Reel

Best New Rod

Best Saltwater Reel – Shimano Stradic FL Spinning Reel

Runner up: Ockert - REVOLT Spin

Best Fly Reel – SEiGLER Reels SF Best Freshwater Rod – St. Croix Rods Mojo Bass Glass Rip N’ Chatter Rod

Winner: Winston Rod Co – Winston AIR TH Best New Fly Rod

Runner up: Svendsen Sport – Scierra Baby Brook

Best New Fly Reel

Runner up: Snowbee – Geo S Fly Reel & Sage – Trout

Best Saltwater Rod – St. Croix Rods Avid Surf Best Fly Fishing Rod – St. Croix Rods Imperial Salt

Winner: Pure Fishing – Hardy Ultralite MTX-S

Best Rod & Reel Combo – Lew’s Mach Smash Baitcast Combo Best Fishing Line – PowerPro Moonshine Braid Best Tackle Management – Plano Edge

Winner: Pure Fishing – Abu Garcia Mike Iaconelli “IKE” signature series

Best New Fixed Spool Reel

Winners: Pure Fishing – Abu Garcia Revo MGXtreme & Daiwa – Certate

Best Terminal Tackle – VMC Bladed Hybrid Treble Short

Runner up: DAM – Quick 10

Best Freshwater Soft Lure – Lukerhunt Phantom Spider

Winner: Pure Fishing – Abu Garcia Revo EXD Low Profile Reel

Best Saltwater Soft Lure – Live Target Slow-Roll Shiner Best Freshwater Hard Lure – Live Target Erratic Shiner Best Saltwater Hard Lure – Live Target Flutter Sardine Best Fly Fishing Accessory – SIMMS Dry Creek Z Sling Pack Best Fishing Accessory – American Tackle Company MW20 Finesse Set Best Kids Tackle – Anything Possible Brands the Bumblebee by ProFISHiency.

Best Electronics – Humminbird Mega 360 Imaging Best Cutlery Hand Pliers & Tools – BUBBA 110V Electric Fillet Knife

Best New Multiplier Reel Best New Fly Line or Fly Leader Best New Monofilament Line Best New Braided Line

Runner up: Daiwa – Steez CT SV Winner: RIO Products – Technical Trout Line Runner up: Snowbee – XS Plus – EDR – FHV Winner: Rapala VMC Corp – Advance Fluorocarbon Runner up: Snowbee – XS Plus Gold Fluoro Winner: Ockert – iBRAID Runner up: Pure Fishing – Stealth Smooth 12

Best New Hard Lure

Winners: DAM – Madcat Propeller Teaser & Tsuda Shokai – Zacrawl SC

Best Lifestyle Apparel – AFTCO Yurei Air-O-Mesh Performance Shirt

Best New Soft Lure

Best Technical Apparel Cold Weather – SIMMS M’s G4Z Stockingfoot Wader Best Technical Apparel Warm Weather – AFTCO Overboard Submersible Shorts

Winner: Svendsen Sport – Savage Gear 3D Needlefish

Best New Metal Lure

Best Cooler and Bait Storage – Frabill Magnum Bait Station 30

Best Eyewear – Costa Water Woman Best Footwear – Frogg Toggs Skipper Best Giftwear – 13 Fishing Fillet Table Beverage Management System Best Kayak Accessory – Hobie Mirage 360 Angler

Winner: Tiemco - Riot Blade

Winner: Snowbee – Ultralite Chest Pack Best New Accessory

Best New Terminal Tackle

Best Ice Fishing – Humminbird ICE Helix 7 CHIRP GPS G3N Best New Clothing Orlando) as the American Sportfishing Association’s ICAST Show to attract more visitors.

The 150 exhibitor booths at the Denver Convention Centre, spiritual home of the show, are already fully booked for the show to be held 16-18 October this year. An exhibitor waiting list has been opened.

The revival of AFTTA can be attributed to the hard work of its president Ben Bulis and his team, reports Angling International. “The year I joined AFFTA as the president, we might’ve had 250 members and we used to have to beg to get people to run for the Board,” he is quoted on the AFTTA website.

“Day-in and day-out we have worked hard to ensure that our industry has a strong, unified voice on issues that are vital to our livelihood.”

Consumer day divides Australia Across the world trade show organisers are facing the same dilemma: to allow consumers at a trade show, or not. In Australia the Fishing Tackle Association (AFTA) decided to allow consumers to attend the last day of its trade show in August this year as an experiment … and lost and won exhibitors.

As can be expected, this had been a divisive topic. Newer AFTA members, who don’t share the traditional view that a trade show is a place for doing business with retail customers only, have been campaigning to allow consumers to come and view the latest products. They won the concession that the last day (Saturday August 17th) will be open to mem- To p32

Runner up: Svendsen Sport – Savage Gear 3D Octopus Runner up: O Mustad & Son AS – Mustad Hero Plier Winner: VMC Pêche – 75 Bladed Hybrid Runner up: Rapala VMC Corp – RCD Lure Tuning Tool Winner: Lucky John Europe – Norfin Discovery Heat Winter suit Runner up: Snowbee – Nivalis ‘Lady’ Down Jkt.

Best New soft/ dough Natural Hook Bait Best New Sunglasses, headlamps and headwear

Winner: Energofish – Bloodworm Jelly Baits Runner up: Lucky John Europe – Sand Worm Winner: Wiley X – WX Compass Runner up: Costa Sunglasses – Pescador with side shield “Untangle Collection”

Winner: Daiwa – N’zon Eva 4 Box Feeder Bag Best New Boxes, holders, bags and luggage Runner up: Rapala VMC Corp – Rapala Lure Camo Tackle Bag Magnum Best New Floating Apparel Best New Electronic / Application technology

Winner: Société Clee – Flatform Junior Runner up: Hobie Kayak Europe – Hobie Mirage Passport Winner: Cyberfishing Europe Ltd – Smart Rod Sensor Runner up: PowerVision Oy – PowerDolphin

Best Innovation of the Cyberfishing Europe Ltd – Smart Rod Sensor Year & Svendsen Sport – Savage Gear 3D Octopus Visitors Choice Award

Société Clee – Flatform Junior

2019 Q3 :: Sports Trader

p32 :: Outdoor

Why Rapala became Normark Africa THE NAME Normark Africa on the exhibitor boards at the SAFTAD trade show may confuse some visitors … until they get to the usual spot occupied by Rapala VMC and see all the familiar faces and brands. During this past year Rapala VMC SA changed its name to Normark Africa — but all the familiar brands and products will be there, says director Mark Pledger.

The name change became necessary after they acquired quite a few sport shooting brands a few years ago — a section of the market that has experienced tremendous growth. Social media sites, however, have very strict policies regarding firearms and they became concerned that if the firearm photos are blocked on their Rapala page, they might lose some of their more than 500 000 fans, adds Mark, who is primarily responsible for this outdoor section of the business. They decided on the Normark name because it was the name of the first Rapala distributor in the US — reflecting the brand’s Nordic (Finnish) heritage.

The new name for the company supplying fishing and firearms equipment is more neutral — with Rapala VMC SA representing one division, managed by Grant Pledger.

The annual SAFTAD fishing tackle trade show will this year take place 17 and 18 August at the UNISA Training Centre in Ormonde, Johannesburg.

Above: SAFTAD chairman John Pledger with his sons Grant and Mark Pledger.

Left: Mark Pledger (left) demonstrates a firearm component at Huntex.

Photo: Huntex.

Iron River to supply Pure Fishing brands across Africa to Middle East GRAHAM HILLS (right), one of the owners of Iron River, which distributes the Pure Fishing brands in South Africa, Africa and the Middle East, is proud of the five awards their brands won at EFTTEX this year. The awards are good signs of what is to come from Pure Fishing, he says. “It is a positive sign of the global changes underway in Pure Fishing.”

At the end of last year, when the American private equity group Sycamore Partners bought Pure Fishing for $1.3-bn from Newell brands, a process was also set in motion that resulted in a change in the South African distribution. “With the changes, the local management team were the ideal choice to represent the brands in the region,” says Hills.

The Newell Rubbermaid Company had bought Pure Fishing and its outdoor brands, operating as Jarden, in 2014. During the next four years Newell had instituted cost saving measures that stifled brand development. In December they sold the company.

Despite this, Pure Fishing brands had been regular winners at major international fishing trade shows and this year won five of the top awards at EFTTEX, including all three best reel awards and the best

new rod on show award.

The new CEO, Harlan Kent, told Angling International magazine that the standalone company will focus on new product development and get back on track with their retail relationships, especially with independents.

The South African change of ownership has made no major change to their business strategy, says Hills — except that their territory is so much bigger. Pure Fishing, works closely with the new the local team to assist in development of products suited to the market.

He is undaunted that this expansion is taking place in tough market conditions where all sporting and outdoor categories are being challenged. “It helps if you have strong brands as they are trusted by consumers and retailers.”

The name of the new distributorship, Iron River, was chosen after quite a few brainstorming sessions, where various names were considered. “It was eventually decided that Iron River is the most appropriate because it reflects the hard and soft side that personifies the hardware and water of the fishing industry,” explains Hills.

International news cont. from p31 bers of the public — and depending on the success, this might become the norm The first two days — Thursday and Friday 15 and 16 August — will be open to registered trade only.

Other, more traditional members, decided that the mayhem that could result when anglers swamp stands, wanting to buy the products that would only be available in retail at a future date, would not be good for business, and declined to join the show. Although some more traditional-minded AFTA members decid-

Sports Trader :: 2019 Q3

ed to exhibit and see for themselves whether this move is desirable.

The result was that there was still some exhibition space left less than three weeks before the show, AFTA Chairman Colin Tannahill told Angling International.

But, if the consumer attendance is a success and drives retail sales, the show could be extended to major cities like Melbourne and Sydney. It is currently hosted in the Australia Gold Coast Convention Centre in Queensland.

With an estimated 3.4-m recreational an-

glers, Australia’s fishing industry offers a substantial market.

There will also be a concerted effort to involve more women in the sport during the show. The organisation Women in Recreational Fishing (WIRF) offered eight female anglers an all-expenses paid trip to the show in order to speak to recreational fishing industry heavyweights about women’s representation in the fishing community, how to improve as an angler and inspire, etc.

New outdoor chain to focus Outdoor :: p33

on brands

Amid outdoor retail upheavals like the closure of the 77 DueSouth stores and Trappers sold to Jonssons Workwear, the birth of the new Expedition North retail chain is good news for suppliers and consumers

E

xcellent news for the outdoor industry! Expedition North, a new chain of 12 outdoor stores opened their doors across the country at the beginning of the month … and even better news for the industry is that they will be focusing on branded goods.

While the chain is brand new, most of the people behind it are industry veterans, who gained valuable experience working for Trappers or running their own Trappers franchise stores. Pieter Olivier, for example, did a 4-month apprenticeship in the trade 25 years ago by working for Peter Shead’s store in the Sanlam Centre, Pretoria, after leaving school. He subsequently opened franchise stores in Polokwane and later in Tzaneen, which have now become Expedition North stores. Their Polokwane store has won the Franchise Store of the Year in 2018 and twice before.

Shead, who now helps to administer the Expedition North franchise group, has 40 years’ experience with Trappers and opened his own store 32 years ago.

The Olivier family also extended the mainly Limpopo-based Trappers footprint to the Cape by opening stores in George (run by Eben Olivier), Somerset West and Worcester (run by Gavin le Roux). Apart from the name change (including emails) the contact details of the former franchise stores remain the same.

Following a change in ownership at the former franchisor, the family decided to part with their existing group and established Expedition North as the new franchisor which is now wholly owned by the Olivier and le Roux families. The family has built a reputation as astute businessmen with integrity and this has certainly contributed to the fact that already seven other stores who used to belong to the former group have decided to join Expedition North as their new franchisor.

Twelve stores and growing

Top two: The new Expedition North Polokwane store and the staff in the store.

Owner Pieter Olivier is third from right at the back.

Middle: The team in George: Hugo Styger, Fergan Maasdorp and Jacques Dean (front) and in the middle Angelique van Eeden. Back: owner-manager Eben Olivier and Keeghan Job. Bottom: The Worcester team: Adam-Luke Prins, Elize Dreyer, Jenevra McLeod, Riyaad Admi Louw, owner Gavin Le Roux, Chanderé Tobias and manager Ezauh Mubeen Sedan.

Photos: Expedition North.

With 12 stores joining the group before it opened on August 1 and several more expressing interest Olivier believes they will soon regain — and even surpass — the buying power they enjoyed as part of a franchise network. He is a strong believer in the strength of central buying for a number of stores, especially when negotiating with brands.

During their first year of independent trading their aim will be to establish the Expedition North brand name and to find their feet, says Olivier, as he knows that it always takes time to gain consumer trust. But he believes they have a major trading benefit: “our stores are all run by the owners and therefore we offer a superior service to corporate stores that are run by employees without a vested interest.”

Another benefit is that they know that consumers in different parts of the country prefer different brands and clothing looks, which a store owner who has more control over buying decisions can more easily adjust to than corporate stores.

Apart from the obvious benefit to importers and local manufacturers of a chain concentrating on branded outdoor clothing, footwear and equipment, this will also benefit the independent retail trade as a whole.

Because, without outlets selling branded goods, many international distributors will either close their South African doors or sell online only.

And the whole industry, especially consumers, will be the losers.

2019 Q3 :: Sports Trader

p34 :: Outdoor

Outdoor News

Wildebees competition a win-win for store and brand

These displays above and below by RS Sport & Outdoor won the store and staff a dream trip to a game reserve. Photo supplied.

IT’S A WIN-WIN situation when a distributor challenges its retail customers to come up with great in-store displays for its products. To encourage its retailers to create innovative displays, Wildebees ran a competition during May with 40 selected retailers — and the winner earned its staff a weekend away at a game farm.

The competition was very successful, says Jeremy Nel of the brand’s distributor Crown Footwear.

Retailers were asked to build Wildebees store displays using items provided (a merchandise pack consisting of two crates, two plinths, two banners and a shelf), but they were also able to add their own touches to the design. Displays had to stay up in store throughout May, from the 1st to 31st, either in the window or middle of the store.

RS Sports & Outdoor in Welkom was the winner of this competition, which was announced at the end of June.

Fenix shows why Good things come in Small Packages A RANGE of flashlights and a headlamp recently introduced in South Africa shows that small packages can pack powerful punches. Many of the flashlights in the Fenix range, locally available from R&S Traders, are so compact and light that they can easily be carried in a pocket or handbag. The packaging is designed to create an attractive in-store hanging display.

Most of them operate with a micro USB-rechargeable slim and light 18650 battery that further reduces weight.

The beautiful little E16, for example, is only 5cm long with a 1.8cm round body — but it delivers 700 lumens and has four output levels. Its tough exterior is made of durable highstrength aluminium and it features a two-way pocket/body clip, and is water- and dustproof.

The very affordable E35 UE offers excellent value, providing 300-700 lumens for close to 2 hours on maximum output.

The UC30 rechargeable flashlight delivers a maximum output of 1000 lumens and a beam distance of 253m. It has five output levels, including strobe, and the stainless steel side switch also includes a battery level indicator.

Waterproof and dust proof, it is great for every day carry and outdoor activities.

The PD35 V2.0 is an upgrade of Fenix’s most popular flashlight. Fitted with the Cree XP-L HI V3 LED, it delivers a maximum 1000

E16

UC35 v2.0

lumens at a distance of 250m with six lighting modes. An incredible 430 hours of runtime can be achieved when using the new ECO brightness level. The compact and tough flashlight is ideal for outdoor activities as it is dust proof and waterproof underwater to two meters.

The durable TK35 LED has a far-reaching beam that throws light up to 480m. It delivers a maximum of 1300 lumen from its seven outputs — including strobe and SOS — which are controlled by the dual tail switches that enables one-finger operation.

The UC35 V2.0 rechargeable flashlight delivers a maximum 1000 lumens at a distance of 266m. It can deliver a high 800 hours of runtime when using the new moonlight brightness level.

Compact and built-tough, it is dust proof and waterproof underwater to two meters.

Tactical applications Although pocket-sized (13.7cm), the updated PD35 TAC (Tactical Edition) surpasses the traditional PD35 in performance and it is popular with the military and law enforcement professionals. It can produce up to 1000 lumens in turbo output while throwing its beam a distance up to 200m. In Outdoor Mode, it delivers six output modes, including a variable strobe.

Other Fenix models designed for tactical (law enforcement, military,

TK20 R

search and rescue, etc.) and industrial uses are: • The compact TK20R: maximum beam distance of over 310m with a maximum output of 1000 lumens. Features include a dual layer body, inner waterproofing treatment, a tactical tail switch along with a side switch, and battery power indicator.

• The extremely rugged TK15UE with an impact resistant strike face bezel: beam distance of over 325m and a maximum output of 1000 lumens. It has four brightness levels, including strobe.

• The RC20 keeps performing at full capacity when stored with the included USB charging cradle. It produces 1000 lumens and has a beam distance of over 290m.

More options Not all Fenix flashlights are small, though.

Some of the most powerful models come in bigger sizes, for example, the upgraded TK75 blasts an astonishing 5100 lumens 850m far, while the rechargeable RC40 meets the most demanding lighting needs with 6000 lumens blasted ultra-long distances of up to 800m.

Fenix also has a headlamp (the HL26R) in a lightweight, compact design. Spotlight and a floodlight are easily accessed through its dual switches, allowing optimal lighting for any situation (left).

FENIX TK75 LED FLASHLIGHT Max lumens: 5100 Runtime on max lumen: 2h 15min* Beam: 850m Impact resistant IP68 rating: waterproof to 2m & dustproof Modes: Eco, Low, Medium, High I, High II, Turbo & 2 flashing modes

FENIX TK35 LED FLASHLIGHT Max lumens: 1300 Runtime on max lumen: 3h 10min * Beam: 480m Impact resistant IP68 rating: waterproof to 2m & dustproof Modes: Eco, Low, Medium, High, Turbo, Strobe, SOS

FENIX TK20R LED FLASHLIGHT Max lumens: 1000 Runtime on max lumen: 1h 40min * Beam: 310m Impact resistant IP68 rating: waterproof to 2m & dustproof Modes: Low, Medium, High, Turbo

FENIX TK16 LED FLASHLIGHT Max lumens: 900 Runtime on max lumen: 1h 25min (the protective setup automatically

FENIX TK15UE LED FLASHLIGHT

FENIX RC40 LED FLASHLIGHT Max lumens: 6000 Runtime on max lumen: 1h * Beam: 730m Impact resistant IP8-X rating: can be underwater down to 2m Modes: Eco, Low, Medium, High, Turbo

Max lumens: 1000 Runtime on max lumen: 2h * Beam: 325m Impact resistant IP8-X rating: can be underwater down to 2m Modes: Low, Medium, High, & Turbo

turns from High to Mid after working 5min, so this runtime is the accumulated time)

Beam: 310m Impact resistant IP8-X rating: can be underwater down to 2m Modes: Low, Medium, High, Strobe

FENIX RC20 LED FLASHLIGHT

FENIX UC35 V2.0 LED FLASHLIGHT

Max lumens: 1000 Runtime on max lumen: 1h 10min * Beam: 290m Impact resistant IP8-X rating: can be underwater down to 2m Modes: Low, Medium, High, Turbo

Max lumens: 1000 Runtime on max lumen: 2h 15min * Beam: 266m Impact resistant IP68 rating: waterproof to 2m & dustproof Modes: Moonlight, Low, Medium, High, Turbo

FENIX UC30 LED FLASHLIGHT

FENIX PD35 V2.0 LED FLASHLIGHT

Max lumens: 1000 Runtime on max lumen: 1h 25min * Beam: 253m Impact resistant IP68 rating: waterproof to 2m & dustproof Modes: Eco, Low, Medium, High, Turbo

Max lumens: 1000 Runtime on max lumen: 2h 50min * Beam: 250m Impact resistant IP68 rating: waterproof to 2m & dustproof Modes: Eco, Low, Medium, High, Turbo

FENIX PD35 TAC LED FLASHLIGHT

FENIX HL26R LED HEADLAMP

Max lumens: 1000 Runtime on max lumen: 1h 10min * Beam: 200m Impact resistant IP8-X rating: can be underwater down to 2m Modes: Eco, Low, Medium, High, Turbo, Strobe

Max lumens: 130 Runtime on max lumen: 6h Beam: 30-100m Impact resistant IP66 rating: water resistant & dustproof Modes: Spotlight (Low, Medium, High, Burst) & Floodlight (Low, High, SOS) modes

FENIX E16 LED FLASHLIGHT **

FENIX E35 UE LED FLASHLIGHT **

Max lumens: 300-700 Runtime on max lumen: 1h 5min - 1h 55m * Beam: 93-142m Impact resistant IP68 rating: waterproof to 2m & dustproof Modes: Low, Medium, High, Turbo, Strobe

Max lumens: 300-700 Runtime on max lumen: 1h 5min - 1h 55m * Beam: 93-142m Impact resistant IP68 rating: waterproof to 2m & dustproof Modes: Low, Medium, High, Turbo, Strobe

* The protective setup automatically lowers brightness from turbo to high after working for 3 minutes. The runtime on turbo mode is the accumulated time without time-limited downshifting. ** Can use a 16340 Li-ion (more powerful beam and a shorter run time) or CR123A lithium battery

CONTACT SALES TEAM

FUAD FUAD@RANDSTRADERS.CO.ZA ZUBAIR ZUBAIR@RANDSTRADERS.CO.ZA SHIRAZ SHIRAZ@RANDSTRADERS.CO.ZA

Tel: 011 918 6861 | sales@randstraders.co.za

p36 :: Industry

Leatherman tools voted the best Their choice as the second best multi-tool The new Leatherman Free P2 — the reincarnation of the original multi-tool designed is the Leatherman Charge TT. Basically, the

by Tim Leatherman 36 years ago — has been Charge TTi has a better blade, comes with voted the Best Multi-tool by various outdoor a better sheath and a bunch of bits and is overall a little lightand online websites. er than the Wave, And where the Free P2 explains the reviewis not the winner, the er. It has a couple top spot is occupied by of extra tools and another Leatherman the titanium hanmulti-tool. dle is superior to Gear magazine, for the stainless steel. example selected the But is all this worth Leatherman Free P2 as an extra $40 or so? the Editor’s Pick for the Not in my opinion. If Best Multi-Tool for 2019. you have the money Like the Wave, the Free go for it, otherwise P2 features all the tools stick to the Wave. one might imagine should be present in a multi-tool: pliers, scis- The Leatherman Free has been voted the best Skeletool CX best for some sors, a bottle and can multi-tool across categories. opener, wire cutters, The Outdoorsman a screwdriver, a ruler, a file. But there’s a Toolkit disagrees. Their team considers the fundamental difference in that it, and every Leatherman Charge+ TTi as the Best Multiother tool in the broader Free collection, Tool for 2019. They summarise their review has an innovative magnetic construction as follows: that makes using those tools much more Everything about it is precision machined manageable, say the reviewers. and made from the best materials available.

They especially liked the fact that many One of its most important features is the of the tools can be opened with one hand, incredibly durable titanium frame Leatherand that the small nubs to deploy each man used. They took this high end frame tool eliminates the problem of opening the and packed it full with the newest and best wrong tool. The magnetic system ... genu- tools available. inely brings the multi-tool to a higher level But, when it comes to a tool needed for of functionality, they added. general cutting and other farm work, the best multi-tool for most jobs is the LeathWave+ highly rated erman Skeletool CX, the Wire Cutter magHaving first selected the Wave+ as the Best azine found. Its minimal lineup of wellMulti-Tool for 2019, Wire Cutter magazine executed essentials and sleek, lightweight reviewer Doug Madesign is easier to honey decided after use and carry because re-testing in August it’s unburdened by an 2019 that this honabundance of rarely our should go to the used tools. In fact, Leatherman Free P2. the Skeletool’s pliers, The reviewers at the knife, screwdrivers, Knife Informer, howand bottle opener ever, agree with Mawere all we ever honey’s first choice, needed to deal with the new Leatherman minor fixes and get on Wave, as the Best with our day, the reMulti-tool currently on viewers report. the market.

The Knife Informer There’s a reason also rated the Skelthis has been Leathetool highly and erman’s most popular Some reviewers consider the Leatherman Wave+ ranked it as the third model for over a dec- the best ever multi-tool. best multi-tool. The ade — the design is inreal attraction here genious, the quality is outstanding and the is portability as the Skeletool can easily fit value for money is unrivalled. Don’t get me onto your keychain and goes unnoticed in wrong, Leatherman has higher-end models the pocket. Also, at this price it’s a bargain. for those with money to burn but the bal- Sure, you won’t be getting all the practicalance between features, quality and cost is ity of the Wave or Charge TTi but it’s got you just about perfect with the Wave, the re- covered in most situations, their reviewers viewer says. believe.

Sports Trader :: 2019 Q3

Global Trump’s List 4 tariffs introduced in September On SepTember 1 the 10% tariff on Chinamade goods imported into the US on List 4, came into effect. This substantial list includes several sporting and outdoor goods, clothing and footwear categories on this List 4. The introduction of tariffs on certain popular products (e.g. clothing, cellphones, laptops etc.) have, however, been extended to December 15, after Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

There was some good news for importers of certain categories, though: “Exclusions have had a success rate six times higher than exemptions,” said Bill Sells, senior vicepresident of the Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), which filed 46 petitions requesting exemptions from tariffs for sports and fitness products on List 4. Exemptions remove products from tariff lists before the tariffs are enacted, exclusions remove products from the tariff list after the product has already been hit with a tariff increase.

But, a substantial number of categories remain on the September list. Apart from sport and athletic footwear in various categories, sports products that were hit by the tariffs cover just about all sporting codes.

From equipment for general physical exercise, gymnastics or athletics the list follows the alphabet with archery articles and equipment, football, soccer and polo equipment and balls, golf equipment (including footwear, clubs and balls), hockey and field-hockey articles and equipment, inflatable balls (including football and soccer, baseball and softball balls, lacrosse sticks, lawn-tennis articles and equipment (including balls and rackets), sports gloves and mitts, etc.

Outdoor goods include hunting and sport shooting firearms, tents and awnings, surf boards and watersport equipment, as well as most fishing tackle categories.

In an appeal to the office of the US Trade Representative (USTR), Glenn Hughes, president of the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) and many members of the organisation, said that the fishing industry already pays a unique 10% excise tax on goods on List 4, which goes towards the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund (SFRBTF) to support fisheries conservation and management practices and education. This contribution is worth almost $150-m each year.

An additional tariff on China-imported products will have a significant negative impact on the tackle business, they argued, as 60% of all fishing equipment sold in the US is imported, with two-thirds coming from China — and in many product categories, China is the only option because they have the supply lines and infrastructure already in place.

Industry :: p37

News

3 2 1

2023

4

2018

33% by 2023

5

2017

Sports market to grow

Billion $

6

with the fastest growing share of the sports market.

Last year apparel accounted for 37% of the sports market, and it grew by 8% in dollar terms to just over $150-bn.

The biggest growth was in the footwear category (9%), which accounted for $130.5-bn of the sports market in 2018. The NPD Group expects this figure to grow to $182.3-bn by 2023.

Overall, the value of the sport equipment category increased by 5%.

The cycling category is worth the most in dollar terms ($62.4-bn) among global sports activities, the NPD Group found. Bicycles and accessories increased its market size by 6% during 2018.

Global growth in 2018 Soccer is the sixth biggest sporting activity Baseball 12% in dollar terms ($15.3-bn) and was especially boosted by the World Cup last year to grow by Basketball 11% 7%, says the NPD Group. The baseball category Running 7% (11th biggest dollar share in the market) was Soccer 7% boosted by new youth bat regulations and is the category that increased the most during Cycling 6% 2018 (12%). During 2018, the running categoExercise/gym 6% ry increased by 7% in dollar terms to $33.2Summer board sports 4% bn and showed growth in seven of the top 10 countries in the global sports market.

Swimming 4% “Given these circumstances that were Golf 4% unique to 2018, the sports equipment market Snow sports 3% will need to capitalize on new, long-term opTennis 3% portunities to succeed in this new year,” said senior sports industry analyst Matt Powell.

Hiking/camping 2% For more information contact the NPG Group Rugby 1% on contactnpd@npd.com.

SPENDING IN the global sport industry increased by 7% in dollars during 2018 to $471.3-bn, reports the NPD Group Inc. By 2023, the group expects the global sports market to be worth $626.8-bn — a 33% increase from 2018.

The group covered 15 sporting activities in 13 countries.

The top five countries account for 57% of the global sports market: the US leads with a 32.5% share, China represents 12.7%, Japan’s share is 4.6%, Germany 4.1%, and France contributes 3.2% to the industry.

Overall, Asia’s contribution increased by 13% and it was the continent

Global value by sport 1

Cycling

$62.4-bn

1

2

Exercise/gym

$48.9-bn

2

3

Hiking/camping

$38.6-bn

3

4

Running

$33.2-bn

4

5

Summer board sports

$15.9-bn

5

6

Soccer

$15.3-bn

6

7

Swimming

$15.1-bn

7

8

Basketball

$13.2-bn

8

9

Golf

$11.5-bn

9

10 Snow sports

$9.4-bn

10

11 Baseball

$8.1-bn

11

12 Tennis

$5-bn

12

13 Rugby

$0.5-bn

13

European Union confirms ruling against the adidas three stripes ADIDAS CAN no longer claim the three parallel stripes as a trademark in the European Union, the General Court of the EU ruled in June this year. This confirms the 2016 annulment of the trademark, which the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) had previously registered in favour of adidas.

In 2014 the EUIPO had allowed adidas to register a trademark for three parallel equidistant stripes of identical width, applied on the product in any direction. But, in 2016 the EUIPO declared that the adidas trademark registration had been invalid.

The latest judgement is the outcome of adidas’ appeal against the invalidation.

The reason given by the court is that adidas does not prove that the mark has acquired, throughout the territory of the EU, distinctive character following the use which had been made of it.

The application to have the trademark declared invalid had been filed by the Belgian company Shoe Branding Europe, in a tit-for-tat move after adidas had successfully blocked its application to register a trademark consisting of two stripes on its shoes in the EU. The EUIPO reversed its own registration of the adidas trademark because it was devoid of any distinctive character, both inherent and acquired through use. It also acknowledged that the mark should not have been registered at all and said that adidas failed to show that the three stripes had acquired distinctive character through use throughout the all EU states.

Sitting of the EU General Court Photo: Court of Justice of the European Union.

The General Court agreed that the mark is not a pattern mark composed of a series of regularly repetitive elements, but an ordinary figurative mark and that the black on white colour scheme is also not an essential characteristic, as it is also used in reverse.

The court furthermore agreed that adidas did not prove that the mark had acquired a distinctive character in the whole EU territory, because the evidence the brand brought related to only five member states.

2019 Q3 :: Sports Trader

Top sports brands in RWC land Japan

p38 :: Sport

Visitors to the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan might not realise that they will be in the home of some of the leading global sports brands. From ASICS to Cleveland Golf, Dunlop, Mikasa, Mizuno, Molten, Shimano, Yonex and several in between are Japanese brands — with many of them still manufactured in their home country.

F

rom the end of September the focus will be on Japan as the Springboks (hopefully) proceed to the final of the IRB 2019 Japan RWC on November 2. Between games, the TV broadcasts will showcase the twelve Japanese host cities and tell us more about the country that grew into an electronic and automotive giant after the devastation of WWII, when the first atom bombs turned the cities Hiroshima and Nagasaki into ash.

For the sports industry, Japan has a whole different meaning: it is the home of many of the leading brands in a wide variety of sporting codes. Many of these brands, which are today major international names, were founded by entrepreneurs who had to create an income for their families after the war.

Here, in alphabetical order, is a summary, of a dozen of the sports brands we know well:

ASICS and Onitsuka Tiger Known globally for its marathon running shoes, ASICS in recent years re-established itself as a multi-sport brand through high-profile team sponsorships, notably of the Springboks and the Australian rugby and cricket teams.

ASICS, an acronym for Anima Sana In Corpore Sano (Healthy soul in a healthy body), is actually an off-spring of the lesser-known Japanese brand Onitsuka Tiger — revived by ASICS in 2002 as a mainly lifestyle brand.

A few years after the end of WWII Kihachiro Onitsuka began manufacturing basketball shoes under the name Onitsuka Co in his home town of Kobe. The company soon expanded into making shoes for other sports activities, sold in countries across the world.

In 1966, in the run-up to the Mexico Olympics, the striped logo that today defines the brand, was introduced. The Mexico 66 is still one of the most iconic Onitsuka models.

In 1969 the Cortez training shoe, made specifically for the US market, was introduced by

Sports Trader :: 2019 Q3

Volleyball and water polo players across the world are very familiar with the Mikasa name, as this Japanese ball manufacturer has been providing the international official match balls for these sports for many years.

Onitsuka Tiger’s US agent Phil Knight and his Blue Ribbon Agency … a few lawsuits later his company Nike got to keep a few named shoes, including the Cortez, and the ASICS shoe became the Tiger Corsair.

In 1977, Onitsuka Tiger merged with GTO and Jelenk to form ASICS Corporation. GTO was a Japanese manufacturer of sports nets, hammocks, mountaineering and fishing goods and skiwear, while Jelenk manufactured sports socks and sportswear.

The company’s American office, operating from California, was renamed the ASICS Tiger Corporation in 1981, and in 1994 ASICS Europe was established in Amsterdam, which also controls the South African subsidiary office.

The ASICS Research Institute of Sports Science — later renamed the ASICS R&D Center — was completed in Kobe in 1990. Prior to the 2015 World Cup the Springboks had been evaluated in the sports medicine laboratory, which forms part of the extensive complex where new ASICS products, services like the 3D Footscan, and materials are developed.

In 2010, ASICS bought the Swedish outdoor brand Haglöfs and five years later ASICSTIGER was rebranded and relaunched for the sports lifestyle market.

Butterfly Founded in 1950 by Japanese table tennis player Hikosuke Tamasu, Butterfly is a well-

known table tennis apparel and equipment brand, which sponsors leading players and tournaments across the world.

Descente and Inov8 Founded in 1935 as a menswear retail store, Descente is today known as a leading manufacturer of ski- and skatingwear. In the early 1950s the company started manufacturing baseball uniforms and skiwear, and later branched out into outdoor winter wear under the Descente trademark, registered in 1961.

Their thermal and self-warming garments have won several ISPO awards. Descente Golf provides clothing ranges for men and women.

The company distributes 16 in-house and licensed international brands in Japan and neighbouring countries. In 1999 it acquired the trademark to the Umbro soccer brand in Japan and in 2013 in South Korea.

• Inov8, the UK trail running brand, was acquired by Descente in 2015, after it had been the brand’s distributor in Japan, Korea and Hong Kong since 2013. Inov8 was founded in 2003 by UK runner Wayne Edy, who is still a shareholder and product developer, and subsequently won several awards for its innovations. It is available in 62 countries, including South Africa from Mountain Ventures.

Gosen This Japanese company has been manufacturing synthetic strings for racketsport and fishing tackle like line and hooks for more than 50 years.

Its strings have been approved by the International Tennis Federation, the Indonesia Badminton Association and the Badminton World Federation and have been used by players like Rod Laver, Jimmy Connors, Chris Evert Lloyd, Anna Kournikova, etc.

Gosen also makes sewing threads for apparel manufacturers, seat belts, airbags, artificial hair, etc.

Sport :: p39

Above: Mikasa volleyballs are popular from elite to schools level.

Above right: The Beast was one of the Springboks who were evaluated at the ASICS Sports Science Institute before the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Right: Molten is the official basketball ball supplier for all FIBA competitions.

Photos: supplied.

Gosen fishing tackle is locally available from iFish Wholesalers.

Mikasa Volleyball and water polo players across the world are very familiar with the Mikasa name, as this Japanese ball manufacturer has been providing the international official match balls for these sports for many years.

The MVA200 ball (indoor volleyball) and VLS300 (beach volleyball) are the exclusive game balls to be used for all FIVB Fédération Internationale de Volleyball) competitions — including the Olympic Games.

FINA (Fédération Internationale de Natation) have further approved several water polo models as match balls in their international competitions.

In South Africa the hardy, wound, Mikasa soccer balls are very popular for play on the hard, grassless surfaces where so many grassroots and pro teams in Gauteng, the Free State and Northern Cape have to play their matches.

The company started making volleyball balls in Hiroshima, Japan, more than 89 years ago in 1930. It soon followed this with balls for basketball, soccer, football, water polo, rugby, etc.

“While we made great inroads in both professional and Olympic sports, we never forgot the place where all sports began: the playground,” says Mikasa. “We understand the passion and inspiration it takes to be an athlete, no matter what level. We feel the same way about our athletic game balls.”

Pat Wiltshire Sports is the South African distributor of Mikasa.

Mizuno Mizuno Corporation was founded by Rihachi Mizuno, later joined by his younger brother Rizo, in Osaka in 1906 as a sports retailer. After a few years it began manufacturing baseball wear and equipment — which is still an important product category for the brand in Japan. This was followed by track and field

cleats in 1928, the first golf club — Star Line — manufactured in Japan in 1933, tennis rackets in 1947 and the M-Line sneaker in 1972.

Soccer boots and running shoes followed in the 1980’s, culminating in the introduction of the first Wave technology with the launch of the Wave Rider in 1997.

Today, Mizuno makes a wide variety of sports equipment and sportswear, for golf, tennis, baseball, volleyball, soccer, running, rugby, badminton, boxing, athletics, etc. It has had sponsorship deals with athletes like US track and field athlete Carl Lewis, the All Blacks rugby team, Czech tennis player Ivan Lendl, and golf player Nick Faldo.

It is locally available from Pure Endurance.

Molten The supplier of the 2018-19 UEFA Europa League soccer ball, Molten Corporation, is also based in Hiroshima, where the major team sport manufacturer was founded in 1958.

The brand is, however, most closely associated with basketball as Molten has been the supplier of the official balls for all FIBA worldwide competitions for the past 30 years. It has been the official basketball for all the Olympic Games since the Los Angeles event in 1984.

At the Tokyo Olympics in 1964 Molten supplied the official basketball, volleyball and soccer balls.

Molten is also the official volleyball supplier for US Volleyball and the NCAA Championships.

From this year onwards, Molten will supply the official match ball for all Asian Football Confederation (AFC) club and national team tournaments, including the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, but excluding the AFC Champions League.

Molten supports several non-profit organizations and top leagues all over the world.

Molten is available locally from Molten SA.

Shimano Sakai-based Shimano is equally well-known to

anglers and cyclists. It was founded as an iron works by 26-year old Shozaburo Shimano in 1921 to manufacture free wheels for cycles. In 1940 the company name Shimano Iron Works Co. was registered, which was changed to Shimano Industrial Company in 1951 when the bicycle division was incorporated.

Subsequently, Shimano developed several innovative cycling components, notably the Dura-Ace, sponsored its own cycling team and opened a bicycle museum in Sakai City in the early 1990s.

The fishing tackle division was launched in 1970 and the company began to manufacture spinning reels. Towards the end of the 1970’s their lightweight reels aimed at bass fishermen were launched in America, where a subsidiary had been established in 1965.

In 1972 a European office was opened in Düsseldorf and Shimano was listed on the Osaka and Tokyo Stock Exchanges. The first overseas manufacturing base was opened in Singapore in 1973.

Over the next few decades Shimano established offices across the world, including in several European countries, where their growing range of fishing tackle (like the renowned Stella reels) and cycling products — including cycling shoes and MTB racing components — are distributed.

In 1997 the US rod blank company G.Loomis Inc became part of Shimano, which then introduced a full tackle range of fishing line, apparel, reels and rods.

Shimano cycling is available in South Africa from Coolheat and its fishing To p40

2019 Q3 :: Sports Trader

p40 :: Sport

Karakal & Ashaway make big comeback

Justin Schunke.

Photo: Trudi du Toit.

Racket sport brands Karakal and Ashaway have a new distributor in South Africa who is very familiar with both brands RED ELEPHANT IMPORTS, the new South African distributor of Karakal and Ashaway racket sports brands, will need no introduction to their products. It is headed up by Justin Schunke, who was the brand’s account manager at Brand ID, who recently announced that it is dissolving its participation in the South African sporting goods market after it took over several brands from Super-Brands in 2013.

Schunke has formed a partnership with businessman Wayne Hinde to form the Johannesburg-based Red Elephant distributorship, which will start distributing Karakal and Ashaway stock held by Brand ID from September 1.

“It is extremely important that we are focused and driven to offer service levels that retailers expect,” Schunke comments about the opportunity to represent the UK based

Karakal and US based Ashaway brands in Sub Saharan Africa. “Having been in the industry myself, representing multiple brands under the umbrella of Super-Brands and Brand ID for more than ten years, I promise Red Elephant Imports is ready to deliver!”

“Since arriving in the UK to head up Karakal the realisation of how strong Karakal is worldwide has been an eye-opener,” says Steve Gallienne, who was head of the Dunslaz Division that supplied the brands at Super-Brands as well as Brand ID, before being appointed global head of Karakal.

“I believe the South African squash, racketball and even recreational tennis players have been missing out on many of Karakal’s high performance and world-class products, which are perhaps less well known than its famous Karakal grips (which were available in South

Top sports brands from Japan cont. from p39 tackle from Normark Africa (previously Rapala VMC SA).

SRI Sports Well-known golf brands like Srixon, Cleveland and XXIO, and racket brand Dunlop are owned

by SRI Sports, the Sumitomo Rubber subsidiary that specialises in sport. Sumitomo is a Japanese rubber company, predominantly manufacturing tyres, which originally grew out of Dunlop tyres.

Srixon manufactures tennis balls, as well as golf balls — for which it is the leading patent holder — clubs and accessories. Cleveland Golf, renowned for its wedges, makes a full range of golf equipment, and after it was acquired in 2007 its operations were merged with Srixon.

Early in the 2000s they introduced the XXIO golf brand, which last year signed Ernie Els as global brand ambassador, using their golf bag. Els also uses Srixon irons and Cleveland wedges.

XXIO has become the #1 golf club brand in Japan and is also very popular in Korea and New Zealand, and is considered to be one of the fastest growing golf brands in the US. SRI Sports acquired the manufacturing, licensing and wholesale rights to the UK com-

Sports Trader :: 2019 Q3

pany Dunlop Brands from Sports Direct in 2016-17 — but Slazenger, which was merged with Dunlop in 1985, remained with Sports Direct. The 110-year old sporting goods company, Dunlop, became the supplier of the official ball of the Australian Open in 2018.

At the time of going to press the new South African distributor of Dunlop — a former Brand ID brand — had not yet been announced.

Uniqlo Well-known as a retail chain with about 2 000 stores, the sponsorship of Roger Federer’s clothing ensured that the brand name got worldwide tennis recognition. The first store, selling good quality, fashionable, clothing at affordable prices, was opened in Hiroshima In 1984. A strength of the retail brand is that it appeals to the youth as well as professional people. A Uniqlo store opened in Johannesburg in 2013, but the brand is now only available online.

Yonex Yonex founder Minoru Yoneyama began manufacturing and selling wooden bottle corks and fishing floats in 1946 in Nagaoka City, after his father, who died in WWII, left him a woodworking motor. But, when the use of plastics

Africa).”

New stock is on route, including new ranges, “so all retailers should be confident that they will be in good hands,” adds Gallienne.

“Ashaway appreciates the support the South African market has afforded the brand over the years and looks forward to getting some continuity back in the market with a consistent, reliable supply to the racket sports enthusiasts and retailers, who love our brand and our strings’ performance characteristics,” says Ashaway founder Steve Crandall.

“Worldwide Ashaway is performing exceptionally well, and we do not want the South African market missing out on any of the action — both stringers and players alike.”

Crandall and Gallienne agree that a focused new distributor offering both the brands under one roof is a good fit for retailers looking to buy their products and be serviced from one source, “like in the good old Dunslaz days.”

World Squash Day support In the UK, Karakal is a partner of England Squash in one of the biggest development initiatives to promote World Squash Day (WSD) on October 12 this year. Their hope is that all squash clubs across the world will attract a million new squash players over the next decade through this WSD initiative.

Karakal is offering equipment bags, including 18 rackets, plus a grant of £250, to the first 100 clubs to sign up and open their doors and hold a free taster session called The Big Hit on WSD. The initiative will be supported by social media campaigns and a new WSD website. and new technologies reduced the demand for wooden floats, Yoneyama travelled across the country to look for new products to manufacture from wood.

In 1957 he signed an agreement to manufacture badminton frames for the Japanese racket company Sanbata, which soon became sought-after due to the high quality. When Sanbata went bankrupt in 1961, he continued to manufacture frames under his own name.

The Yoneyama badminton rackets were soon recognised as the market leaders in Japan, as well as growing market share internationally.

Always alert to new developments, Yoneyama introduced aluminium and carbon frames and shuttlecocks, as well as tennis rackets, which have been used by top players like Billie Jean King, Martina Navratilova, Pam Shriver, Monica Seles, Martina Hingis, Caroline Wozniacki, Lleyton Hewitt and Stan Wawrinka.

Today, Yonex (the company name since 1974) is known as THE badminton brand and in 2015 company founder Minoru Yoneyama received the Badminton World Federation’s highest honour, the President’s Medal.

In 1982 Yonex entered the golf market with a carbon graphite and persimmon wooden golf club — the first of many club technologies and innovations.

It is locally available from Shuttle Sport.

Sport News

Sport :: p41

National league boost volleyball

Clockwise from the top: Size 3 (junior), Size 4 (women), Size 5 (men.

Size specific waterpolo ball colours SOUTH AFRICAN waterpolo teams can now also benefit from using Mikasa balls with midstripes in distinctive colours that identify the balls used by men and women/boys, as well as juniors, so that the respective balls can be instantly identified.

Checking the different sizes of the balls can waste a lot of time when they have to be retrieved outside adjacent pools, waterpolo teams across the world had been complaining for years. After all, in the middle of a tense game, mistakes can be made when retrieving a size 4 or 5 ball as they could weigh roughly the same and the circumference differs only a few centimetres.

FINA therefore changed the rules in 2005 to permit a different coloured middle stripe (blue, green, red, black, or yellow) with the normal yellow stripes flanking the coloured strip. This rule was adopted the following year for matches played in American high school and college leagues.

“This benefits teams by making it easier for them to keep track of their balls, differentiating the women’s balls from the men’s and teaching proper rotation on the ball,” Mikasa explained at the time.

These colours for different sizes are now also available for Mikasa competition balls used in South Africa: • Size 5, used by men, has a dark blue stripe in the middle. FINA stipulates that these balls should be 68-71cm in circumference and the pressure should be 90-97kPa. • Size 4, used by women and boys U14, has a green stripe in the middle. It must be 65-67cm in circumference and its pressure should be 83-90kPa. • Size 3, used by junior teams, has a red stripe. The size of these smaller balls is not stipulated by FINA, but their circumference is usually 58-60cm and they weigh 300-320 grams, while FINA stipulates that the size 4 and 5 balls should weigh 400-450gm.

Mikasa is available from Pat Wiltshire Sports.

IN 2017, Volleyball South Africa was declared our Federation of the Year, which meant it would receive R10-m over a three month period from Sports and Recreation South Africa (SRSA) to boost the sport through a national league catering to provincial teams in indoor and beach volleyball. The first NVL took place the following year.

This year the second National Volleyball League (NVL), sponsored by Mikasa, was held and teams battled it out for the top position in the indoor and beach volleyball formats.

Mikasa has been sponsoring the National Volleyball League since its inception.

The standard of volleyball played was very high and there was a great crowd, says Nick Wiltshire of Pat Wiltshire Sports, local distributor of Mikasa.

Indoor teams from all nine provinces took part: each province sent a men’s team, and the top four women’s teams were represented (based on their performance in the annual Inter-Provincial Tournament (IPT) over the past five years). Next year all nine provinces will have women’s teams in the league, promised Volleyball South Africa president Anthony Mokoena.

In the beach volleyball format, six provinces entered teams, but all nine provinces will be represented next year, adds Mokoena. This is to allow the other three provinces to include beach volleyball in their calendars.

This year’s tournament was dominated by

Tuks player Khutso Letsoalo (featured) and Sam Sibiya of TUT are the Gauteng Thunderbolts team that won the silver medal in this year’s women’s beach volleyball section of the NVL. Photo: Tuks Sport.

Gauteng and the Western Cape. Gauteng’s Thunderbolts won the indoor women’s category (Western Cranes in second place) and men’s beach volleyball (Western Cranes also came second here).

The Western Cranes won the women’s beach volleyball category.

The indoor men’s category was won by the KwaZulu Natal Rhinos, with Western Cranes in second position.

Olympic International supports MTB and trail running South African footwear brand Olympic International recently partnered with The Rock Mountain Bike and Trail Run Festival as the official footwear sponsor.

Attracting more than 1 000 participants, The Rock is considered to be one of the biggest MTB and trail events in Paarl.

“We believe that our association with an event of this stature not only grows awareness around cycling and trail running, but also allow us to showcase the technical capabilities of our sports shoes, specifically our cycling range,” says Fahiem Frizlar, marketing manager at Bolton Footwear, distributor of Olympic International.

The brand supplies a range of cycling gear that includes four cycling shoe styles as well as cycling shirts and shorts. “The technical and functional footwear offers the ideal com-

bination of lightweight, waterproof fabrics, high-grip soles and the optimum all-day cycling comfort at an affordable price,” says Frizlar.

“Furthermore, we want to create more awareness of the Share A Pair initiative, whereby used sports shoes are distributed to needy children and adult charity organisations,” he adds. “There is no better way to raise this awareness than amongst sporty and active people.”

Over the next few months Olympic International will provide bins at various events around the country. “Share A Pair (of used shoes) and pay it forward to someone in need,” says Frizlar. “Donate your pre-loved sports clothing and footwear at any of the Olympic International bins provided at events and everything will be distributed to needy beneficiaries.”

2019 Q3 :: Sports Trader

p42 :: Sport

Selling next to the swimming pool during swim meets is a tempting prospect for distributor and retailer alike. Does the one have more right to be there than the other?

Tatjana Schoenmaker is the darling of South African swimming with her record-breaking two gold medal performance at the FINA World Cup in Tokyo. The South African swimming team is sponsored by Arena and she trains at the Tuks High Performance Centre.

Photo: Reg Caldecott.

Selling next to the pool

S

wim meets present companies with a prime audience: the participants (and their parents) are serious about their chosen sport and therefore stand a higher chance of being keen to hear about new products — and buy.

We have 183 swim clubs on our Team Sport Directory mailing list — that’s a lot of potential swim meets to sell at and one can start to understand why this prospect might tempt companies to sell direct to consumers next to the pool.

While not all of these clubs host meets, many will host more than one per month during the season.

It’s one thing for retailers to do this, since selling direct to consumers is what they do, but is it OK for swimming product distributors to sell direct at swim meets as some have been doing for a while now?

No, it’s not OK, says Pippa Hitchins of The Swimshop, a swimming specialist retailer.

“It would prevent me from selling at these events, which is a part of my business.

“Distributors also tend to sell product at cheaper prices, which is not right as they are now competing with their own customers.”

Some distributors agree. “Each company is entitled to market and run their business as they believe is best, though I feel this practice [of selling direct at swim meets] does impact negatively on the retailers,” says Andrew Wentzel of W.E.T. Sports Importers, who doesn’t sell at swim meets. Distributors selling directly impact the demand for products at retail level, which in turn has the effect that retailers carry less swimming items, he explains.

“We will not sell at swim meets,” emphasises Caryn Burnill of Leisure Holdings, the local distributor of Arena. “We have a very loyal retail base!”

Sports Trader :: 2019 Q3

Meets build brands “Sales are not necessary large at swim meets,” counters Gail Brown of Oggi, one of the distributors that sells at meets.

What they do help with, however, is to create brand awareness and a brand following should consumers buy. “This makes them more likely to buy our product in store next time they are looking for a particular item.”

There are places where distributors and retailers have come to an agreement, says Hitchins. “Certain distributors allocate events to retailers in the different provinces. This scenario benefits everyone” as retailers get to make the sales to the consumers and distributors still get exposure for their products to the consumer through supplying these retailers.

Sponsorships launch brands Another way to build brand awareness is via sponsorships. In fact, several swimming brands became successful thanks to partnerships with swimmers.

The same year that the first Speedo branded swimsuits were made (1929) Arne Borg set a world record wearing one, and during the 1932 Los Angeles Olympic Games Claire Dennis became the first Australian woman to set a swimming world record and win a gold medal — while wearing Speedo.

With each Olympic Games, Speedo’s prominence in the pool grew. By the next Olympic Games in Berlin the Australia men’s swim team was kitted out in Speedo, and the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games was the first where the entire Australian swimming team was sponsored by Speedo (they finished with a tally of 8 gold medals).

At the 1968 Mexico Olympic Games, 44 countries took part wearing Speedo swimwear, 27

out of the 29 gold medalists wore Speedo and 22 of the 23 world records were set in Speedo.

Again at the 1972 Olympic Games, 21 out of the 22 world records that were broken were done so in Speedo and 52 of the 58 countries that took part wore the brand.

The 1972 Olympic Games was also significant for two other swim brands. One of TYR’s founders, Steve Furniss, was a bronze medalist, and it’s at this Olympic Games that Arena founder Horst Dassler decided to create his own swim brand.

Speedo-sponsored Mark Spitz set seven world records and won seven gold medals at the 1972 Olympic Games, and inspired Dassler (the son of the adidas founder) to create Arena, which he launched the following year.

Dassler realised the importance of sponsorship and signed the first sponsorship agreement in 1973 with Shane Gould, who was known as the Female Spitz and had won five Olympic medals at the 1972 Olympic Games.

In the run-up to the next Olympic Games, Dassler signed more swimmers and by the close of the 1976 Olympic Games, Arena’s elite swimmers had earned 44 Olympic medals between them, and at the West Berlin World Swimming Championships two years later Arena won 62 medals (75% of all the medals) and broke 9 world records.

Arena also significantly grew market share in South Africa when they became the Swim South Africa sponsor, which included sponsorship of the national team and top swimmers like Chad le Clos and Tatjana Schoenmaker.

Editor’s Note: to say the topic of who may or may not sell next to the pool is a touchy subject is an understatement. We asked more companies than who are quoted here, but several declined to comment.

IT’S GAME TIME New 2019/2020 waterpolo series MIKASA FINA EXCLUSIVE OFFICIAL GAME BALLS W6000W & W6009W • • • •

FINA Exclusive Championship game ball Iconic Wave design Professional deep buffed surface for superior grip & control Exclusive & official game ball for all FINA championships as well as the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games • Available in official size 5 & compact size 4

MIKASA COMPETITION BALLS W5000, W5009 & W5008.5 • Competition game ball • Deep ridge buffing for superior grip & control • Available in size 5, size 4 & size 3

MIKASA HEAVYWEIGHT TRAINING BALLS W4000 & W4009 • Heavyweight training balls ideal for improving strength & conditioning • Unique black buffed rubber for superior grip & control • Available in 1.5kgs size 5 & also in 800gms size 4

MIKASA W500 MINI PROMOTIONAL BALL

Pat Wiltshire Sports (Pty) Ltd Exclusive agent and distributor

Tel: +27 11 466 1800/1/2 info@pwsports.co.za www.pwsports.co.za

p44 :: Advertorial

Why CorSport brands are special

CorSport knows representing international brands can be challenging. However, when you come across brands that have passion, are innovative, cutting edge and sometimes daring, it becomes a pleasure to represent them. Zoggs, Harrows, Swim Secure and BOLA all have the attributes mentioned above. They also offer best quality, best design, no nonsense returns policies, with extremely low industry return rates as well as good people running the show.

Latest innovation keeps

WHEN WE came up with the name Zoggs back in 1992, it was because goggles were at the heart of everything we planned to do, says the brand. Fast forward to today, and goggles remain at the core of our brand.

Over 27 years we've brought to market a bunch of firsts: • 1994 The one piece goggle • 2004 Curve lens technology • 2011 Polarized lens goggles • 2013 Reactor lens goggles We never stop innovating, from re-inventing our first ever goggle Phantom — it’s our ultimate all-rounder — to Predator Flex, our most advanced goggle ever.

We had a passion for goggles, which became an obsession to make great goggles that let swimmers experience the freedom of the water with their eyes open … Somebody once said, “Swimming without goggles,

in the lead

is like running with your eyes closed.”

We wish we had said it, as it is so true. The Zoggs Swim With Your Eyes Open campaign celebrates everything we have achieved in the goggle industry, and why ours are loved by every type of swimmer, from triathletes to young learners.

Developing the right goggle with a perfect fit is what Zoggs is all about.

For 2020 we are excited to bring another game changer to the goggle market, which involves a revolutionary change to our iconic Predator range.

After extensive research amongst real swimmers we will be introducing our new goggles in two sizes. Plus, to guide the consumer, we’ve developed our new tech fitting system that can scan a face and suggest the best size fit based on facial features. This will be launched in 2020.

At the forefront of precision darts technology

HARROWS DARTS is distributed in over 100 countries and has 46 years’ experience in manufacturing precision darts equipment. Harrows is at the forefront of dart design and development and all aspects of design, production and distribution are controlled from their headquarters in England.

Having been involved in the brand for over 20 years as either agent or distributor, we at CorSport understand the heritage of this iconic darts brand. We have the widest product range ever and can supply precision darts and equipment to suit all player types.

Essentially, darts come in a wide variety of designs to suit the varying player requirements, from brass, through to alloys and tungstens. Shafts and flights come in a host of options and gift packs are becoming more and more popular, including variety flight packs, twin packs and tri packs.

The Harrows Darts range and quality is unmatched, and we continue to push the boundaries with product development. New social media campaigns will be rolled out in order to best communicate the latest innovations.

Market leader in open water bags and floats SWIM SECURE® dry bags and tow floats are used by competent swimmers to increase visibility in the open water. They are suitable for use by open water swimmers, triathletes, recreational swimmers, families and everyone in between. Our mission is simple: we want to equip swimmers of all ages and abilities to swim safely in open water.

Whether that is someone brand new to open water swimming, or a seasoned competitor, we can provide the equipment you need to feel supported in the water and #BeSaferBeSeen

World’s #1 bowling machine

THE 2019 BOLA bowling machine has a new ePaper high resolution control Enquiries: panel that allows many new user-definable options. The new display will show CorSport (Pty) Ltd speeds in kph or mph, a session ball count, a session timer, and features a user selectable random increment function for competitive practice sessions. The colin@corsport.co.za 2019 BOLA Professional also features brushless motors, which drives concave T: 011 792 9141 profile moulded urethane ball delivery wheels.

The BOLA is multi talented and very capable of recreating all the best aspects M: 082 775 7708 of any bowling attack. From the 95 mph bouncers and yorkers of the speed merchants to the subtle spin of the slow bowlers, the BOLA can give you as many overs as you want to perfect all the shots in your game. If you just want the satisfaction of hitting off-stump half-volleys for six the BOLA allows you to select exactly the speed and length you want. But the BOLA micro-processor will also deliver subtle variations of speed, swing or spin when a greater challenge is required. Confidence or competition, the BOLA can give you both by the bucketful.

Level Four B-BBEE contributor

Sports Trader :: 2019 Q3

45

Visit Sports Trader’s website for more product knowledge: www.sportstrader.co.za

T

Recommending darts

he right dart is chosen based on personal feel, and as such it can be tough to tell your customer that such-and-such dart is exactly what he needs when he comes to your shop. If possible, the best is to let him try a few darts in different lengths, diameters, weights, materials, shapes, grips, etc. and see which feels right for him.

The birth of the modern darts game can be traced back to 1949 when Unicorn made a set of darts of roughly the same weight. Prior to that, darts came in any shape or size and were all dumped together in bins with no differentiation between size or weight.

Today the weight is standardised (Unicorn guarantees accuracy within 0.1gm on most of their tungsten darts), and the only uncertainty when it comes to darts is the one your customer might have over which dart is right for him.

Our cut-out-and-keep series to assist retailers with product knowledge Words: Carin Hardisty. Compiled with information from Edward Lowy of Unicorn (distributed in South Africa by Opal Sports) as well as websites www.harrowsdarts.com, dartssouthafrica.co.za, www.darts501.com, www.perfectdarts. com, dartbrokers.com, triplebullseye. com, dartbase.com, www.dartswarehouse.com and peakpicker.com.

Weight The maximum allowed weight is 50gm, but most people will use darts in the mid-20s. If your customer doesn’t know which weight he prefers, start him off with a dart that falls in the medium range and see if he needs to move up or down in weight.

• Light darts: 16-21gm; • Medium: 22-26gm; • Heavy darts: 27gm or more.

Only the tip and barrel of a steel tip dart are weighed, not the shaft and flight.

• Typically, darts towards the heavier side will give the player more control as they are more stable, are able to fly further due to the added momentum and are more forgiving of mistakes.

• Lighter darts are more sensitive to how the player is throwing. The player has to put more effort into throwing a light dart far, compared to when using a heavier weight, because the weight doesn’t add much to its momentum and, due to the harder throw required, there’s a greater chance that he might let his technique slip.

The weight of the dart will also affect how it flies: heavier darts tend to fly straighter, while light ones have more of a curve.

• If the dart goes higher than your customer

aimed for, give him a slightly heavier dart to try.

Length Darts come in several lengths and the right one will depend on the way the player grips the dart.

• If he likes to grip right at the front he might not need as long a dart as someone who has more of the fingers on the barrel.

• The size of your customer’s hand will thus also play a role in finding the right length.

Additionally, the length of the dart affects how it travels through the air once thrown.

• If it’s too long for the player, the dart will be difficult to control and it’s likely to wobble.

Material affects the diameter The narrower the barrel, the closer the player can get groupings in a small area, which leads to a higher chance of scoring the maximum score of 180 — and because materials have different properties, darts of the same weight and length could have different barrel diameters.

The material used will also influence the price point.

• Tungsten is a high density material, which means that you can make thinner barrels, compared to what you can make from other materials, while keeping the same weight. ◦ On its own it is a brittle material and it is therefore mixed with other materials during the manufacturing process (nickel is the most popular and it will provide strength). ◦ The percentage tungsten is displayed on the dart’s packaging. Typically, the higher the tungsten percentage, the thinner the dart can be, but the higher the price. As a guide: ▪ 70% tungsten: an entry-level tungsten dart.

▪ 80% tungsten: for people who are more than beginners and who might have just started out in a league. A better quality dart that is still relatively affordable.

▪ 90%+ tungsten: for people who are more serious about their game as well as professional players.

• Brass: good for beginners and usually used by social players at home, club or in pub settings, because of the lower price point.

The material is lightweight, but not very durable, which means the knurling is likely to wear down and will change the feel of the dart. ◦ Because these are cheaper, it’s more feasible for your customer to buy a few in different weights if he’d rather try them out at home to get a better feel.

• Nickel/Silver: thicker than tungsten, but more durable than brass so the grip area won’t wear away as easily, and also falls into a more budget-friendly price range. They won’t tarnish, like brass will. It To p46

2019 Q3 :: Sports Trader

p46 :: Sport

Recommending darts cont. from p45

doesn’t actually contain silver, but is a nickel and tin alloy.

Balance The dart’s weight can be towards the front, back or centre. Have your customer pick up the dart: you can get an idea of how the dart should be balanced from the way he holds it.

• If he grips close to the front, he’ll probably want a front weighted barrel.

• If he holds the barrel more to the back, recommend a rear weighted barrel.

• If he holds it in the middle, try a centre weighted dart.

• Beginners often prefer front or centre weighted darts.

Shape The ratio between the length and diameter will influence the shape of the dart.

• Straight or pencil shape: a consistently straight barrel.

• Torpedo: a short and wide barrel, with the most of the weight in the middle and tapered at the ends. The design provides extra force when the dart hits the board.

• Bomb: short and wider than most other barrels. Similar to the torpedo’s shape, with the most of the weight towards the front.

• Scallop: has a notch in the barrel for finger placement, which makes it easier to get a consistent grip as the fingers seek out the same spot each time.

• Tapered: starts thick in the front and tapers towards the stem. Good for players who use the thumb more to grip the dart.

• Stealth: thin at the front and thick at the back. Good for squeezing into tight spaces.

Grip The grip is created by cutting into the barrel to create a texture that helps with holding the dart. Typically, the heavier and rougher the texture the more secure the grip. But on the other hand, too much texture and the dart might stick to the fingers and mess with the accuracy of the throw.

• Knurled: a criss-cross pattern etched into the barrel.

• Ringed: multiple prominent rings that create a non-slip surface.

• Micro: close, soft rings positioned close to-

gether.

• Precision: even finer rings than the micro grip, creating a rough grippy surface.

• Razor: tiny cuts on the barrel create thick grip rings that offer a very tactile grip.

• Wave: smooth rings that flow in waves along the grip area.

• Shark fin: wide grooves that have angled edges that face towards the shaft.

• Stone: technology that creates a stone-like grip.

A general guideline for when recommending the right grip is to consider your customer’s hands: • Naturally dry hands (especially men’s): light grip.

• Rough, dry hands require a rougher grip.

• Smooth, well moisturised hands (especially women’s) require a smooth grip.

Cosmetics and finish Should the dart have a paint or titanium finish?

• Paint: aesthetically pleasing, but can make the surface slippery. There are exceptions to this, however, so it’s important that your customer tries for himself.

• Titanium finish: will protect the metal underneath from salts and oils (so it won’t corrode) as well as dirt and grim build up, and general wear and tear. This finish is applied very thinly and thus won’t affect the grip.

New dartboards change the game New technologies and designs have enabled manufacturers like Unicorn to create the next generation of dartboards that keep score of the needs of the digital-age customer UNICORN’S ECLIPSE HD2 dartboard (below) is the board of choice for the PDC (Professional Darts Corporation) — a partnership that will be in place until 2022. This means that the board is used in all the PDC’s tournaments, which feature top dart players competing for a share of the more than £10-m in prize money on offer from Unicorn. Not only do the tournaments draw live crowds to watch the exciting events, they are broadcast online via video services.

The Eclipse HD2 board gets a lot of exposure during these lively tournaments and if your customers have watched any of them, they’ll be familiar with it. If they haven’t yet, here’s what you can tell them about the dartboard.

The championship-quality bristle board has a seamless playing surface with a staple-free construction, which prevents bounce outs and means players stand the chance of getting higher scores.

The board is divided into tournament regulation segments.

Additionally, Eclipse HD2 also features ultra-slim wires without external legs that create a high definition radial spider. Additionally, the slimmer wire around the bullseye increases the playing area by 14%.

It has high visibility moulded numbers that are fully replaceable, and the rotatable matt black number ring minimises distractions.

Sports Trader :: 2019 Q3

Digital dartboard Unicorn doesn’t only cater for steeltip darts, however. The latest innovation is a digital smartboard for use with soft tip darts, which works together with an app.

“For over 80 years The Big Name In Darts has been at the forefront of innovating darts technology,” says the brand. “Now we introduce the revolutionary new Unicorn Smartboard, the world’s first app-enabled auto-scoring dartboard.

“With instant scoring, made possible by the amazing Unicorn Scorebuddy app, you can play eight exciting games for up to eight players in doubles or four players in singles.” Your customers can even play solo games against the Scorebuddy Robot.

It is suitable for all skill levels and the board doesn’t require a mains connection so your customer can take it anywhere with him to play (he just needs to remember to pack the AA batteries).

The bristle smartboard connects with the app via built-in Bluetooth technology that instantly transmits the scores to the Scorebuddy app on your customer’s mobile device.

The smartboard comes with six steel tipped darts that can be magnetised on the board, but your customer can also magnetise any other of his steel tipped darts with the board.

Unicorn is distributed locally by Opal Sports.

ECLIPSE HD2

PDC BOARD OF CHOICE Seamless playing surface

Championship quality bristle dartboard Tournament regulation segments used in all PDC televised tournaments until 2022 Staple-free construction Fully-adjustable Unilock board levelling system (also sold separately) 10 sets of 3 per pack Metal number ring (also sold separately) 10 per pack

Ulta-slim wire - no external legs. For high definition radial spider

Slimmer bullseye wire increases playing area by 14%

High visibility metal numbers for optimum clarity

Smartboard The revolutionary new Unicorn Smartboard is the world’s first appenabled auto-scoring dartboard. With instant scoring, made possible by the amazing Unicorn Scorebuddy® app, you can play 8 exciting games for up to 8 players in doubles or 4 players in singles.

The Smartboard features built-in Bluetooth technology, which it uses to transmit scores to the app.

Suitable for all skill levels including the ability for solo players to challenge the Scorebuddy Robot, you can play anywhere - no mains connection required (works on 3 x AA batteries).

The high quality, traditional bristle dartboard comes with 6 steel tipped darts that can be magnetised on the board, although any steel tipped darts can be magnetised for use with the board.

Opal Sports is the official Unicorn distributor

Tel: 011 695 9640

anne@opalsport.com

p48 :: Trade shows

Trade shows Outstanding outdoor products win OutDoor Awards

Tente Futurelight from The North Face.

THE OUTSTANDING OutDoor Award winners at the first OutDoor by ISPO were chosen from 203 nominations in 28 categories by an international jury of 21 experts from nine countries. They selected products that set new standards in terms of their special functionality, striking design, safety improvements, exceptional innovation, or sustainability.

Nominated products give an idea of trends for the 2020 summer season.

“In addition to demand for products that people use everyday, for example to commute on their bicycles, the need for extremely light, multi-functional gear has increased tremendously in recent years,” says Johannes Ahrens, one of the jury members and the Chief Equipment Manager at retailer Camp4 Berlin.

“The demand for comfort remains the challenge. Even with all of the lightweight materials, enjoying nature is what it’s all about.”

The awards are divided into three sections: • Special Achievement for outstanding contributions in important industry themes.

• Gold Winner: the best product in that category.

• Winner: noteworthy, high-quality products within a category.

Special achievement awards Special Achievement awards won by brands that are available in South Africa (the products might not be) were: • The North Face’s Tente Futurelight jacket won the Comfort Performance theme.

“Product performance no longer has to be at the expense of wearing comfort or the feel of the materials,” jury members said about the theme. “Modern outdoor equipment (especially clothing) is characterized by extremely high wearing comfort and outstanding performance.”

The jacket features waterproofing and breathability as well as nano-spinning that “allows to fine-tune levels of breathability, lets air move through while maintaining waterproofness,” explained the jury.

“This technology is setting a new standard in comfort and performance while maintaining sustainable practices in the fabric creation process, using recycled fabrics and a production that cuts chemical consumption.” The North Face is locally distributed

by Sector Apparel.

• Petzl Fly was a winner in the Lightness

Sports Trader :: 2019 Q3

theme, which is about weight reduction, which is “one of the core competencies of the outdoor industry, where the outstanding craftsmanship and technological maturity of the industry is most directly tangible.”

Petzl’s Fly harness, designed for mountaineers, only weighs 90g due to its patented belt construction that uses an innovative loop technique that “makes metal and conventional buckles obsolete”. Petzl is locally distributed by Eiger Equipment.

freedom of movement. The fit is wider, longer and scooped down at the front.

The Tents category had three Gold winners, of which MSR and Vango are available locally: • MSR’s Hubba Huba NX tent features a durable Xtreme Shield waterproof coating that lasts up to three times longer than standard coatings as well as “virtually indestructible” Easton Syclone poles. MSR is distributed by Eiger Equipment.

The Project Hydrogen from Vango.

• adidas won the Urban Outdoor theme Special Achievement for its Myshelter Parley jacket (above). “Contemporary urban lifestyle products create a strong reference to the longing of being connected with nature — aesthetically suited to the city and its performance demands,” is how jury members explain the award.

“The three-layer, yet very breathable construction and clever details make the jacket suitable for an active urban lifestyle (e.g. when commuting to work) and make no compromises in terms of style.” The fabric’s not dyed and shows the inner seam tape, which has the message: For the Ocean.

Winning gold Gold award category wins by brands available in South Africa (products might not be): • Insulated Apparel: the density arrangement and diverse denier of yarns used on the Windweave light insulation windbreaker by adidas Terrex create “an aesthetically pleasing woven fabric with real differential air permeability” that reduces cut lines and creates an insulated jacket for colder summer runs, hikes and climbs.

• Mountain & Hiking Jackets: adidas Terrex also receives a Gold award in this category for its Zupahike jacket, which mixes a 3L and 2.5L construction for a bodymapped, waterproof and durable jacket. The 3L increases protection and abrasion resistance and 2.5L stretch enhances breathability, comfort and

• The inflatable Project Hydrogen tube tent from Vango weighs only 600g and is easily packable, which means it works well as a great bikepacking, trekking or multiday running tent. Its AirBeam construction uses a Schrader valve to easily inflate the tent and it won’t permanently deform like tent poles can. Vango is distributed by Ram Mountaineering.

Asia Outdoor attracts thousands A TOTAL of 16 731 visitors attended this year’s Asia Outdoor to view 300 brands across 48 000m2 of exhibition space. The trade show offered visitors a chance to view the latest products, to catch up with existing suppliers and to meet and network with new contacts.

Especially new start-up companies received a lot of attention from visitors.

“This served as a clear indicator of where the latest innovations are coming from,” says show organiser Messe Friedrichshafen.

“Another clear market insight was that, increasingly, growth is being driven by quality rather than volume.”

This year’s Asia Outdoor featured the consumer-focused Carnival event, which featured interactive modules, film screenings, party zones, product testing areas, and presentations by major brands. “The clever, new combination allowed Asia Outdoor to meet the industry’s B2B requirements while fulfilling a desire to appeal to consumers directly.”

Next year’s show dates are 18-20 July.

Trade shows :: IBC

and events

Friedrichshafen show postponed MESSE FRIEDRICHSHAFEN will no longer go ahead with the OutDoor Friedrichshafen event that was scheduled for 17-19 September this year.

“We have experienced a great deal of encouragement as well as good registrations from strong producers for our OutDoor Friedrichshafen,” said Messe Friedrichshafen CEO Klaus Wellmann.

“Nevertheless, in total we have unfortunately not been able to generate a sufficient response for a first commitment within the sector with which we are so familiar.”

The show organisers are, however, still firmly convinced that the way the industry has presented itself in the past and up until recently offers scope for future alternatives, added Head of Outdoor Stefan Reisinger.

Newcomers at Eurobike THIS YEAR there were 150 newcomers among the more than 1 400 exhibitors at Eurobike in Friedrichshafen, where about 60 000 cycling trade visitors congregated around Lake Constance between 4-7 September. The trade only show days were 4-6 September, with a Festival Day open to the public on the 7th and the Bike Biz Revolution conference on September 3rd, the day before the start of the show.

On the evening of the first show day visitors were given a glimpse into the future of cycle-related product developments when the best new award winners were introduced. There were 400 entries this year, from which the expert panel of six selected the 43 most impressive in terms of design, degree of innovation, quality of finishing, price versus performance and value added. A final nine products were selected as the gold award recipients because they particularly impressed the jury or are able to add something unique to the bicycling sector.

During the business conference topics such as data-driven business models, digitally networked bicycles and a Spotify-like approach to mobility and how the digital era will influence and transform the bike industry in future,were discussed.

During the show more than 100 events were presented, including trade lectures by the Eurobike Academy, workshops and demonstrations.

There were several distinct exhibitor zones.

• In the Cargo Area new solutions for urban traffic problems were shown with new escooter and -bike developments that provide alternative modes of travel. The Eurobike Academy will also present talks on the

Outdoor by ISPO attracts 22 500 subject.

• The Demo Area offered visitors hands-on experiences of the latest developments in cycling ranges from about 100 companies with a variety of cargo bikes, mountain bikes and city bikes. Visitors could pre-register online for the chance to test-ride the latest on the market.

• New companies presented their latest innovations in the Start-Up Area. September 4 was Start-Up Day, when the 20 award finalists were selected by an expert panel.

• In the Service Area visitors were able to receive good advice on a variety of topics like digitalization, inventory management, logistics concepts or online sales platforms for bicycle products, insurance, theft protection and ergonomics.

• The fifth special zone was the Holiday on Bike Area, where companies offering international cycling tours and cycling holidays will be exhibiting.

See more on www.eurobike.com.

MORE THAN 22 500 visitors attended the first OutDoor by ISPO trade show this year, where they were able to visit just over 1 000 exhibitors.

The halls featured open aisles down the middle that “conveyed the true outdoor spirit and served as a space for staging relevant themes,” says Messe München. The companies who exhibited in the outdoor area, traditionally a vibrant hub in the centre of the show, were, however, not too happy to be moved out to the parking area where their few visitors had to endure the blazing hot sun, or rain.

ISPO expanded the offering from traditional outdoor activities such as hiking, trail running, water sports and urban outdoor to also include categories such as adventure travel and bikes, as well as areas where non-outdoor companies that offer services to the outdoor sector, for example trade fairs automatica, electronica, transport logistic, etc. could exhibit.

There were also 33 consumer events held in Munich and surrounds, presented by 43 companies, during the show period.

Advertisers index 1721 Distributors A1 Star Asari Awesome Tools Bearded Monkey BOLA Bolton Footwear Brandfolio Bronx CorSport Crown Footwear Falke Fenix

5 19 27 1 15 44 9 OBC 9 44 OFC, 2, 3 21 35

Fila Harrows Hi-Tec Jack & Jones Jack Parcels JFK Trading Leatherman Lotto Mikasa Mustad Novateur Opal Sports Pat Wiltshire Sports

5 44 17 19 19 19 1 15 43 27 27 47 43

Pro-Hunter PUMA R&S Traders React Rocky Skechers Swim Secure Unicorn W.E.T. Sports Westin Zoggs

27 7 35 27 OFC, 2, 3 OBC 44 47 27 27 44

2019 Q3 :: Sports Trader