SERVING THE SPORTS TRADE IN THE UK AND ROI

Sports   £3.50 NOV/DEC 2010 Insight THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE FEDERATION OF SPORTS AND PLAY ASSOCIATIONS



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Ironman®, Ironman Triathlon®, Iron Girl® and M-Dot® are registered trademarks of World Triathlon Corporation. Used here by permission. IN THIS ISSUE Contents 11.10 E-CATALOGUES & BROCHURES To view the latest trade e-catalogues and brochures, ABC Certification SportsInsight visit www.sports- working with insight.co.uk. Sports Insight has a current ABC certified circulation of 5,503 (audit period July 1, 2009-June ONLINE COMPETITIONS 30, 2010). The Audit Bureau of For more details on the latest Sports Insight Circulations (ABC) is an independent audit watchdog online competition visit www.sports- that verifies magazines’ circulation figures, providing insight.co.uk and click on the competition tab accurate and comparable data for advertisers. for your chance to win. ABC Certification demonstrates a media owner’s integrity, in their willingness to be audited and to WEEKLY E-NEWSLETTER conform to industry standards. Are you missing out on the latest industry news? Then subscribe to the FREE Sports Insight newsletter. Simply go to COVER STORIES 74 E-TAILING www.sports- How to build an online community insight.co.uk and 32 STAG BUYING SHOW click on the Exclusive interview and event preview 82 UNDER THE COUNTER newsletter tab. A sideways look at the world 36 TERRY SANDS of independent retailing WWW.SPORTS-INSIGHT.CO.UK The architect of Samurai’s £5million success story 54 VISUAL MERCHANDISING IN SEASON Top tips to boost sales 58 FOOTBALL 64 RUGBY REGULARS 68 RUNNING 10 NEWS 72 WOMEN’S SPORTS Latest headlines, key dates and events FEATURES 16 KIT STOP 8 SINGLE-MINDED Essential stock for your shop Individual sports remain more popular than team games, according to the NPD Group 23 FOCUS ON… Shock Absorber sports bra range 44 IN THE MANUFACTURING MINORITY 24 MEET THE BUYER Why do some brands still Maz Darvish, Sweatband.com’s manufacture in this country, founder, CEO and buyer and does a product’s UK connections make it more 27 FSPA FOCUS attractive to consumers? The latest news from the Federation of 50 DO YOU HAVE TO Sports and Play Associations SEE TO BELIEVE? A disability may no longer 28 MOVERS & SHAKERS be considered a sporting John O’Connell, managing director of disadvantage, if it’s the Lee Sports Distributors in Ireland right kind

Editor: Jeff James. Tel: 01273 748675 Group Editor: Ted Rowe All contents © Maze Media (2000) Limited. The views expressed in this Email: [email protected] Publisher: Matthew Tudor magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is made to ensure the veracity and integrity of the companies, persons, products and Assistant Editor: Louise Ramsay Art Director: Jim Philp services mentioned in this publication and details given are believed to be Advertising Manager: Keith Marshall Tel: 01206 508601 accurate at the time of going to press. However, no responsibility or liability Tel: 01206 505947 Email: [email protected] whatsoever can be accepted for any consequence or repercussion of Email: [email protected] Designer: Chris Ashworth responding to any information or advice given or inferred. No part of this Fax: 01206 500243. Advertisement Art Director: Lee Beecroft publication may be copied, broadcast, interpreted, or stored, in any form, for Advertising Sales Reproduction: Ace Pre-Press. Tel: 01206 797541 any purpose, without the written permission of the publisher. 21-23 Phoenix Court, Hawkins Rd, Accounts: 01206 505907 ABC certified circulation: 5,503 Colchester, Essex CO2 8JY Published by Maze Media (2000) Ltd, 21-23 Phoenix Court, (audit period July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010) Group Advertising Manager: Sam Reubin Hawkins Rd, Colchester, Essex CO2 8JY UK/ROW SUBSCRIPTION: £25 for one year (10 issues)

06 SPORTS INSIGHT WWW.SPORTS-INSIGHT.CO.UK 07 INDIVIDUAL AND TEAM SPORTS Single minded Individual sports remain more popular than team games, according to the NPD Group

Are you a train-alone type of person or Team sales          do you prefer the togetherness of team $    # %         sports? Personal goals are a way of     & %!"         measuring success when running your          % !   !"   # most recent marathon, but would you get more of a thrill from hitting a quick century and receiving the accolades from your cricketing team-mates? It appears the vast majority of people in Great Britain prefer to play individual sports. $    %  '()R   +  )      %  %    %    ,   %     -   %  $      & . #         R                %       #       /   

08 SPORTS INSIGHT %   !- 0          #   %    1   %           #  #       !   % 2      %%  #        # <      &  %   #       #    %%        #  #   #+    #                #      #   #    2    #   4    #        %   %         # !"!"             " ##   #  .  %  # #     3 $               '   =      %         #    #  Q   R % #     ! %      #%  %  #   4  ##   # %                4% %  %   #   #     #   %  %    # "   R  ?   %   % #53  % # #   #        #        $   #      %     %!" &       %      # #                    # Invigorated %6  #     # $  %     #   %    % =     #         #    %  R%   # 6   %          &   78$  ' 8   % %      #      98 %    si       %# %  #  :&         $'()9     % ;    %    %       '()R  +  (       0   #    #      #%  %      '()9   % %%   #      @--/

www.sports-insight.co.uk 09 ALL THE VERY LATEST IN THE SPORTS INDUSTRY... Send your news stories to the Sports Insight news desk at WHAT’S NEWS [email protected] or call 01273 748675 Dates THE STAG BUYING SHOW BARRY MELLIS NOVEMBER 21-22 Four Pillars Hotel TO LEAVE INTERSPORT Cotswold Water Park ISRA WINTER SHOW FOR ASICS JANUARY 17-18, 2011 Barry Mellis, Intersport’s general manager, will become ASICS managing The Heritage Hotel & Golf Resort Killenard, Co Laois director for the UK and Ireland in the new year. Ryoji Sekito, ASICS’ current UK and Ireland managing director, will ISPO return to Japan, having been in the role for the past nine years. FEBRUARY 6-9 “ASICS is a fantastic, highly credible brand with the realistic ambition New Munich Trade Fair Centre of becoming the number one premium sports performance brand,” says Mellis. “I relish the challenge of developing brand presence and growth in both the UK and Irish markets.” ISPO CHINA 2011 Alistair Cameron, president and chief operating officer of ASICS BV, FEBRUARY 23-25 Europe, says: ”Everyone at ASICS worldwide is grateful for the significant China National Convention Centre, Beijing contribution Sekito San has made to the company, and in particular the work he has done to build the brand in the UK, now our fastest growing …Gymphlex has appointed market. He will be sorely missed. However, he leaves a strong legacy and Transfer Sean Newell as its north west a good team in place. We could not have a more suitable replacement in sales manager…Mark Barry, who brings a huge amount of sports retail and industry experience Market Hammersley, formerly chief to the brand at a crucial stage in its development. executive of Zoggs, has joined Blacks Leisure Group “ASICS UK is the fastest growing part of ASICS’ European as a non-executive director…Jochen Zeitz, Puma’s business and he will be responsible for maintaining brand growth and chief executive, is to head a new sports and lifestyle dynamism.” division at parent company PPR, the French luxury Mellis joined Intersport in 2008, during which time the retailer goods and retail conglomerate. Zeitz will also become Puma’s executive chairman and oversee the search for a absorbed the majority of Allied Partners’ members and launched its own new chief executive for the company... ecommerce venture. EX-NIKE EXECUTIVE LAUNCHES SPORTS WEBSITE A former head of strategy at Nike UK has launched a sports product website that combines social discovery and shopping. Charles Greenwood has set up Equipio (www.equipio.com) with ex-Mindshare Performance COO Nick Walford with the aim of making the site the first place to visit when purchasing performance sports products. Equipio brings together content from sports brands, endorsed athletes, user generated information and blogs to assist the purchasing decision. It also plans to work with retailers, via affiliate windows, to sell product. Greenwood developed Nike UK’s retail strategy and plans for increasing digital revenues through Nikestore.com, while Walford built revenue at Mindshare’s specialist sports and entertainment consultancy to £7million through its work with HSBC, Ford, Vodafone, Heineken and Gillette. FRAUD PROBE INTO RETAILERS DROPPED No charges are to be brought by the Serious Fraud Office against Sports Direct and JJB Sports over allegations of cartel activity and fraud. The SFO began investigating the retailers following a referral from the Office of Fair Trading. The OFT investigation followed an approach from JJB on January 30, 2009 for immunity in accordance with the business watchdog’s leniency programme in relation to what the retailer described as a “a suspected agreement or concerted practice to dampen competition in the sports retail market during June 8, 2007-March 25, 2009”, the period in which former chief executive Chris Ronnie was employed by the company. While the SFO investigation into the two companies has been completed, the investigation into individuals continues.

10 SPORTS INSIGHT ‘Who’s the whore now Wayne?’ Banner at Man Utd’s recent Champions League game with Bursaspor SPORT ENGLAND FUNDING SLASHED IN SPENDING REVIEW Sport England’s grant funding for the next four years has been cut by 33 per cent in the 2010 Spending Review. It’s also had its capital grant budget slashed by 40 per cent. Described as a ‘significant cut’ by Sport England, the organisation said it understood the government has had to make difficult decisions, and its job is to protect and prioritise the frontline of community sports as much as it can. Sport England went on to say that the funding cut will be tough for those who love sport and give up their time working in clubs as coaches and volunteers to help others take part in sport activities. It aims to achieve the 33 per cent savings by reducing administration costs by 50 per cent by March 2015; reducing its grant in aid budget for national governing bodies for the 2013-2017 funding cycle by up to 15 per cent; and reducing its grant in aid budget for most of the other organisations it funds, including national partners, by around 30 per cent over the next four years. “This announcement is tough for grassroots sport, and in particular the coaches, volunteers and clubs in communities across the country,” says Jennie Price, Sport England’s chief executive. “We recognise however that these are challenging times for everyone. “In our discussions with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport we underlined the importance of protecting our core investment in 46 sports, and I am pleased that this is reflected in our settlement. We also welcome the government’s Lottery reforms, which will bring considerable additional funding into grassroots sport. “Sport England’s priority is a simple one: ensuring as many people as possible play sport. With less grant in aid funding available, it is more important than ever that each pound reaches right down to the grassroots.” Sport England’s grant in aid funding for the four years in question will be as follows:

I 2011/12 - £95million. I 2012/13 - £94million. I 2013/14 - £88million. I 2014/15 - £86million.

UK Sport, the government agency responsible for the distribution of National Lottery funding to elite athletes, was another casualty of the Spending Review. Its funding was cut by 28 per cent for the period 2011-2015.

Sponsorship …HSBC has been named as a Patron of The Open Championship for the next five News years. The partnership means the bank will become the Official Banking Partner of the tournament…Speedo has added 10km open water Olympic silver medalist and 2009 world champion Keri-Anne Payne to its list of world-class athletes…Arena swimwear, which is distributed in the UK by Solo Sports UK, is to sponsor The Junior Inter-League Swimming Competition for the next four years…Mizuno has become the official supplier of footwear to Samoa Rugby Union for the next three years…adidas and Chelsea FC have agreed a contract extension that will see the brand remain the club’s official sponsor and sportswear supplier for the next eight years…Mizuno is to sponsor the first-ever Osaka Marathon, which takes place in Japan on October 30, 2011 and is expected to attract 30,000 runners...

www.sports-insight.co.uk 11 ALL THE VERY LATEST IN THE SPORTS INDUSTRY... Send your news stories to the Sports Insight news desk at WHAT’S NEWS [email protected] or call 01273 748675

WIN A LUXURY HOLIDAY TO FIJI, COURTESY OF TEVA

Teva, the adventure footwear brand, is offering you the chance to experience the spectacular Upper Navua Gorge in Fiji, and live aboard and sail a luxury adventure class yacht - for free. If you’re in luck come April 2011, you will be flown to Fiji’s Viti Levu Island, where your adventure will begin with a river trip by raft that will take you to the remote Upper Navua Gorge. Here you will join the 140ft Tui Tai yacht and cruise to remote locations only accessible by boat. You will be able to snorkel over reefs 100 miles from the closest resort, go on epic hikes off the beaten track, and meet local villagers and learn their customs. To enter the competition visit www.tevahouse.co.uk INTERSPORT SHOW SUCCESS Intersport’s UK Q2 2011 show has been hailed a success by the retailer, which said over 91 per cent of its membership attended the two-day tennis, cricket and fitness event along with a further nine specially invited prospective members. As well as the 47 suppliers in attendance, the show also saw the launch of Intersport’s quarterly consumer brochures, the first of which will be available in early 2011. Members were given details of the brands and products to be featured in both the Q1 and Q2 brochures, which will be used in conjunction with the Intersport Reward Club Card scheme. Alan Shearer made a special appearance at the annual awards dinner, which attracted 200 guests. As well as taking part in a Q&A and signing session, Shearer autographed a pair of football boots that were auctioned for £960 for the Alan Shearer Foundation. Award winners included adidas, for best apparel supplier, ASICS, for best footwear supplier, and Babolat, for best equipment supplier. Nike took the supplier of the year prize, while Lorraine Newark from Unicorn was named best salesperson. “The Intersport shows are getting better and better each time, which is reflected in the high attendance from both members and suppliers,” says Barry Mellis, Intersport’s general manager. “We feel the show was a success, the floor seemed to have a real buzz and even in tough times all seemed upbeat, optimistic and raring to go. “The evening with Alan Shearer was a tremendous success and thoroughly entertaining - the highlight of the show.”

12 SPORTS INSIGHT “Matthew Stevens got a terrible kick in the balls and it cost him his last-16 match.” John Parrott, commentating on the World Snooker Championship

…Nike’s flagship 95,000 square foot Niketown Sports outlet was one of a number of New York stores that had to close temporarily because of an Shorts infestation of bed bugs recently…Decathlon opened a new store in Reading on October 21 and is set to open another outlet in Birmingham on November 19, bringing its total UK store portfolio to 10…The fifth Outdoor Trade Show saw an increase in visitor numbers, with 1,427 entering the show, 13 per cent up on the 2009 event…UK clothing supplier Baker Street Clothing has won a four-year trademark battle with Lacoste. The dispute centred on Lacoste’s opposition to Baker Street’s registration of the word ‘Alligator’, the French brand arguing the word was too close to its crocodile logo and would lead people to associate the two companies. Geoffrey Hobbs QC, however, disagreed and decided in favour of Baker Street on the grounds that the word Alligator on clothing would not lead to any confusion…New Balance has reached ISO 9001 certified status. ISO, the International Organisation for Standardization, maintains ISO 9000, a family of quality management systems that monitors quality control within companies…total group sales at Sports Direct for the nine weeks ending 26 September were up 5.4 per cent to £295m, while gross profit rose 5.4 per cent to £117m. Retail division sales for the same period increased 6.9 per cent to £264m and retail gross profit increased 6.1 per cent to £105m. Chief executive Dave Forsey said the early part of 2011 will be extremely challenging for all retailers in the UK…Puma’s global sales increased 4.8 per cent to nearly X2.2billion during the first nine months of 2010, despite reports of irregularities committed by the company’s joint venture partner in Greece. Puma also said it will take full control of its business in China from January 1, having acquired the remaining 49 per cent of the shares of its long-term Chinese joint venture partner Liberty China Holding Ltd…

www.sports-insight.co.uk 13 ALL THE VERY LATEST IN THE SPORTS INDUSTRY... Send your news stories to the Sports Insight news desk at WHAT’S NEWS [email protected] or call 01273 748675 PRECISION GOALKEEPING TO UNVEIL NEW GLOVES AT STAG BUYING SHOW Insight Ireland Precision Goalkeeping will unveil Schmeichology - the science of goalkeeping at The STAG Buying Show News from ISRA, Ireland’s Its new glove range is fronted by Leeds United’s Kasper Schmeichel (pictured), who signed a three-year deal to become sports retail buying group brand ambassador in August. “The signing of Kasper Schmeichel is a major landmark for the Improved retailing through a strong interactive community: Precision Goalkeeping brand,” says Dave Sanderson, national sales this was one of the key attractions of being a member of a manager for Precision Training. buying group, according to the results of a recent survey by “Precision Training has grown significantly ISRA. in its first five years and a move into Effective networking is considered invaluable among goalkeeping was a logical step. Being able to members where the geographic location of many outlets secure one of the leading names in goalkeeping brings greater challenges. “Belonging to a close network is a significant move and one we are very proud was listed top among the many valued multi-dimensional to have achieved in such a short space of time. benefits of ISRA membership,” commented Tom Foley, “We have worked closely with Kasper to group coordinator. “This was reinforced in feedback at our produce a glove that can perform at the highest recent mid-term meeting, along with the value our level of the game and he will be heavily involved members place on having retailer involvement in group in the future development of the Precision decisions.” Goalkeeping ranges.” ISRA’s focused buying power and newly automated central billing service have been well developed as essential services for the group, however the group’s close working relationship with key brands was rated as highly as the NEW YEAR FAILURES AND level of discounts enjoyed by members. Key brands continue to forge beneficial relationships TAKEOVERS FORECAST with ISRA, having held recent dedicated buying shows for Nearly 250 companies in the UK sports and leisurewear sector will the group, and the portfolio is expanding. This is part of finish 2010 in financial difficulty, claims industry analyst Plimsoll. the ISRA commitment to developing a buying pattern and “Having clung on through the bad times, many of these having the right product on offer, particularly essential to struggling companies are running out of time and will fail unless a support group volume deals, and smus. The group’s sustained recovery takes hold,” says David Pattison, author of the attendance at international sports trade show ispo is a part new study of the top 622 companies in the market. of this programme, and already attendance is in “Sadly, some of them are just too weak to carry on and there will preparation, specifically to engage with suppliers and be a spike of failures in the new year. On the flipside, their demise will continue to source new items at factory gate prices. bring a welcome reduction in competitive pressure for those left.” Also announced at the mid-term meeting was the But there are still some positive stories in the market, despite introduction of a new group division, ISRA Shoe. Resulting the persistent gloom. Pattison says: “We have picked 223 strong from an approach by the Irish Footwear Retail Association companies that prove success can still be achieved in the sports and and based on the success of ISRA’s business model, leisurewear industry, despite difficult trading conditions. negotiations have led to the newly formed division. ISRA “They also prove that bad companies fail in a recession; good Shoe retailers will benefit from the structure and support companies simply do not. These companies will lead the industry of this head office expertise with their own independent out of recession with some smart acquisitions to help maintain their management team. recent success.” Equally important in reflecting the group’s relationship Pattison is convinced the market is due further consolidation, with brands is the recently introduced ISRA visual with the number of companies in financial trouble leading to merchandising service, which was confirmed as a heightened takeover activity. resounding success, even at its early stages. The first He explains: “With too many companies chasing weakened members to use the service all reported feedback of a demand, it is inevitable that there are likely to be a number of high better consumer experience, as well as an increase in sales, profile mergers and takeovers. particularly impulse purchases. A further eight members “Further consolidation is needed to sort out the remaining dead will now participate in the scheme before Christmas and wood. We have named 48 companies as the best acquisition ISRA will now expand the service to include the prospects in the market.” development of dynamic POS material in conjunction with He reserves special mention for what Plimsoll describes as suppliers. reckless companies that continue to chase sales despite mounting Focus is now on its January buying show, for which ISRA losses: “There are a group of 150 serial loss makers still operating in is already concentrating on product selection. The show the market. For the second and even third year running, these takes place on January 17-18. companies have made a loss. “While the rest have taken painful but necessary decisions to refocus on the bottom line, these companies have continued to chase sales regardless. These companies have to cut their cloth accordingly or face the consequences.” The 2011 edition of the Plimsoll Industry Analysis, individually assessing every company in the UK sports and leisurewear industry, www.isra.ie is available now. Sports Insight readers will get a £50 discount if they call 01642 626400 and quote reference PR/AA10.

14 SPORTS INSIGHT Orthaheel is an award winning, patented orthotic shoe insert invented by Podiatrist Phillip Vasyli to re-align the feet and ankles to their natural position and to correct body posture. In turn, Orthaheel provides natural, lasting relief and comfort from many aches and pains.

ispo invites... 6 – 9 February 2011 - Munich

For those that don’t already know, ispo is the world’s leading window on our business world. More than a trade show, it’s a full on sports community that supports the core principles and needs of the industry. Next February those in the know and those that want to share in the dynamic vibe of this show experience are invited to head for Munich and become part of ispo.

Ispo inspires: * The desire for people to meet and exchange ideas and information is all important. Whatever their market sector or interest, ispo is where that all happens. And it’s the ultimate point of inspiration, in everything from buying to merchandising.

* New products are a given. These developments, brand initiatives and the chance to interact and stay ahead of the game is vital lifeblood to brands and retailers alike.

* Never short of ideas, ispo also provides some truly inspirational features to keep business thinking buzzing. Featuring the latest smart kit in Wearable Technologies is just one such concept, now enhanced by a Textrends area for the latest on functionality in fabrics. As more retailers and distributors look towards sourcing their own products, so Sourcing ispo is a perfect practical addition.

ORTHAHEEL SPORTS 2011 will as ever offer dynamic content across all ispo’s communities so make sure Designed to fit running shoes, walking shoes you take time to think outside your own sector.

and most types of sports shoe. Performance ispo is where it’s all about traditional sports business and at the heart • Superb biomechanical control. of the UK sports business here is the FSPA whose well branded area will feature one • Reinforced with outer shell for extra stability, compensating for of their biggest exhibitor groups. the increased forces during running and sports activities. • Designed to help prevent sports injuries including Plantar UK and ROI brands are strongly represented throughout the show so it’s the perfect Fasciitis, Achilles Tendonitis, Shin Splints and Knee Pain. chance to catch up with suppliers - or to come away with new commercial ideas • 30 DAY Money Back Guarantee and inspiration for the year ahead, including distribution opportunities. Available in Sizes XS, S, M, L, XL Ispo information: £14.95 (ex VAT) per pair. Tickets start from just 18 for one day including your catalogue (online discount rate). Register online and book early for best ticket rates!

An ispocard at 77 gives you free entry to the show, use of the guest lounge, free travel in Munich and access to a range of other benefits

Exhibitors and event information, well as show news and detailed travel advice is updated regularly at www.ispo.com

Or contact the UK & ROI Information Center - 01923 233683 / [email protected]

The complete range of Orthaheel Orthotics is available from Tweeting for UK people - Canonbury please call 01280 706661 or email http://twitter.com/ispoUKnews And join the ispo Facebook group for international [email protected] for further information. community updates

WWW.SPORTS-INSIGHT.CO.UK 15 PRODUCT ROUND-UP KIT stop Essential stock for your shop 1000 Mile Sportswear With a whole portfolio of products aimed at the outdoor and sports markets, including Mueller Sports Supports, Maxim Nutrition, Lock Laces, Nathan and Noene, a visit to the 1000 Mile stand at the STAG Buying Show is a must. Having had considerable success with the 1000 Mile Fusion Sport sock, the brand new Fusion Walking sock makes its debut. With its Achilles tendon protection and blister-free guarantee, it should be a best seller. Thuasne, already an established brand with its sports bras, will be showing its briefs and pants range - just the ticket for stopping below-the-waist bounce. For an appointment email [email protected].

Learn to Swim launches Speedo Sea Squad for 2011 Speedo’s new Learn to Swim range includes swimwear and equipment created to help children develop their water skills, and for 2011 the company has unveiled an all-new Speedo Sea Squad featuring colourful characters kids of all ages are sure to love. These include a Pufferfish, Octopus and Shark. The Learn to Swim range is divided into three simple stages, each helping to build a child’s confidence and get them enjoying the water. Stage one is Get Splashing, and focuses on familiarising babies to being in the water - whether in the pool or bath. Parents can watch their child enjoy splashing around in their Swim Seat and Aqua Nappy, before hugging them dry in the baby towel. Stage two is Start Swimming! and focuses on products that help a child swim and move independently. Parents can join their child in the water and use products, including float suits, swim vests, bobble back floats and armbands, to help them get

into the correct swimming position and get paddling. Stage three is Get Confident, introducing an element of fun and adventure to gain confidence above and below the water. The Mini Kick is ideal for developing floating and kicking techniques, while dive toys can be used to encourage the child to hold their breath and open their eyes underwater - using Speedo goggles for protection, of course. Speedo also has a range of colourful and practical junior footwear and swimwear, all featuring the new Sea Squad characters, for summer holidays and days on the beach. The collection also includes sun protection swimwear for boys and girls, enabling them to play safe in the sun. For more information email [email protected]

16 SPORTS INSIGHT www.sportindustry.biz Jakabel: winter warmers and fun in the sun I 2.5ml neoprene on all wetsuits. I Anti-tip floatsuits for learning to swim fast. I Fabulous colours to stand out in a crowd. I Stock 12 months of the year. I Two-three day delivery. I Wide range of pool toys/accessories. Irish distributors required. Delivery available from UK or direct from Asia. Agents welcome. Contact Josu on 020 8715 2385 or visit www.jakabel.com.

www.sports-insight.co.uk 17 PRODUCT ROUND-UP

Head The radical MP provides the perfect combination of power and control - the d3o technology senses the needs of players during different strokes. On high speed impacts the smart molecules lock together within nanoseconds and dramatically increase the stiffness of the racquet frame to provide maximum power. On slow speed impacts the d3o molecules absorb the impact to provide a softer touch for better feel. The radical is perfect for all rounders. The widely anticipated New YouTek Speed IG with the reversed colour strategy has an even better touch for incredible precision. The racquet features Innegra, an extremely strong and lightweight fibre that forms an ultra tough hybrid composite structure. The YouTek Speed IG benefits from an improved stability and increased shock absorption for incredible feel - perfect for baseline hard hitters. www.head.com/tennis.

18 SPORTS INSIGHT www.sportindustry.biz

UK Gear UK Gear has a unique association with The Army Physical Training Corps, the elite fitness professionals of The British Army. They are closely involved in the development of UK Gear’s products, before wear testing them in some of the most demanding conditions on Earth. Only when approved by The British Army does UK Gear consider its products built to survive. Supplier to the UK, USA and German militaries, and selected UK retail outlets. UK Gear offer’s a 24-hour stock replenishment service. Delivery from the company’s warehouse in Portsmouth. Trade brochure available upon request. Retailers please contact UK Gear Ltd on 02476 546100 or [email protected].

www.sports-insight.co.uk 19 PRODUCT ROUND-UP

Speedo Aqua Fitness Training aids featured in Speedo’s Aqua Fitness collection include Power Paddles, Kickboards, Pullbuoys and Pullkicks, which help active and competitive swimmers improve their fitness levels, hone their technique and performance, and ‘work out’ in the water. As expected from the world’s leading swimwear brand, Speedo’s Aqua Fitness collection combines the latest technology and materials with stylish, performance dedicated design to deliver the ultimate fitness and training tools. For ease of use, there’s also Speedo’s new on-pack Data Centre that graphically and anatomically outlines the key muscle groups that benefit from the use of each of the products in the range. In addition, a simple rating system ranks the performance of each product in relation to its effects on strength, endurance, technique and calorie burning - helping swimmers identify the products that will most assist them in achieving specific goals. All the training aids in the Aqua Fitness collection have been extensively tested by Speedo’s top athletes, ensuring the products are the finest quality and performance honed. Together they provide a comprehensive solution for swimmers of all abilities looking to improve, and make the perfect swim session accessory for any swimmer. For more information email [email protected].

ASICS Lethal Testimonial football boots The ASICS Lethal Testimonial is a professional football boot with a classic professional fold-over tongue, which offers a cleaner strike area, while feel and classic black and white styling. Durable and lightweight, the boot traditional centre lacing enhances the classic feel. features a state of the art upper layer manufactured from quality K leather Two different soleplates are available. The soft ground version features and a sophisticated design that ensures players enjoy superior levels of a Pebax exchangeable six studded sole, while the firm ground version touch, movement and agility. comes complete with a multi-studded PU outsole, making it a superb choice Lateral reinforcements provide support for the most sensitive parts of for hard ground, turf or artificial surfaces. the foot and reduce the risk of injury. Fit-wise, the boot comes with a ASICS: 01925 241041. Email: info@asics.co.uk. www.asics.co.uk.

20 SPORTS INSIGHT www.sportindustry.biz

Team Colours For those teams who like to ensure their players always turn out looking their best, bespoke manufacturer Team Colours is ready with the complete service - whatever your sport. With a quick turnaround time - using quality fabrics and with full printing and embroidery - Team Colours offers a wide selection of quality multisport teamwear, training kit and sports accessories. Team Colours’ new online designer tools make it even easier to match your exact specifications. Select your design and colours, upload your team badge and place your sponsor’s logo for a truly unique stitched or sublimated team kit. Team Colours: +44 (0)1920 871453 / +44 (0)1920 877270. Email: [email protected].

www.sports-insight.co.uk 21 PRODUCT ROUND-UP

Cybertill Cybertill is an easy to use EPoS system for sports and outdoor retailers, which manages stock, clients and much more. It is a proven solution that helps sports retailers reduce stock while increasing sales. Cybertill can also design and develop successful ecommerce sites or seamlessly link the EPoS system to your current website. There are many sports and outdoor retailers that use and benefit from Cybertill’s unique EPoS system. Says Stephen Thompson of O’Neills Sportswear: “Cybertill reduced our stock holding by £350,000 and helped increase sales.” To find out more and have a free demonstration call Cybertill on 0800 030 4432, email [email protected] or visit www.cybertill.co.uk.

22 SPORTS INSIGHT PRODUCT PROFILE

  1           % =  R 0 #? 

How is it marketed? Focus ON...        %  Shock Absorber sports bra range    #  #    <                     %                             #<     %   $  %   %       & 4    #    #      #    $    #          Can you give us some  #    & 4     # (6      background on the brand?      #  (&       & 4    @@ & 4          &  #    %  %    .  #   #  @   #    #   %   :   3     %                %#  #            :    %(   .<        =         # #           %    0  # &9    # %  &  /          & 4  :A 4       $ %   #     B   &     #<       #    %       $          #& 4                % <          %  &      %  %         # %  "6:' 4  =   $   =  3     %   84CC  64+A.$ "    #   %%                #         %   . # '    . #  & 4  R#  #        %   =  R6#C#      #      #        9  8   4 A       #    C A    1          Key features and benefits     %       6:'      # !4    & 4     %% "         (   #      %     #    %          )      %          &   %      %  What is the most effective way         %  %  0       a retailer can market the range? :    %   # B   #    0       #     (         %%    %  # +  %        #  3        ? #  # & 4     D  & 4                  ? #   &           %    (&                   Why has it sold so well?            R =    #   %     6  <    "       & 4      #  &     :AR    4     #   #      =     %              # $   #  #     <                 #      6:'   & 4   %%  $ #    #    #        #%      #     #      # #%   % %          # %  (&     #%  ##      #    #    # #  %4                %   %           #   <  #       %    <  "          #      6  #  0      B           %   %& 4        #    %     #     #   si   # %          For more information on the Shock     %   Absorber range of products call 01483     =  291450 or visit www.shockabsorber.co.uk.

www.sports-insight.co.uk 23 PEOPLE Meet the BUYER Maz Darvish, Sweatband.com’s founder, CEO and buyer What was your first job in retail?     3   " % 3          "%    %&      4  &   #3   &                  3           %        # =    %"           %  =                %#C         % B      #          3   %               #    %    #         # #   /      "    %  #<     # "         # #     How do you find out How long have you been a buyer? &       about new products? 3        <   "  "   3R #        #  %&       #       #       C 3  =            R  %   4 %   #    3      #        3       #        4     %   #% <       #      #  R   &     0    #   %          #  ":A &             %% %    % Describe the business you work for? 4%                #   &     #        &     % B        %  # %% B     What’s been your best buy? =   #   #   $     #%   3 R  #         &              #               %    %           %  %  RB    %   #    % B   #    %  # %B   3%             # % %    B  # %    E ##R )&           #  < #   #      %  %       #         # %#%   < <         #B %         What's your role in the business? And your worst? #  #  %    3  %   #   # $   % #               %  #    # =  = +   3 <       3     +. <   %""%        C      #%    %   %    R     %  %# = .       #  #   %    %%% R ?          #   # :AR         %     %  B     Best piece of buying  3     advice received?    # %     What criteria do you use when F       R          "  making buying decisions?   6#  %  # %   $   B   # # 3     #         R            B    %   %      #  # %  #          B      %&    R  %     #                #$      %           #    What’s the secret of a   % 1     ?%    #  successful buyer?       #        %      4     %   %         1 #    %%            %        3%             R     %%    %%  %     #       #             #  #  !                #  %   #    # ?%          0           si

24 SPORTS INSIGHT     

PERFORMANCE WEAR FOR PERSONALISATION

www.gamegear.co.uk XPRES CUT ® THE WORLD’S BEST SELLING CUTTER







             FSPA MEMBER NEWS FSPA focus The latest news from the Federation of Sports and Play Associations

The FSPA is currently undertaking two new major research projects, to be UK SPORTS MARKET RESEARCH completed in 2011, providing member $%   % 0&(4R   1            companies with valuable market       %   #    %     information and adding to its already   %    0&(4R        # % impressive archive of comprehensive    )    '      #   sport and golf market research reports.       %    :A         %         #      $     4     %      %   0&(4  %         %        %     " "  % $0&(4      %       #       &         # #  "         $      / 0&(4  %  %  #     #%   #    $                   #     #  B            :A     #        < # $          #      # %      %  3        % 0&(4     % %          %               %   ?  % %  #  %   #    %                        # 0&(4GH   I     )  %  !,!!@@@J,K si INDIAN SPORTS MARKET RESEARCH $  % 0&(4R   3           R        7   %    3       %     %     #      #              %  ##  #        #     B   # %%     #    %     %   % #   %           # #     %    %    4   3        #    ?       <  #       3      #    L %              %%      # #"   #            # #           #            % $    #            & # % 3    :A $ M <  #   % 3      GO$ #   % 3        3                   :A%         #     P % 8      3         < %  3  8  <   %%%    % #   3                       %3    0   %                         0&(4       0&(4G   # #%     % H   I!,!!@@@J,K www.sportsandplay.com.

www.sports-insight.co.uk 27 PEOPLE Movers & Shakers John O’Connell, managing director of Lee Sports Distributors in Ireland When did     (  + #        %%    you get & 3           <   into the %   %  #"   #    %%    sports trade                   $   and why?  #  3  3   @@     %   2 #1  + #   #            !  %# 3      3% C %         / R <      & )            % # 7%       3   #   #   3    #     # %    @/  #  $   #  #      C&   %            %  =   :  + &             B      (  9 L &    + ?  %    #   %%           # +  (   $   # C&       #   +  C&   /     =R   # % # 3      &         %    %     2 Who’s been the biggest 3  3 R## %      % GO3    P influence on your career?      3     %   3#     #      ?? %   #%      How’s business been      # "        # #  this year?   3<   #  7 R+ P    Q   L #  $    %            3             %  "%  # %   2           <   #      7 (  %+ # &   %%       #  #      #+ &    (   %   #    +  <   #         2           3           %   3 R1  3 R       # C& )   %         $ 7%              #     %        What brands do you          #        admire and why?    %  ##  (% #%   #%   &$49 3&64$         R#   #    #    % Unicorn: one of a    :        #   number of quality %     R "     brands distributed  <    by Lee Sports  GQ$8#'    #  #  %     Distributors 3 ) R4 &    = #  < %           #      4                 %   3   C%    ## &  .  +  8     # How do you think the %  business will perform in 2011?   $  #        #           # :A 3              $ R =     %     < %   %#  #     %   (                      R              #     <3       %      3R  #%      % 8  #   si What’s the secret of your success? 0  B  --!!! & %      % H         C&      

28 SPORTS INSIGHT THE SCIENCE OF GOALKEEPING

Only the professionals know the demanding standards that sportswear and equipment has to live up to. That’s why Precision Goalkeeping has teamed up with Kasper Schmeichel to develop a range of gloves designed to withstand the punishing challenges of every match.

Schmeichology has evolved over two generations of professional goalkeeping, and Kasper has this inherent skill pumping through his veins - making him the perfect design partner for Precision Goalkeeping.

Come and see us and experience ‘SCHMEICHOLOGY’ the Science of Goalkeeping at the Stag Show 2010 in: for schmeichology stockists call THE KINGFISHER HALL 0115 900 2342 www.ispo.com

ispo – the international sports business network streubel thomas , müller michael

, maloja pics:

Lauren Fox, ispo Information Center UK, phone +44 1923 233683, [email protected] Messe München GmbH, Messegelände, 81823 München, Germany, phone +49 (0)89 949-11 3 88, fax +49 (0)89 949-11 3 89, [email protected], www.ispo.com, for trade visitors only

STAG BUYING SHOW

CAUTION AND OPTIMISM in equal measure #  /   %%   Sports Insight caught up with Ward Robertson and  %  %&$49$    %    Ricky Chandler, joint managing directors of the B I%   %    STAG and Freedom buying groups, to talk about Do you think the future their buying shows and look back on 2010 is digital and the internet is the way forward? How has 2010 been for the STAG %    #    3    #     and Freedom buying groups? 6  %3         #      $   # " %  =    "  # ##  3 &$49    # #  @$  %    ! /       #      #     #1  &  %            %%                       R  $  % %  =%       &$49  1  &$49 0    #    #      0         =  3             ##     1   #    #        %  #   (+                        I       #          % 0      #                 #      %%   :A 63    What new products and  #                % opportunities are out there     $          # # for independent retailers?   B      =      %  As a buying group, have you    = %   How have you found diversified into other areas?  # #      business in Ireland? C    %%     78$  %     3      %%    0     ## % &   6  0 0 3   <   1                3    & 1  &$49  %    & 7 @    $ & 7   %  %  I    

32 SPORTS INSIGHT 6   #I  %       % 3  C &  3 B  %6 &   :A$    R+          % <        D            # % " "%     %        Do you both continue to       %  %  #        enjoy running the STAG and C% Q % R    #   #      :   Freedom buying groups?      $ (        %  D     $  #    4        # R         #           1  .<(  % %         %  %      #              =        #          #           What is the date and        # #   1  # times of the UK show?   # 3        # $:A   &  '                   @ %  Q= " R           %% %    7  %    &    - %      0  %     2"$ +              7            3%  4       %%        @ %   %  %     #   %        0     +  =  (  %%        #        #             3%          0       9C,$C0            You’ve organised two STAG  %   %     &$49          $ buying shows this year. Are !!,@-,!       %       you confident of their success?  # ##         %    4   #   =    5 si =    5=       #  5$     B      #(          #   $ #       %       =       %      %        ?  #    5 $:A       #            =   # #           " :A 

Will we see the usual brands at the UK show this year? =            4  2"$ +    &  ' 8  7? ( & 6  2 E ## 6 &   :AC      '   <  # $  (      (       %%  B  #   #  #         ) # R )    & #            

Do you foresee an increase in visitors to the UK show? = 1          <      #         =                     

www.sports-insight.co.uk 33 David Haye - Boxer WBA World Heavyweight Champion Former WBA, WBC & IBA World Cruiserweight Champion

Helen Pryer - Sprinter 200m GB Squad Sprinter

Ivan Lawler - Canoeist 3 x Olympian 6 x World Champion

Justin Rose - Pro Golfer PGA Tour Golfer Sam Larniroy - Surfer British Surfing Champion WQS Surfer

Thomas Sturdy - Triathlete GB Squad Olympic Triathlete 16th in World 2009 Olympic Triathlon

The versatility and functional performance

benefits of the Vibram Tim Bishop - Triathlete Fivefingers continue to GB Veteran Squad prove themselves

For more information or to stock VFF in 2011, please contact us on 01306 883 240, [email protected] Mark Lewis Francis - Sprinter Olympic Gold Medalist Official distributors of ] to the UK. Commonwealth Gold Medalist MY SPORTING LIFE

Terry Sands (kneeling centre) celebrates winning the Middlesex Charity Sevens tournament

SOARAWAY SUCCESS     # 3R #  P After a distinguished rugby career, Terry Sands has $         & 3    60+ build Samurai Sportswear into a global player with  B   & %   @@       %  a turnover of nearly £5million. Tony James reports R   %     # From the moment he first picked up an        %   # " R       oval ball at the age of nine, rugby was 1 #        %      !        Terry Sands’ life and success seemed to !    %  +        #   7< be around every corner. +  &      C  4%   #% .<   Worldwide 3    # %     % #   O6#      3 & %           #   #       #   #   @@,  &%% "     % #R  & &        #        #  $  &    # #. # R4            #     #   + +    # #  #31  R  P&     %   . 4 # % . # 368= & &  O& &     #   &       #  #B      # #70         7 %     # B   (9   #&             3   #   # %     #  %. # R "   #      :A  3          4 # &    +   #             <     #  7   3             % #   %        % %      # O=#    4  %      %     %  %%   ' E  3   1 #  3    R   &      :4.&  4%   Change of image %       %  #  #    4  4%            #2& &   #  3      !  &     %    #      %  #"  %   # %#G $        %     1## # #    & &      %      # #%   " 3     "   %  #  

36 SPORTS INSIGHT         %    # %  #  &  % GO$&    &  #&     #   % 3  #  #%   #    #          % %  #    #    3 R <   # %       R  %2  GO4 # )    R       P  # '8 #         & 2 #  %  . #        R   Management buyout %"         #           $  %  <    )  7 B & &       #P @  &   # #  '   # B $ &   &       #    % %3   # P          # & &     6  8   4  # #           3      %    + C        %%      "    $    GO$    # &   #    A  9 # "      #             #      # %      #% %  #        7 B       &   !   #  % 1                ' % B  "            $   B    %% %%   # "      #    $ #     #     GO4    #   #  #    P      ' %      #     # & GO3#      #             %     %    3  1     #       P     %      P &      # $      &     #  %  +  # #      @%< %  #            %B   4        "    # #   &                #R O4 #   #   6    %    &  .<  +%        #          %    % 4(  (         POD           % %     & R  #              O=   3+'3S    1 &.<     %              +%   $ 6 GO&                        %  #      %       %     P& O= #      #  O3        #%%  %    P       %  "  #    % 4  & &                  D     #   % #  . # %# P #     D   %     + R) ## +  6  8   & R      #%              GO.<  +%   1  #  %   # 1   #  %  &              #   P O&  # %  %%  4      4             # P&          ,    %        O$            %%  #%  #    &    #    #   #     P #    <  #  si

www.sports-insight.co.uk 37 Great Terms Available

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The humble trainer is having yet another makeover, with the high top making a comeback this year. Is the fashion market having the biggest say in terms of design or is the need for specialisation still the major influence in the design process? Adrian Hill investigates

Trainers have long been regarded as the        R          # height of cool for the feet. The 1980s     % % $  %      saw ‘sneakers’ move from being a 2           C #% sports-related item to become high  #     %     .  #  # fashion, thanks to the Michael Jordan  %     %           Nike Air phenomenon. % #  #   #  3  @@ #  #     O2# # %%    O71        #        #               1   #   #  %    '      #     2   %%   #              %    3     % %         # %        #               P< 9 8          P # O9   #      % Revival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iche  $  #    2#     #            %  $         %  #  R %       %         #    # %    <      % %    ?

40 SPORTS INSIGHT Total sports footwear  4 #                  market (at current prices)   <       %   #%       $     %     % %      Year £m % change  %       #   #   #      2004 1,371 -   %               2005 1,372 0.1        7  O3 R  # #     2006 1,382 0.7                      %            #       2007 1,408 1.9    J  #  # %   '0  P  8  2008 1,435 1.9 % K4    @   O$      2009 (est) 1,443 0.6     %               2010 (est) 1,412 -2.1     #    %  3       #   # %              # 2011 (est) 1,463 3.6       .    # %   P si 2012 (est) 1,566 7.0  %  %% %   2013 (est) 1,690 7.9    1     2014 (est) 1,775 5.0

:      %   Source: SIRC Sport Market Forecasts/Mintel.   ' @,      "#    J    % K3  '   #   # 0              $       %  # %   %  #  #   $ B   %     #        #       #

www.sports-insight.co.uk 41

BRITISH MANUFACTURING IN THE MANUFACTURING MINORITY Why do some brands still manufacture in this country, and does a product’s UK connections make it more attractive to consumers? Sports Insight investigates

Buying more British-made products 2         %' 8      should be a statement of intent to  %   #   %  :A 0    protect ourselves and the future of our %  #  #  % 8     -   %   offspring, a business commentator  4  # $7 %   #  "   %      wrote recently. Strong words indeed. 3       %   #     " #  %. #   4  # . =    !@           +   9  #          #     #  %     '    8     %  %   )  @@! 8   . #   & 4     #     0 +  %# J @K   0   +   9. #    8      #  %   %   #      -     #  % #% . # #        #   %9)(  ,         # #B          #1     !-/  %  % # . #" "%  #        #        #   - %  . # %   #   %<  O=     %   # Low cost '   1       B %   3      1   %  #8            # %          %    B       %%     P4    ? '      +  3      8   R  # 8 R%  #  0O= $  L  (  $     #    #  %        (          Q   % R        R    B # & %% &    4+4 &       .     R  %  B %  %     %          #       R     3%              %   

  &2  # #    %   P %   #  4  3  ' 8    ( %    <     %   #      J6   KO= %                 %    4   #          3 % :A %   #         #   %           %           P               1   ' O=      8 R#          % % ' 8    R    Supply :A   B   P 2 9 "'    ' 8  # % % %  "           %   # %<        %    :A   2    %   #     '  = 9 "'      ' 8   %   # 3       9    :A @/   3         9 "'    -   %  9 9  &     #  0 + 4 <  %    . #

44 SPORTS INSIGHT   $             Investment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si Retail view

“I’m not convinced it makes people buy a product because it has UK is so good these days that ‘made in the UK’ is not a guarantee of connections, or better still, is made in the UK. Walsh and New the product being superior.” Balance both manufacture in the UK, yet this appears to only have a Adrian Pointer, Simply Sports minor influence on the final decision to purchase. That said, people like the idea they have made a choice and it is UK manufactured. “I am sure there is some nostalgia with the older generations, who “As a retailer, I like the idea of supporting British manufacturing, remember the UK manufacturing industry. However, the younger but we can only influence our customers so far. New Balance and generation who, by and large, are our customers, just accept that Walsh both advertise their British connections as part of national everything is made in the Far East. I remember years ago both Reebok campaigns and also through providing in-store information, so they and New Balance prided themselves on their heritage and the fact must feel it has a level of impact. From the point of view of POS, I they manufactured in the UK, and I am sure that helped, from a would suggest customers like to see the retailer of their choice is marketing point of view, the brands grow to the size they are.” choosing British, even if they themselves do not. It is very much a Simon Millet, Activinstinct case of need and requirement over country.” Stuart Hale, Accelerate “We get very few instances where customers want products that are made in the UK, but when they do New Balance shoes can “I can’t ever remember a customer buying a product because it generally help us with that. At the moment, most of our customers was made in England. As so little is, I suppose that most assume are more concerned with pricing and the service that we provide. everything is made abroad. We have tried attaching ‘Made in the They assume that all products are made abroad and therefore very UK’ labels to some products, but it made no difference and hardly few ask any more.” ever resulted in any comments. The quality and price from abroad Nick Giffen, Sheen Sports

www.sports-insight.co.uk 45

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From the New Zealand grass roots to parties at the STAG Buying Show from world class rugby in the Six Nations, the global sporting stage, Canterbury 21st November 2010. Inspired by the Rugby World Cup 2011 and 2012 make the finest rugby gear in the Rugby World Cup 2011, the collection Olympics, Canterbury have been busy world. Dedicated to challenging features the all new Uglies range and the working on the much anticipated launch sporting boundaries, Canterbury authentic CNZ range. With heavy weight of their new website, which is set to be produce garments that rival fabrics that exude a more contemporary unveiled at the start of the Autumn competitors, improve performance at and relaxed feel, these casual ranges will Internationals in November. With a light, all levels and never lose sight of the appeal to all sports enthusiasts that fresh fascia and simple navigation, need of the consumer. expect garments to be just as high Canterbury ensures a more pleasant With the Rugby World Cup returning quality off the field. experience for every consumer wishing next year to the brand’s spiritual home of Along with the technical to explore the brand. New Zealand, Canterbury will be at the advancements displayed within the RWC heart of the action as the Official designs, Canterbury will launch the new Sportswear Supplier. Canterbury’s new Mercury Compression range that can be Autumn/Winter 2011 collection includes worn to train, compete and recover. the long awaited RWC 2011 kit for the Hybrid graduated compression zones world champion Springboks, Scotland, have been designed to improve blood USA Eagles and Japan. The high-tech circulation, reduce muscle vibration and fabrics, advanced scientific testing and remove lactate in an attempt to enhance comprehensive design ensure that all of performance when training and Canterbury’s teams are kitted out in the competing. The tight compression zones world’s toughest jersey, and the most also accelerate recovery after sustained For more information and to receive innovative to date. periods of exercise; so for BaseLayers the new AW11 catalogue, please The Autumn/Winter 2011 collection, and Compression garments, the best just contact the Canterbury customer recently launched within Canterbury got better. service team on 0161 947 9944 or HQ, will be revealed exclusively to all Looking ahead to 18 months of email [email protected].

www.sports-insight.co.uk 47 THE FABRIC OF SPORT. Sensport offer Stock, MTO and custom teamwear solutions in a range of highly advanced technical fabrics providing outstanding value for money. Professional quality products at affordable price points. For football, rugby, cricket, hockey, netball, basketball, leisure and training wear with a service that is second to none.

To view our new season ‘10-‘11 stock Teamwear Brochure or our Custom Performance Brochure go to nnn%j\ejgfik%Zf%lb

To present your customers with a full colour presentation of their total teamwear requirements go to kitselector.com For details of our Custom Teamwear go to myteamkit.net For further details call 02476 644 666 G

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www.sensport.co.ukwww.sensww.sensport.co.uuk

Caldoni House I 3 Crondal Road Bayton Road Ind Estate I Coventry I CV7 9NH Tel: 02476 644666 I Fax: 02476 367971 Email: [email protected] DISABILITY SPORTS

A disability may no longer be considered a sporting disadvantage, if it’s the right kind. Lauren Fox wonders how level this playing field really is

Despite our so-called enlightened and     <    %      # <   politically correct society, we still fumble   5         around with the subject of disability and = R         %  (  9 greet it with either over the top                #  % enthusiasm or complete ignorance.        R 5) #       :AP 7  %        ) R&     4  %  #        #        7&% %    #%      %    R%%          +) 4 # R 1   #   #     % %    : %  " 1        " R%      B         4       %                    %4    54   R     %     5 4            5'  #     +      #     %     $L    6  3 R 1     #           %  & & 6# +8.    3     <  #  %    Dilemma 4     #  4         # G        %   #  #  #             R  #  #  %      " 3  #     58   %            (    B Q R %    %  $86        6  3       $     (       %      9  8   R  81 #     %  #              #     #  B  3 $(  9     Q#  R    #   1    =3  R       @ & 7     #       #             %    3        (  98  #       #       % 8   R $      #      (  9  %      (  =  94 !    # #        %  # !! %      % # <  #G (  98     #   #            #  $      = &  R      %         "       R      8    R  % (  9        #       # %   #    %                      + !   # %       #    %   # $        (             /:A             %% (        % #   % 4  # 3      5= (     (  +    &  B<         (+  GO=   

50 SPORTS INSIGHT                 #    =                    # :  :&4        #  %  &  %       &  #  <         %   D       + "+  7 ) R      #    % P      %  8     #  <   # )  -3    ) %          # #     P (   )   &98  #  &         #   9  8      Unified Football          C 7 7 78.   : %0  &98C              R #    %          $   %   4 1 !      #      # % 2  0        +   "    3      #     0 0     #      R       $ #              #          #   %  #   % "" 2%   $     -&  %#  # %   @/  %     #  #  9  8          @//   #    J   K         4  /  3     +  3  % %       #    % %  &98     #       J  %  K$  #         3+        #        %    #       D   #       #     # # )   R            %           +   %   B  #     #          #            // &            = 2  #   %  .  & 9                (  %    #       #    #&98        %     %  #         #  Q=  C R          si        # #     )   &98+.A  =  &  =  % GO =  C  0   %     =   3 # GO=  B   # #        % C  #   A  =        %       %     ,!,//@  % H # 

www.sports-insight.co.uk 51

STOCK, MTO & CUSTOM RUGBY APPAREL FOR 2011

Avaliable in a range of highly advanced technical fabrics providing outstanding value for money. Professional quality products at affordable price points with a service that is second to none. Availability in following colours.

To view our new season ‘10-‘11 stock Teamwear Brochure or our Custom Performance Brochure go to THE FABRIC OF SPORT nnn%j\ejgfik%Zf%lb To present your customers with a full colour presentation Caldoni House I 3 Crondal Road of their total requirements go to kitselector.com Bayton Road Ind Estate I Coventry I CV7 9NH For details of our Custom Teamwear go to myteamkit.net Tel: 02476 644666 I Fax: 02476 367971 For further details call 02476 644 666 Email: [email protected] PutVISUAL MERCHANDISING on THE BEST SHOW Retailers should seize the opportunity to visually trade their way out of falling sales, says Alan in town Westcott, head judge of skillVM, the nationwide visual merchandising competition Imagine the scene: you are walking $   % #    # #   down the depressingly rainy high street,    #41#% #         past a window, and you see two ladies & 6 R      5 in summer dresses and wellies reclining    #    L7 3 on cast iron chairs, sharing a feast of     # % # Attention cakes, cordials and cream tea under the         #   C R      "% $  drooping boughs of blossoming trees.    %%         %     For a moment you are transported and   8          compelled to enter the shop.   #      #            

Stewart Gray is a critically acclaimed designer who has collaborated with Alan Westcott’s top tips a number of luxury and retail brands I Make sure your displays are current and creative. Merchandise sells better when it’s given a context. Presenting goods using an appropriate I Change your displays on a regular basis. If you theme allows customers to mentally group products that are relevant to them. For have repeat customers, this is more important as instance, if you’re selling tennis racquets display them with racquet bags and mannequins they will see the same displays day after day and dressed in tennis apparel. Themes not only help to demonstrate merchandise in an week after week. approximation of its natural habitat, they also stimulate the aspiration to own related I You must make sure all your window displays products by creating the sense of a collection; if I buy the shorts and t-shirt, then why not and interior displays are clean, dirt free, well the matching jacket? presented and tidy with merchandise pressed. When displaying merchandise on a shelf or unit, group products in threes or fives. The If you don’t care, the customer won’t care odd number arrangement communicates the feeling of a collection that is somehow lost about you. when we gaze upon the perceived orderliness of even numbers. The odd number rule I Use colour for impact, from windows through to works by making products look more informal and therefore more inviting. The exception the store interior. Blocking colour has a dramatic to this is goods intended to be sold in pairs, such as skis or shoes. However, in these visual effect on customers and can help to situations I still apply the odd number rule by selecting one half of a pair across an odd differentiate between ranges and products. number of styles and displaying them as a group. Hey presto, that’s seven kinds of cricket I Lighting that doesn’t work is a waste of energy glove displayed in a space suitable for three pairs. and money. Make sure all lights are working and Use appropriately chosen, high quality imagery to deliver an aspirational message clean. Replace broken bulbs and make sure you that generates desirability. Swimwear looks so much more tempting with the sparkling focus the light on the intended product or backdrop of a tropical beach or the glamorous poolside of a five-star hotel. Football kit message you are presenting, after all this is what is given an added sense of excitement with a dramatic poster of a sliding tackle. The you are presenting for sale. right choice of image brings a static display to life and commands attention; consistent I If you are delivering a message, say it once, but styles of images can unite a whole store. Wording can help in certain situations, but make it clear and understandable. keep things simple; pithy phrases that relate to the image and merchandise, such as I Pricing displays ensures the customer is clear what ‘back to school’ or ‘summer of cricket’, are sufficient. the displayed product is going to cost. Clarity of pricing is crucial to a well presented display.

54 SPORTS INSIGHT        #    # %    Rowena Doyle, owner of Visual Sense, a practice that supports retailers in all areas         of retail merchandising     $ R  Ask any shopper why their favourite store stands so highly in their regard and they usually reply # 4     # that it’s easy to find items, the signage is clear and informative, and they feel inspired to shop.  %        According to scientists, most people only store around five items in their short-term memory for   R      around 200-500 milliseconds, so the more you show them the less they will remember.   %     # The most important part of merchandising any product is to keep it simple. Keep your message +      R to the point. Often I see shops where the window or the floor is overloaded with unnecessary items.         Customers may want choice, but that choice must be presented in a clear and uncluttered way.  %   +     Retailers that tend to overload their shop floor can spend up to 90 per cent of their time helping  #%      every customer in the store. The clever retailers, however, are the ones who offer great service, but %     8 #   have spent minimal time with their customers - they are ‘silent selling’. In these stores the %            merchandise is so well laid out that the consumer is happy picking items themselves without help        from the retailer. %%  %      Space management is vital for happy shoppers. This is where you draw your customers around your store and guide them to where you want them to go. It’s all about the way you place your #         fittings and fixtures and how you merchandise them. There should be a natural flow in your store. If 9  #   #   there is then customers will visit every part of it and engage with your products and brand.      % # Shopping should be a pleasurable experience. People can be put off by unsuitable music, so it’s #8   #    crucial to have the right type of             background music. Consider your  1        customers and think about the type of   #$  %  music they would enjoy listening to. It #          should add to the overall experience    and not be intrusive, so be mindful of %   %  R    the volume too.      #    Often people say to me: “Making <       things look nice must be a rewarding $  #  #  # job,” and I agree it is. However, visual 1  +    merchandising is much more than this - it is a mix of science and art, and    %    #  when implemented in the correct way    %#     #    % can dramatically change your # #      D   customer’s behaviour, footfall and   #  #    #  bottom line. #  #       

www.sports-insight.co.uk 55 VISUAL MERCHANDISING

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Hugues Audouard, head of research and category management at Shopworks, an international retail consultancy that provides retail planning and design, consumer research, category management and project management Make it as easy as possible for shoppers to find the category they are looking for by matching your categorisation to shopper needs. In a sports store environment, this should be a mix of categorisation by sport or activity, such as swimming, cycling or football, together with some product driven categorisation such as footwear or outdoor clothing. Categories like footwear can then be sub-categorised into men/women’s, as well as by activity, eg walking, running and trekking. Where appropriate, leading brands can be used as a sign post to aid categorisation. For example, a brand such as The North Face may be used to identify outdoor wear, while adidas has a strong association with football. Use cleverly though. This technique may not necessarily work throughout the store. Understand what products your customer may consider buying together; a customer wanting to buy a football shirt may also be interested in football © Display Works © Display boots. Make it easy for him and ‘suggest’ Works © Display new ideas by including a selection of football boots from your footwear Colin Lipsey is a partner at Display Works, a retail display and category in the football category. merchandising specialist Without imagery your store runs the risk of presenting as rack after rack of Colour blocking: arrange your product in colour stories as consumers are attracted by clothing and products. Use large format colour above all else. This may be achieved across all brands or within individual brands. graphics and relevant imagery to bring Product grouping: organise a size run of shirts next to a size run of trousers, categories to life, inspire your customers followed by a size run of knitwear. Make sure they all relate to each other, either and make them feel good about what contrasting the colours or complementing them. they’re doing. Strong imagery also works Merchandising: arrange product so that you have side hanging and front facing well in aiding categorisation and guiding product next to each other. Add shelves with folded product for interest and complement your customer through the store. your clothing with displays of colour-matched accessories.

56 SPORTS INSIGHT

IN SEASON FOOTBALL

All fall down?

If the gated houses, shiny new cars and blinging   R  %      %     #"  WAGs are anything to go by, football’s in robust   %   R   #             financial health. However, a new report claims                  things are so dire the European system could 3 %   ,    %(  collapse. Louise Ramsay investigates C#        #"   R  . #   First it was Portsmouth, now it’s      %  % 1 = 6 1 #   %" Dundee. Manchester United’s in trouble #      R      7   :   too and you would have to have been %    #%       %   living on the moon to have missed the 3 %  )  4 6 !  $  #  shenanigans going on at Anfield. %0 0  @          7             (    6  %  !-  #   #    (    +      " %        #     %  (  C#   # 8  #+  =      ""         0   &   :  "     3    7   :   )      (  C#                   % %    %!-      %                  +    %       # #        # 4 %  #   B  3 @7   :   Boycott   #$    % (  C#   !!      # 7  7   :  % # ,      %   4  !   8   :A         #      #  %     ,     %   # # 7   $L #  % !  @@ (        :  &  R $     # !  3     $   (  C#      #               # -    ,I/  #            #         ! " ##  #   C  R     0 #  #    % !!   % R  +  #  R         %         R #     %             #  !@     1 8     %   &        5         #   1    % %    #" $     R         ! $ #

58 SPORTS INSIGHT   R         3    8 #P     .    & 4 ,-    %      $  2 #%    %  1         @    CC# 8 #  #         . =      )     53%     % GO$  %      %                      9        %  #                     .  #     50    %   1   ##       #               P4               % %                 T   . #      #+    %              % . # % #       %   %< %  #                 #      # % '         #  %     R 8 #  2 4        #      65'         $ 8           %          . #    =             # %      % +    % %      $ %            #     Unsustainable 9   #  # " #    ##    si 8   #      %    #    4$ A      4  3 %    %.:%  # %        %      # & . #  3           4$ A    %       #   % <      %       R       Q  R # 8            %     0     9  R8 # C# 0             #     % 9      % 0  "  #               3         % . #    "!@   % 3  "    & "    3         :.04    0  0 ( #     %  :.04  B       %           # J   K +  . C# 8   # . 2    4$ A RC   %%  .  %      % %   0  0 (  # %     %   O.  %     # #           # %    P 2 O3       <                 #    %    4    #       1  R   <  % %      #     #  #    0   3 0  .  %  #   #         

www.sports-insight.co.uk 59 IN SEASON FOOTBALL Football

Torkralle Champion goalkeepers boot uhlsport continues the success of the Torkralle goalkeeper’s boot with the introduction of the new Torkralle Champion for 2011. The boot features additional forefoot claws (kralle in German) to provide lateral grip and an EVA wedge to raise the heel by a mere 4mm, sufficient to distribute the weight to the toes and enhance the ability to spring and react. With two outsole options for any conditions, uhlsport believes it has developed the ultimate goalkeeper’s boot. Whats more, uhlsport has introduced three limited edition colourways to satisfy the demands of even the most flamboyant keeper.

RRP £79.99. Pre order now for delivery in June 2011. For additional information contact uhlsport on 08448 849861 or email [email protected].

Sensport custom performance apparel I Football, rugby, hockey, netball, basketball, lacrosse, and training, leisure and outerwear. I Professional quality products at affordable price points, with a service that is second to none. I Low minimums of 15 units. Four-six week lead time.

To view Sensport’s new season Custom Performance brochure, or the new season 10-11 Stock Teamwear brochure, visit www.sensport.co.uk.

For details of Sensport’s custom teamwear visit myteamkit.net.

To present your customers with a full colour presentation of their total teamwear requirements visit kitselector.com.

60 SPORTS INSIGHT www.sportindustry.biz Mitre launches Intelligent Compression

Mitre has announced the upcoming launch of Intelligent Compression, the latest evolution in shinguard technology. Featuring brand new Cavity Compression technology, Intelligent Compression guards are designed to offer the highest levels of impact protection to the wearer, and are available to order now for a March delivery. Intelligent Compression guards provide enhanced protection to the player by spreading the initial impact shock to the outer edges of the guard, before a three stage progressive compression gradually absorbs the rest of the impact:

Stage one: initial impact On initial impact, the smooth solid outer shell efficiently spreads the shock to the outer edges, and away from the wearer’s leg.

Stage two: cavity compression Once the initial impact has been dispersed, the outer shell compresses, closing the air cavity between the shell and EVA, gradually absorbsing the force of the impact.

Stage three: structural compression Under heavy impact, the geodesic structure on the reverse of the shell progressively interacts with the EVA foam backing, acting as a dampener and absorbing the remaining energy of the impact.

“Mitre is committed to innovation that delivers genuine performance benefits for football players at all levels, and we are very proud of the new Intelligent Compression range of guards,” says Mark Upshall, equipment product manager for Mitre Sports International. “They will offer the highest levels of protection for players, allowing them to stay on the pitch for longer and perform at their peak.” For more information contact your Mitre area sales representative or email [email protected].

Anatomic Pro goalkeeper jersey The top of the range uhlsport goalkeepers jersey, the Anatomic Pro, has one basic function - maximum ball control. The so-called control zones on the chest and lower arms are made of slip resistant silicone material, which are attached to the jersey in a grid shape to significantly reduce the risk of the ball slipping through. The advanced design combines functional polyester with breathable mesh inserts, while the ergonomically shaped padding on the elbows and shoulders are protected by an additional highly abrasive resistant coating, which maximises the durability of the jersey. The round neck collar is made of dual-colour ribbed material and the jersey rounded off with high quality logo prints on the chest and arms. RRP £39.99 and available now in storm/orange or black/cyan. For additional information contact uhlsport on 08448 849861 or email [email protected].

www.sports-insight.co.uk 61 Entries are now offi cially open for the 10th Anniversary of the Sport Industry Awards. In ten years the awards have become the biggest prize in the business of UK sport. Winning has built brands and careers. Now you can do the same. Log on to www.sportindustry.biz or call 020 7240 7700 for more information. SPORT INDUSTRY AWARDS 2011 WHERE SPORT MEETS BUSINESS Celebrating 10 years of the best in the industry

IN SEASON RUGBY Rugby Gymphlex strengthens product range with the addition of GFORCE Plus To support the phenomenal success of GFORCE, Gymphlex is delighted to GFORCE has proved extremely popular with retailers and end users, announce the creation of GFORCE Plus, a stock range of high performance and GFORCE Plus is sure to follow suit. With a stocked selection of generic training and sportswear due to launch in early 2011. colour combinations, GFORCE Plus is available with very short lead times. Developed for suppliers to sell directly to their customers, the GFORCE Although GFORCE Plus does not offer the extensive range of options for Plus range boasts all the key features of the GFORCE range, including bespoke personalisation of its sister brand, customers can choose to have technical fabrics, contemporary designs and an attractive price point for embroidered badges, logos or names applied onto the garment. retailers. As well as being perfect for clubs and teams, GFORCE Plus is also If you are interested in the GFORCE Plus range call 01507 523 243 appropriate for sporting individuals as there is no minimum order. or visit www.gforcesportswear.co.uk.

Rugby World Cup supporters range Since 1904 Canterbury has been recognised as the rugby authority, making the finest performance, training and leisurewear across the world. As the Rugby World Cup 2011 Official Sportswear Supplier, Canterbury is proud to present its supporter range designed exclusively in New Zealand. The spirit and heritage of Canterbury is sketched into the toughness and quality of every product. So in keeping with its established values, the distinctive World Cup collection incorporates traditional jersey designs with artistic New Zealand markings to capture the true essence of rugby. Renowned for producing iconic, innovative and stylish products, Canterbury has designed a global range of men, women and children’s clothing that is durable, comfortable and will make you feel like the ultimate World Cup supporter. The range is competitively priced, with the adult’s Captains Tee retailing at £14.99 (pictured in black and green) and the Harlequin Rugby Jersey (pictured in white, blue and green), previously photographed on Prince William, at only £34.99. For more information on the entire range contact the Canterbury customer service team on 0161 947 9944 or email [email protected].

64 SPORTS INSIGHT www.sportindustry.biz BrandCo BrandCo is an official licensee for the following properties: G England Rugby. G England Cricket. G Scottish Rugby. G RBS 6 Nations. G Rugby World Cup 2011. G University of Oxford. G Fulham FC. G Thomond Park by Munster Rugby.

BrandCo provides a range of apparel and accessories for all of these iconic and instantly recognisable licensed properties. All ranges are 100 per cent official and carry prominent logos, labelling and ‘Official Product’ logos, along with distinctive ‘Official Licensed Product’ swing tickets, for immediate recognition by the consumer at retail. With 2011 being Rugby World Cup year, rugby will be a high profile sport, meaning demand will be high for all of BrandCo’s Official Licensed products. To see all the latest ranges visit www.brandcomanagement.co.uk.

Been let down by your kit supplier? Samurai Sportswear, the official kit supplier to the Exeter Chiefs, can deliver kit within two-three weeks*. All sports teamwear purchasers know only too well it’s virtually unheard of for manufacturers to deliver on time. Weekly delivery from the company’s factory in China. Once a week, every week, 52 weeks of the year - that’s why Samurai is different. In 2008 96.4 per cent of Samurai teamwear orders were delivered to customers within the agreed lead time. In 2009 Samurai improved on this, achieving a 97.2 per cent success rate. This is fact, not fiction or small talk, and in 2010 Samurai’s aim is to improve further still. To obtain a copy of Samurai’s latest teamwear brochure visit www.samurai- sports.com or contact your local Samurai area sales manager for more details. Alternatively, call 01508 531010. *Subject to surcharge. Featured items: Samurai ICONIX shirt (Exeter Chiefs) and Samurai EXCEL jacket.

www.sports-insight.co.uk 65 GFORCE. Not just another stock teamwear brand

High Performance Bespoke Sportswear

With a passion for sport, GFORCE prides itself in knowing how important it is to deliver high quality, affordable, multi-sport apparel with low order quantities and quick turn–around times.

Up to 10,000 Low Short Colour Minimum Lead Combinations Order Time A BRAND YOU CAN TRUST

T: 01507 523243 [email protected] www.gforcesportswear.co.uk

IN SEASON RUNNING Running ASICS GEL-KAYANO 17 The new version of ASICS’ flagship structured cushioning shoe features an shoe to make it the lightest ever GEL KAYANO. improved, full length version of the Guidance Line - an innovative midsole The impressive tech package continues with rearfoot and forefoot technology from ASICS that guides the foot more efficiently from heel to GEL cushioning systems with a Solyte midsole material for enhanced toe. A vertical flex groove separates the midsole and outsole to help guide durability and cushioning. It also features two layers of memory foam as the runner’s centre of pressure through the most optimum path, allowing part of an improved Personal Heel Fit and Space Trustic System for the foot and shoe to work together to maintain the most stable and midfoot stabilisation. optimal stride. Improvements in this model have also shed weight from the ASICS: 01925 241041. Email: [email protected]. www.asics.co.uk.

Great shoes deserve great socks If you were to add the sale of a pair of technical socks to every pair of running shoes sold throughout the year, how much extra profit would you make? Socks and accessories are often overlooked when footwear and apparel are sold to customers, but these add-on sales provide a massive boost in revenue for retailers. Many customers are unaware of the benefits technical socks provide and so you, the retailer, can offer that extra added service element to the consumer. HILLY provides a one-stop shop for socks and accessories, providing an abundance of choice to maximise sales. HILLY finds that once a runner has worn a pair of its technical socks, he/she will not return to non-technical socks again. With this in mind, HILLY is proud to announce the start of its ‘Sock Education’ plans, which highlights the chance to add sock sales to footwear purchases - A7 shelf wobblers and 600x200mm boards are available for your store now. If you want to receive this POS pack to promote your HILLY product in store contact Thomas Coxon, marketing manager, at [email protected] or call 0161 366 5020.

68 SPORTS INSIGHT www.sportindustry.biz Saucony shines in all categories Saucony products have won four different awards in four different independent publications in the past two months. First off, the top-selling ProGrid Omni 9 won the Runner’s World Best Update title in its Autumn Shoe Guide. This was closely followed by Triathlon Plus Magazine giving the ProGrid Hurricane 12 the Gold award in its top-end training shoe reviews. Running Fitness was positively glowing about the new trail shoe, the ProGrid Xodus 2.0, which outperformed all comers, including those put up by off-road brands.

Finally, Athletics Weekly picked out the ViZi-PRO Epic and Ethereal Running Jackets as the best high visibility pieces in its winter apparel round up. For more details on all these products visit the new UK website at www.saucony.co.uk, or to place an order call 02392 001247.

www.sports-insight.co.uk 69 US Olympianwears Saucony AMPPRO World 200m Bronze Medallist and Wallace Spearmon SAUCONY.EU/AMPPRO2

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JUST COMPRESSION. EVERYTHING ELSEIS WE RUN. WE KNOWBECAUSE

WOMEN’S SPORTS GO GIRL

        #  When it comes to sport, men rule. At least, that's #    R            #   the way it's been up to now, but watch out chaps           because girls are on the up, reports Louise Ramsay       %  #           ##  P The popularity of women’s sport is at $%  #    # 4       an all time high. That’s according to a  % :A % % #         % %      recent report from the Commission on  # %  R    #   & 3 #  the Future of Women’s Sport - and the         0     #  '()9  figures have been backed up by a team % #                #    %  of leading figures, including Baroness    % #  #  4  #       Grey-Thompson DBE, Minister for          #     Sport Hugh Robertson and Head of  @    U    Women’s Cricket Clare Connor. Kick start  %  #    U3 % $  %        % $        "   %       %   R    <   # %  R  R 1   #          R   #    '()   #%# 3   !!             C   -    %   B  %  R      ? O3            &  @   # !   % %  #          #       /  R 1 <   # R         8    %  #      % %      P8 9 "$  #           R % )8.    %   O=   '()R            #      %   #     % 

72 SPORTS INSIGHT %      "  R # R   O     # %    #    %       1    #%  %   P O7  R  %        $   7 'O$        R   # # %    # %     #  # %   %         %          #   #  %            0 <   3 # P< O7    #    #      #       # %   #  %   %     #%  ( 7   3      ##        3    #  4 ( &           3R 2         /"@%      R       # %   #   %            %    "  # 1 ## #  %  P #  # % P    , "  # ' 8    R &           %             R O$4!  #  # %  %       #    O=    %     P   ,       R    %          # .2       $       % R  # P O=R   ?     %#   R        # #  &=  ##   #     #  $    O) #  #         ? #     # %        #  %   #           $            #  %  #          Q2R        #4      %       #  P %%  #     #        % =    #%    Q4R      # $    #     #   #   #%   GO$        $  %        % %   #  %  %   R  #P            R       2R %    #   %  #      %            R  GO$    #     =  R&            R  #    0 0           #   # #  P $ R   %   # %  # #    #% ' 8R     8    %     "         #%  # L    #%  %  B        % O8       %      #           $ % Brands  %  %  P=O3 R   A #                #       #              $ #  %   % # P si   % %           #   %$    ?   L    #   % & 4     &     %    #% %        )    #    $         % %  #    B          # %      %  #          P     %        =   R      <  #)         /    %    R  %   %         ##  "      %     " 4    %    #         $          %     %     R   %  %   #   R #     < & #    %      B %           $ R     %            #  O3  R           4    3        B         %   #   #   P +  7 ' $ R%      # #   &  #% $ R 1     #  %      %              %   

www.sports-insight.co.uk 73 E-TAILING

Dave Howell shows you how to build an online community SOCIAL

NETWORKING    ( %    %   %  7     =             #$      #%   8 ##             8 ## #  %                7  C  )       %%   #   ;-           <  $     #        R   "%     B    %  D     #       %"  &        #         % %            $   3%    %           ##           $        %             %        % $ %       B     Last year Dell made over $3million in #     & #   sales exclusively via #       its Twitter activity The internet now plays a central role in        % how sports equipment and apparel         manufacturers approach their 4         marketing activities. Looking at the    7#88& 3( 8  - men’s clothing market, research by  8   Mintel has indicated that the sector has 8      # expanded by 1.5 per cent to £9.5billion.   %   An increasing proportion of that spend    is on sports-related products.      7           R   #      #      &      #               #  $        #    #   %   #      %% #  4            %                              7    %  <  #    # "   #          +  $ #          %              $    0   3%     %%          Blogging  #     2        #  6+ C+    ##     R = 4    %7       #   %    Twitter cometh     #.   $       #     #                    8 #     $   8#  #1      %        #      #   %%         <    %     

74 SPORTS INSIGHT   # %     %       % % 1    %     B            #$      %     %   %          3     %   R    #          %         %                 D  #  R     % $   4             #%       %   #      %    %%    %       # # 0     %  #  "       #% #                <  #     #   ) R           $     #%% 4     %        %             %        # +              3 R %   & 9 + L  ' # A 4   #  #     #  8 .<: #     #     %      #              7    #               < 7       #    0  #     # = < %     #    %          %          =         #     #$       %   %         # #            si

www.sports-insight.co.uk 75

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UK Table Tennis Ltd The Table Tennis Specialists Phone: 0845 2600 780 Fax: 0845 2600 790 E: [email protected] W: www.uktabletennis.co.uk Merchandising OFFICIAL PREMIERSHIP FOOTBALL SOUVENIRS Global Football Company offers by far the most comprehensive range of licensed football products available, which this year includes a number of lines that are totally exclusive to us. From branded footballs & playing accessories such as sweatbands, water bottles and captain’s armbands to fan products like hats, scarves, flags, gloves, mugs, keyrings, badges, and executive gifts such as leather wallets, pewter tankards, hip flasks and zippo lighters. See the web site at www.globalfootballcompany.com and contact us for full details: T: 0161 282 0770 F: 0161 282 0733 E: [email protected] To advertise here call 01206 505 947 or Email [email protected] Visit us online at www.sports-insight.co.uk TAIL-ENDER Under the counter A sideways look at the world of independent retailing

It was old Mr Mortiboys from the secondhand shop (or as he now calls it, ‘Not New But New To You’) who came up with the idea that all the shops in our street should open for late night Christmas shopping. I knew in my water that no good would come of it. 0   <      % 7 7  53%   R          ##    #         # 5

Fun $ 3           #    %#   #  3  R    #     #  #%  #   %         %   #   #"    #  #          1  '         %  P      %    #% #     O3     # '    #            OD   R    < %   # ## P '    #   #       %   '  O # # <%      # #        P'       R#   P      +  &  4    6 0    @,        #      &  4%   =  Clipboard      #     +       %  $ #  #  #   %                 %6   #"                %       4 #           %7 ( %     &   #   %7 .  R %     (     %        # .<    #       #     3  #    #           %   % % # %      &    #  #               '      @@  3R  4'    #     #           %   %   R%        C  #    #         % #   O=   #  #        %       #      5P3    '   7 (#%             '  GO4    #     #    %      #     +    % =            +    #    R 3  #  # #           1    #%    %  %  %      < #         #    #        #  :    %    5     %      :   P 3   7 7       %#  %%   ='     #           %  3          #       # #    #7 (%        3      #       %     #7 7     '        #                 #     %  31   #  #      % 3   B   #       # R  R   8 %     O2     P  <  #   B     %%$ ?   7 7     #          %   #   #      #   7  2    %%        #     (        %   #  #1 %      #  #GOD  4 . O7 +  P 2      <        C R#   4  4    3% #    %     %    %   %     %    #  si

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