SportsSERVING THE SPORTS TRADE IN THE UK AND ROI www.sports-insight.co.uk £3.50 FEBRUARY 2012 Insight THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE FEDERATION OF SPORTS AND PLAY ASSOCIATIONS
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE SEE PAGE 23
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© 2012 W. L. Gore & Associates GmbH. GORE-TEX, GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY, GORE and designs are trademarks of W. L. Gore & Associates IN THIS ISSUE CONTENTS 02.12 E-CATALOGUES ABC Certification SportsInsight working with To view, download or print the latest trade Sports Insight has a current ABC certified circulation of e-catalogues visit www.sports-insight.co.uk. 5,496 (audit period July 1, 2010 - June 30, 2011). The Easy to use, viewable on any device and saving Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) is an independent the environment. audit watchdog that verifies magazines’ circulation figures, providing accurate and comparable data for advertisers. ONLINE COMPETITIONS ABC Certification demonstrates a media owner’s integrity, in Go to www.sports-insight.co.uk and check their willingness to be audited and to conform to industry standards. out the online competitions for your chance to win.
WEEKLY E-NEWSLETTER Are you missing out on the latest industry COVER STORIES news? Then subscribe to the only FREE 30 MY SPORTING LIFE weekly e-newsletter for the sports trade and Grainne Murphy, Ireland’s golden girl of swimming keep your finger on the pulse. COUNTRY MANAGERS To subscribe simply go to 32 WWW.SPORTS-INSIGHT.CO.UK An innovative alternative to local distributors and subsidiaries? TWITTER Follow us @SportsInsightUK to keep up to 36 JOINED UP RETAILING date with breaking news and special Sports How to boosts sales with effective customer Insight offers. relationship management 62 TESTING TIMES Assessing changes to your website REGULARS before they go live is crucial to boosting its performance and profitability 10 NEWS Latest headlines, key dates and events 66 UNDER THE COUNTER A sideways look at the world of independent retailing 14 KIT STOP Essential stock for your shop IN SEASON 20 FOCUS ON 40 HOCKEY Quotemykit.com 46 TECHNOLOGY 50 SWIMMING 22 TALKING SHOP Andy Rayner, manager of Runners Need in Spitalfields, London FEATURES 8 SHOE BUSINESS MOVERS & SHAKERS 24 The NPD Group reveals the latest consumer Alistair Mcpherson, executive director trends in the sports footwear sector of sales at Ralawise 28 PARALYMPIC PURSUITS 27 FSPA FOCUS What are the issues facing manufacturers that The latest news from the Federation of cater for disabled sports people? Is this a growing Sports and Play Associations or still a specialist market? 58 RISE OF THE CLOUD 34 BACK TO THE FUTURE Is 2012 the year your business embraces Don’t ignore the trend for vintage and retro in the cloud computing? sports retail market
Editor: Jeff James. Tel: 01273 748675 Group Editor: Ted Rowe All contents © Maze Media (2000) Limited. The views expressed in Email: [email protected] Publisher: Matthew Tudor this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is made to ensure the veracity and integrity of the companies, Assistant Editors: Catherine Eade and Louise Ramsay Art Director: Jim Philp persons, products and services mentioned in this publication and Advertising Manager: Keith Marshall Tel: 01206 508601 details given are believed to be accurate at the time of going to Tel: 01206 505947 Email: [email protected] press. However, no responsibility or liability whatsoever can be accepted for any consequence or repercussion of responding to any Email: [email protected] Designer: Chris Ashworth information or advice given or inferred. No part of this publication Fax: 01206 500243. Advertisement Art Director: Clare Brasier 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: Philip Bale. Tel: 01206 505907 ABC certified circulation: 5,496 Colchester, Essex CO2 8JY Published by Maze Media (2000) Ltd, 21-23 Phoenix (audit period July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011) Group Advertising Manager: Sam Reubin Court, Hawkins Rd, Colchester, Essex CO2 8JY UK/ROW SUBSCRIPTION: £25/£42.50 for one year (10 issues)
06 Follow us @SportsInsightUK 45 YEARS OF SPANISH FOOTBALL HERITAGE Don’t miss out on the opportunity to become an Official Joma Specialist Stockist. Joma Sport will be presenting the 2012 Teamwear and Footwear Collection at the venues below. If you would like to attend these presentations to discuss the opportunity of becoming a Joma supplier please call one of the numbers below to book your place.
South of England, Reading Madejski Stadium, 9.30 am to 6pm, 14th, 15th and 16th February Joma Specialists enjoy: Jon Haile 07540 049814 • Post code exclusivity • Designation as Official Supplier of Joma North of England, The Crown Hotel, Crown Place, Harrogate, Teamwear and Footwear 9.30 am to 6pm, 21st, 22nd and 23rd February • 24 Hour Direct ordering system with Joma HQ North East -Mark Kirkup 07703 719547 • Direct contact with grass roots and regional North West -Ian Ralph 07713 286969 semi pro football clubs • Most competitive pricing ever Scotland, Sherbrooke Castle Hotel, Glasgow, • Marketing support including sales leads 9.30am to 4pm, 29th February and 1st March provided by Joma Jon Haile 07540 049814 • Outstanding delivery lead times
With over 40 years experience of designing and manufacturing the apart. We have significantly increased the turnover of the retail highest quality technical football team apparel and boots, Joma has operations of all of the customers we have partnered with and we established itself as one of Europe’s premium football brands. have enjoyed fantastic coverage with our teams playing in Europa As official supplier to Spanish giants Valencia C.F and footwear Cup and Champions League competition. Now a subsidiary here in sponsor of Liverpool’s Pepe Reina, Joma continues to enhance its the UK, the demand for the brand has been unprecedented and our reputation for supplying the finest footballing products for teams delivery record has been 1st class. competing in the world’s most demanding leagues. Based near Toledo, close to the Spanish capital and with its historic architecture, Additionally, Joma also sponsors the Spanish Athletics Federation cosmopolitan vibrancy, artistic culture and famous footballing and after a successful World Championships in Barcelona in 2009 rivalries, Joma represents a global infatuation with the game that the Spanish Olympic squad will be supported by Joma in the encompasses intense emotions, provincial patriotism and a passion London 2012 Olympics. With Top tennis players like Feliciano Lopez for the game that runs deep in the veins of every true supporter. and Juan Carlos Ferrero also choosing Joma, it underlines why now Joma is now one of the top ten sports brands in the world. The Spanish flair that is synonymous with JOMA is evident throughout the whole JOMA range. The brand’s commitment to producing high quality products with a high level of technical excellence sets it www.joma-sport.com SHOE BUSINESS
The NPD Group reveals the latest consumer trends in the sports footwear sector
Through the publication of its trading statements, Sports increased and helped the retailer maintain growth in recent years. Direct has confirmed its leading position in the sports retail Sports style or leisure is by far the largest category in footwear and market over the past few years. By maintaining competitive even a one per cent growth or decline within this category will lead to pricing, it has generated high volume sales among cost substantial retail sales gains or losses. JJB Sports, suffering from strong conscious consumers. declines since the recession started, lost tens of millions of pounds in Sports Direct’s performance has not come as a surprise, however this category, which has affected the overall footwear market. whether JD Sports would be able to sustain consumers’ desire for its Today leisure footwear sales through multiple door sports retailers premium, high priced fashion products during a difficult economic are still below 2008 levels, as sales via JD Sports and Sports Direct climate was less certain. haven’t fully compensated for declining sales at JJB. Further changes have occurred in the sports style footwear market, with sales through SUCCESSFUL internet stores, supermarkets and factory outlets increasing. It turns out that the new owner of Blacks Leisure has been quite The sports style category has much less pronounced peaks and successful, firmly cementing its position as the second biggest sports troughs than other footwear categories - its best and worst retailer in Great Britain. performances were plus two per cent and minus three per cent, JD Sports’ ability to provide consumers with a wide range of compared to the outdoor sector, for instance, which grew six per cent exclusive products from brands such as Nike and adidas, as well as an at its best, but also recorded a 13 per cent decline, according to increasing number of exclusive licences and own brands, has been NPD’s Online Consumer Panel. the key to its success. Consumers’ desire for sports style shoes has We can broadly separate footwear into two distinct categories - shoes
08 Follow us @SportsInsightUK FOOTWEAR
LEISURE FOOTWEAR SALES THROUGH MULTIPLE DOOR “SPORTS RETAILERS ARE STILL BELOW 2008 LEVELS
Consumer Panel. In addition, black has gained in popularity to reach the same level as white sports style shoes purchased in 2011. The leisure category is different to the other main sports footwear categories, where either black or white shoes dominate. In running, for instance, white is significantly more” popular than black, whereas in football it’s the opposite. In the outdoor sector, black footwear is the most popular, with white in sixth place.
The NPD Group monitors the sales of sports footwear and apparel in many countries around the world. For more information contact The NPD Group sports team on 01932 355580.
made primarily for sport and those primarily made for leisure. But from a consumer’s point of view, there’s not a clear distinction. LIFESTYLE A large number of leisure shoes are used for sport, and this trend has grown over the past four years. Conversely, a significant proportion of consumers purchase sports shoes for leisure purposes, meaning the look of the shoes is more important than how it performs. For example, a wide number of basketball, skateboard or tennis shoes are used for leisure and their purchase is perceived by consumers as a lifestyle one. If we look at the sports footwear market as a whole, combining both sports and sports inspired shoes, we can see one out of every two pairs of shoes purchased are intended for leisure purposes. Although predominantly blue shoes have caught the eye of an increasing number of consumers, black and white remain the two key colours. Three out of four sports style shoes are either predominantly black or white, according to NPD’s Online
www.sports-insight.co.uk 09 ALL THE VERY LATEST IN THE SPORTS INDUSTRY... WHAT’S NEWS Send your news stories to the Sports Insight news desk at [email protected] or call 01273 748675 Dates INTERSPORT ISPO BEIJING FEBRUARY 22-25 Spring Campaigns China National Convention Center
Intersport launches their 2012 marketing calendar in style with SMMEX 2012 MARCH 5 two strong brand campaigns with Puma and adidas for February. Wembley Stadium The exclusive Puma football campaign - WE share the Same - represents the evolution of Love=Football and explores the notion of football being as equal a sport for professional players as it is for the STAG ALL IRELAND everyday amateur. Puma have created a dedicated Intersport exclusive BUYING SHOW 2012 campaign that integrates perfectly with the Intersport brand’s ‘Sport to OCTOBER 21-22 the people’ identity. The exclusive Speed boot can be seen on pitch on Tullamore Court Hotel Aguero and Falcao, who also feature in all advertising and POS materials. Tullamore, Co Offaly The adidas running campaign highlights the technical running business through Supernova, focusing on the Supernova Glide 4 with STAG BUYING SHOW 2012 the headline ‘Conquer Concrete’. With a fantastic product call-out for NOVEMBER 18-19 men and women to be confident from head to toe with expert advice Four Pillars Hotel from their local Intersport store with impactful POS support to highlight Cotswold Water Park the product features. INDEPENDENT SPORTS SHOP RECOGNISED FOR RETAIL EXCELLENCE Sheffield-based running store Accelerate scooped the Meadowhall Excellence in Retail Services Award at Sheffield Chamber of Commerce & Industry’s annual business awards event on January 19. “We are delighted to receive this award - it’s great to be recognised for excellence in retail,” says Accelerate managing director Stuart Hale. “Customer service is at the heart of everything that we do, in store and online. “Since we opened our doors in February 2009 we’ve believed that providing excellent service is the way to build our business. We treat our customers - old and new - as we would want to be treated. It’s as simple as asking how their running is going or remembering which event they are training for.” Hale adds: “While we aim to provide the greatest range and choice of running shoes and equipment, ultimately we know that without the right service approach customers won’t return. Our team are all passionate about running, and about Accelerate, and they are all to thank for their contribution in our winning this award.” Stuart Margetts, Meadowhall’s retail director, described Accelerate is a worthy winner. He says: “As a company they have led the way in terms of product and store innovation, excelled in terms of customer service and demonstrated a strong financial performance.” Accelerate is currently achieving 40 per cent sales growth year on year. It runs the Accelerate Gritstone Series, which brings together seven of the area’s fell races. It’s also involved with events such as Sheffield’s Adventure Film Festival and will be part of the ‘Running Expert’ night Stuart Margetts of Meadowhall with line-up. Debs Smith and Stuart Hale of Accelerate
10 Follow us @SportsInsightUK “Superman don’t need no seat belt.” Muhammad Ali’s response to an air stewardess’ request to buckle up before a flight from Washington DC to New York
MODEST RISE IN JD SPORTS’ UHLSPORT UK REVENUES CHRISTMAS SALES KEEP ON GROWING Like for like sales during the five weeks to January 7 increased 1.6 per cent at JD Uhlsport UK has increased revenues for the second year running Sports, which also said it’s maintained gross profit margins broadly in line with 2011. by over 25 per cent. The retailer, which recently bought Blacks out of administration for £20 “The growth comes from a continued commitment million, also said Chausport performed well during the Christmas period and to goalkeeping as a complete category, alongside a while Champion’s sales continue to be affected by the difficult economic huge global investment in stock to support our environment in the Republic of Ireland this has been offset by an increase in teamwear programmes,” says country manager margins from improved operational execution. Paul Sherratt. Sprinter saw a marginal decline in sales, but JD said it remains pleased A number of Premier League with the overall direction of the business, adding it anticipates opening the first goalkeepers wear Uhlsport kit, JD stores in Spain in the first half of 2012. including Pepe Reina at Liverpool, Peter Cowgill, JD’s executive chairman, says: “I would like to thank all our and the brand looks set to have the staff, who through their efforts and commitment in this busy trading period highest number of sponsored have helped deliver this creditable result.” goalkeepers at Euro 2012. Sherratt’s Solutions for Sport business has represented the MCDAVID HEXPAD brand since 2008, during which time the Uhlsport business has doubled in turnover. TOPS THE CHARTS He recently announced that Body protection and sports supports brand McDavid recently ran an in-store Spalding has been added to the incentive with JMS Rugby in Bath for its innovative HexPad rugby protection range. Uhlsport UK business alongside Pictured receiving his iPod touch for being the top salesman during the handball brand Kempa and further campaign is Alex Wright. aggressive growth is anticipated for 2012. Commenting on the promotion, country manager Paul Sherratt said: “Our Solutions for Sport also successfully Hexpad product range is unique in represents McDavid. being compression fit with moisture “The synergies that we have across our management and has the ability to be brand portfolios are getting increasingly machine washed and dried. stronger as our client base grows,” explains “It is this point of difference, along Sherratt. “We have a committed team that is with an excellent fit, that has constantly excited by the prospect of continued growth at established the brand among the top a time when many of our competitors are selling items of rugby protection within finding the market challenging.” specialists such as JMS Rugby.”
Sponsorship …McDonald’s has extended its deal as the official restaurant of the Olympic Games for a further eight years…Northampton Saints and England full back Ben Foden has become an ambassador for Multipower News Sportsfood…event management and sports marketing agency Nova International has signed Aqua Sphere as the official swim kit partner to the British Gas Great Swim Series 2012, Europe’s largest open water mass participation programme. In addition to supplying a swim cap to every participant, Aqua Sphere is making available its range of wetsuits to hire or buy from Tri-store, the new official wetsuit rental partner, via the Great Swim website (www.greatswim.org). Aqua Sphere is also offering its award winning goggles at a special rate for all those taking part. Comprising five open water events, for which wetsuit wear is compulsory, the British Gas Great Swim Series opens with the Great London Swim on May 2…the French Rugby Federation has signed a new long term contract with Gilbert Rugby as its official and exclusive ball supplier…Essex Cricket has agreed a three-year agreement that will see Gray-Nicolls become the county’s new official kit supplier. The partnership will launch with three new replica shirts ahead of the 2012 season…Speedo will be the official partner of the 2012 Swimathon Weekend, which takes place on April 27-29. Swimathon is the world’s largest fundraising swim and is hosted in swimming pools throughout the UK. The last event saw 580 swimming pools throughout the UK participate…ASICS has signed 2011 US Open tennis champion Samantha Stosur to a multi-year contract. The brand said it will not only be developing tennis equipment with Stosur’s input, but also training and fitness products…UK-based tennis brand MANTIS has signed former British number one Greg Rusedski as a brand ambassador. The new addition to the MANTIS team comes on the back of a successful first full year in the market, which has also seen the company become the official tennis racquet and ball partner to the AEGON Masters Tennis Championship. Rusedski, a US Open finalist, former world number four and Great Britain Davis Cup star, will play a major role in future product development and an active part in the testing of new MANTIS ranges. The Wimbledon quarter finalist will be using a MANTIS Tour 305 racquet in his day-to-day role as a talent and performance ambassador for the Lawn Tennis Association…Warrior Sports will be Liverpool FC’s new kit supplier from June 1. The US company, which is owned by New Balance, says the six-year deal represents the starting point in its global football journey…Saucony is to be the headline sponsor of the Cambridge Half Marathon. 3,000 runners will take to the streets of the city on March 11 to raise money for Cancer Research UK…PUMA has signed a long-term partnership with Netherlands international and Manchester City midfielder Nigel de Jong, who will wear PUMA PowerCat 1.12 boots and become another key performance icon in the sportlifestyle brand’s global communication plans…Under Armour has agreed a multi-year partnership with Michael Dawson of England and Tottenham…
www.sports-insight.co.uk 11 ALL THE VERY LATEST IN THE SPORTS INDUSTRY... WHAT’S NEWS Send your news stories to the Sports Insight news desk at [email protected] or call 01273 748675 2012 CATALOGUE AVAILABLE FROM JAKABEL Jakabel, the fast growing UV protection wear and pool toys supplier, has launched its 2012 catalogue. Bigger, better and in full colour, Jakabel’s ranges are second to none in terms of design, quality and price. ‘Must sees’ include the new GB unisex range and the original dolphin striped ranges, plus many new and exciting pool toys. For more details visit www.jakabel.com.
LANDLORDS WILL HAVE TO THINK HARD ABOUT ANY BLACKS LEASE CONCESSIONS, SAYS BPF The British Property Federation has hit back at reports that JD Sports, the new owner of Blacks Leisure, intends to renegotiate many of its leases by stating landlords will be happy to sit down and talk, but any pain must be shared. The struggling outdoor sports retailer angered landlords in 2008 by expanding back into stores it had previously disposed of through the use of a CVA. “Landlords supported Blacks in a CVA two years ago and will continue to assist businesses in trouble, mindful of the impact it has on their own pensioner investors,” says Liz Peace, chief executive of the British Property Federation. “JD Sports had the money to buy Blacks, and as JD Sports is a solvent business landlords will have to think hard about any concessions, bearing in mind the impact that would have on Blacks’ competitors and their own investors.” Adds Peace: “In securing support for the previous CVA, a collaborative approach worked well in ensuring the business survived, albeit temporarily, largely with the help of its landlords, and it would be a pity if that goodwill was repaid with new owners seeking to dictate terms. “Any concessions would come at the cost of lower pensioner incomes, who are also struggling in today’s tough climate.”
12 Follow us @SportsInsightUK “Mr Ali, Superman don’t need no plane.”” The stewardess delivers a perfect verbal counterpunch to ‘The Louisville Lip’ UNDER ARMOUR REVENUES TOPPED $1.47 BILLION LAST YEAR Revenues at Under Armour increased 38 per cent to $1.473 billion during 2011, the company’s highest overall growth rate since 2007. “Our apparel business surpassed the $1 billion mark and we demonstrated our ability to broaden the addressable market for the brand with the introduction of our premium cotton platform,” says Kevin Plank, chairman, CEO and president of Under Armour. “The strength we continue to see in our apparel and direct-to-consumer businesses affords us the ability to continue to make strategic investments in other long-term growth drivers like footwear and international.” Net revenues increased 34 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2011 to $403 million.
Other Q4 highlights include: ● Net income increased 42 per cent to $33 million. ● Apparel revenues rose 27 per cent to $323 million. ● Footwear revenues went up 43 per cent to $31 million. ● Accessories revenues rocketed 149 per cent to $37 million. ● Gross margin was 51.6 per cent, compared to 51.7 per cent in Q4 2010.
“With the credibility we have built with our consumers, we upheld our premium positioning in the marketplace in 2011 by delivering compelling innovation through programmes like Charged Cotton and our Charge RC running shoes,” says Plank. “We remain focused on long-term profitable growth. This means continuing to target distribution where our consumer is looking for us and that is appropriate for our brand. It also means balancing new, relevant innovation stories such as our ColdBlack apparel technology with reinvigorated product in our heritage baselayer programmes. “Finally, the operational discipline we continue to add across our organisation will help maximise these drivers to our bottom line.”
…The triathlon business community has Sports incorporated a new trade body, the Triathlon Industry Association, to act as shorts a central representative for UK-based manufacturers, distributors and suppliers of swim, bike and run products. Founding members include Aqua Sphere, Chain Reaction Cycles, Clif Bar, Dean Jackson, Orca, Speedo, TCR Shows, TFN, Tri247.com, triathlonbusiness.com, Xtra Mile Events and ZipVit. For more information visit www.triathlonindustryassociation.org… ITV has agreed a new two-year deal with The Football Association for the broadcast rights to The FA Cup and England internationals, including home qualifiers for the 2014 World Cup…Runners Need will be opening its 26th UK store in early March. The running specialist’s 13th London outlet will be located in Wandsworth, south London and is to share premises with Cycle Surgery. It will feature video gait analysis technology as well as a wide selection of running clothing, footwear and accessories from brands including Nike, Brooks, Asics, adidas, Gore, 2XU and Saucony…The FA Cup has delivered almost £650 million in prize money, TV payments and gate receipts to participating clubs during 2001/02- 2010/11, according to a recent report from Deloitte. The figure is broken down as gate receipts £413 million, prize money £121 million, TV payments £109 million…Shock Absorber has rebranded with a new logo and product segmentation. It’s also got a new ‘face’ - ex-professional tennis player Kimberly Zakine. The rebrand will be supported with updated fixtures, PoS and a new website, which will launch later this year…
www.sports-insight.co.uk 13 PRODUCT ROUND-UP KIT STOP Essential stock for your shop
TEAM COLOURS For 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 and no minimum quantities - using quality fabrics and with full printing and embroidery - Team Colours offers a wide selection of quality multisport teamwear, training kit and sports accessories.
For more information call +44 (0)1920 876 240, email [email protected] or visit www.team-colours.co.uk.
TOP MARKS TO BRAND CARIBEE BACKPACKS AGILITY FOR GREAT Brand Agility is delighted to announce the 2012 Caribee UK launch, featuring SCHOOL BAGS an exciting new range of backpacks with retail price points starting from £15. Brand Agility is delighted to announce the Impala 28L: RRP £27.50. Trail 30L: RRP £49. arrival of the latest backpack brand from ● Caribee offers quality products at reasonable prices. the States - YAK PAK. ● No minimum order. YAK PAK has pioneered the trend of ● Delivery next day from stock. bringing fashionable prints to the ● Free shipping on orders over £250 (mainland UK - £350 NI and ROI). backpack market, and all come with a ● Free point of sale material. lifetime warranty. The brand is popular with school children and has a loyal following of UK children on Facebook. Retail price points start from £19.99.
Four styles are available: ● Deluxe backpack - RRP £27.50-£30. ● Basic backpack - RRP £24.99. ● Mini backpack - RRP £19.99. ● Basic messenger - RRP £24.99.
In a multitude of To find out more about YAK PAK and vibrant colours, YAK arrange an appointment with PAK is available to representatives in your area call order now from stock. Jacquie Sandison on 0131 554 5555 No minimum order. or email [email protected].
For further information on Caribee call Jacquie Sandison on 0131 554 5555 or email [email protected].
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SENSPORT ADRENALIN CRICKET Adrenalin by Sensport is a range of stylish, cutting- edge garments in high performance fabrics. ■ Twenty20 styles available in combinations of 18 colours. ■ Long-sleeved and short- sleeved playing shirts. ■ Professional quality at cost-effective prices. ■ Junior and senior sizes. ■ Lead times of 6-8 weeks. ■ Minimum order 15 units per style.
For more information on Sensport Adrenalin call 02476 644 666, email [email protected] or visit www.sensport.co.uk.
www.sports-insight.co.uk 15 PRODUCT ROUND-UP TC S SHOCK DOCTOR a r
It’s highly recommend that the right mouthguard is used in all contact and collision t l sports in order to protect the teeth and oral facial area. Shock Doctor has grown from being the undisputed leader in mouthguard technology, to being the leading U innovator in sports protection around the globe.
Best option: ULTRA STC ● Absorbs shock using air technology. ● Gel-Fit liner for tight, comfortable fit. ● Shock Transfer Core stabilises and shields teeth. ● Air Cushion Shock Pads for more comfortable jaw compression. All products are ● More performance enhancement may increase strength and available in national athletic performance. sporting goods shops, ● Convertible tether for use with or without strap. and for online visit ● Compact size for easier breathing and speaking. www.eninety.com. Better option: GEL MAX G ● Comfort and protection in a variety of colours. e ● Gel-Fit liner for tight, comfortable fit. l Braces ● Integrated lip guard protects both upper and lower lips. Max ● Exoskeletal shock frame provides impact protection for the teeth, jaw and brain. ● Triple layer design for maximum protection, fit and comfort. ● Convertible for use with or without strap.
Speciality: BRACES The Braces mouthguard. ● Insta-Fit adapts to changes in tooth position and protects from lacerations. ● 100 per cent medical grade silicone for ultimate comfort without boiling or fitting. ● Quick release helmet tether (strap model).
16 Follow us @SportsInsightUK www.sportindustry.biz
QUOTEMYKIT.COM Sportswear/teamwear supplier? Sports brand?
● Receive quotes from Quotemykit.com members on all sports and generate extra business. ● Free use of Quotemykit.com’s Surplus Kit Locker marketplace - clear stock or promote special offers to members. ● Your own web page within Quotemykit.com’s supplier or brand area. ● Links to the Quotemykit.com website and/or online brochure. ● Promote special offers. ● Receive details of new products, special offers or clearance products from Quotemykit.com’s listed brands. ● Promote your deals to Quotemykit.com’s ever expanding database of grass roots sports teams and clubs; semi- professional and professional sports clubs; sports associations; schools, colleges and universities; work teams; marketing and promotional companies; and event management specialists - to name just a few.
For more information call 01743 455118, email [email protected] or visit www.facebook.com/quotemykit. You can also follow Quotemykit.com on Twitter @Quotemykit. www.quotemykit.com.
ULTIMATE PERFORMANCE The new year heralds many a new fitness regime and for some a strict marathon training schedule. So be prepared for customers with resulting strains by stocking a good range of Ultimate Performance tapes and supports. Kinesiology Tape (RRP £7.99 a roll) applied over muscles reduces pain and inflammation, relaxes overused muscles and supports muscles in movement. For customers preferring a support, the Ultimate Performance collection includes an Ultimate Shin Splint/Calf Support, which provides a comfortable, personalised fit and compression, thanks to adjustable straps and soft neoprene (RRP £14.99).
To find out about stocking Ultimate Performance call 01923 242233 or email sales@ultimate- performance.co.uk.
www.sports-insight.co.uk 17 PRODUCT ROUND-UP
UHLSPORT NEW TEAMWEAR LINES FOR 2012 Uhlsport continues its momentum in the teamwear category with the launch of two new shirt styles for 2012. The Retro Stripe is a football heritage inspired range of striped shirts available in long or short sleeves. With a polo collar, fixed cord and closed mesh fabric structure, the new style carries Uhlsport embroidery on both sleeves and front, and features Smartbreathe fabric technology for ultimate breathability. XXS-XS: RRP £15.99. S-XXL: RRP £19.99. Eight colour options available. The Uhlsport Cup collection features shirt and short separates in a new cut and sew panel design with a distinct and bold design. With Smartbreathe for ultimate comfort, the collection is available in 10 colour options. XXS-XS: RRP £16.99. S-XXL: RRP £20.99. The Cup collection also has a range of tracksuits and training wear.
For further information contact Uhlsport on 08448 849861 or email [email protected].
GFORCE LAUNCHES PLUS - STOCK TRAINING WEAR FOR ALL Gymphlex has launched GFORCE PLUS, a stock range of high performance training wear that boasts all the key features of GFORCE, including technically superior fabrics, contemporary designs and an attractive For more information call price point for retailers. 01507 523 243 or visit As well as being perfect for clubs and teams, GFORCE PLUS is www.gforcesportswear.co.uk. also appropriate for sporting individuals, as it is a stock range and therefore there are no minimum order requirements. GFORCE has proved extremely popular with retailers and end users, and PLUS is following suit. With a stocked selection of generic colour combinations, PLUS is available for immediate despatch. With PLUS, customers can choose to have embroidered badges, logos or names applied to garments.
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OPTIMUM BOKKA RANGE Optimum’s BOKKA tops, headguards and rugby boots have proved to be one of the company’s best-selling product ranges ever. The fabulously varied and excitingly coloured Optimum logo has proved to be the choice for the player who refuses to blend into the background and who instead wears their BOKKA boots, tops and headguards with passion, enthusiasm and pride.
BOKKA TRIBAL TOP Sizes: MINI/SB/LB /S/M/L/XL/XXL. RRP: Jnr £29.99. Snr £34.99.
BOKKA EXTREME HEADGUARD Sizes: SB/LB/S/M/L. RRP: Jnr £29.99. Snr £34.99.
BOKKA ECLIPSE RUGBY BOOT Sizes: 1-13. RRP: Jnr £24.99. Snr £34.99.
For More details call Optimum on 01942 497707 or see your local area representative.
ZINC SCOOTERS The Zinc Pro scooter range was born and engineered in Great Britain and is designed to take on the skate parks. Perfect for novice to intermediate riders, the 360 degree handlebars and the deck on all models allows for as many moves as your imagination will allow. The sleek graphics, combined with awesome colour coded parts, adds to the dynamic effects created when you’re riding circles around the others. Zinc scooters are tested to withstand one ton of weight on their decks and handlebars (models released after December 2011).
VIPER X Features and benefits of this scooter include: ● One-piece reinforced handlebars. ● Handlebars with 360 degree movement. ● Double stacked collar clamp. ● 48cm x 11cm deck. ● Rubberised style bar grips. ● 100mm alloy core wheels. ● ABEC 5 chrome bearings. ● Quick stop brake. For more information ● Maximum rider weight: 100kg. please contact Ying on ● Grip strip. 01582 670100
www.sports-insight.co.uk 19 WEBSITE PROFILE FOCUSON
Our exclusive teamwear supplier and sports brands form part of an exclusive group recognised as the best in their industries. They will be Quotemykit.com able to receive quotes across all sports from members and users, which could generate extra business. They have their own web page to Jamie Stewart, director at Quotemykit.com, promote special offers and links back to their website, so our members talks us through the offering. are able to view them and even go directly to them. Free to use, the Surplus Kit Locker is a marketplace in which CAN YOU GIVE US SOME BACKGROUND suppliers and brands are able to display any clearance stock or special ON QUOTEMYKIT.COM offers. It’s a great place to move stock, as our members will be the I formed Quotemykit.com following an idea I had while working on perfect target market for this type of sale. All transactions are done the supplier side of the sportswear industry. I founded and ran a directly and not through Quotemykit.com. teamwear business - called www.sportsjamkits.com - in 2000, before selling it in 2008. WHO QUALIFIES TO SUPPLY THE QUOTES? After that, an old customer of mine, who was looking for We have strict criteria that rule out suppliers of teamwear operating out approximately £8,000 worth of football teamwear, called me for of a bedroom or offering products of poor quality from unreliable some advice. So I simply forwarded his requirements to 20 of my sources. If you are interested in becoming one of our suppliers, contact teamwear contacts and within six hours had 20 quotes in my inbox. us via the ‘Become a Supplier’ button on the site. We only have limited This, coupled with the rise of comparison sites in other industries, spaces available and demand has been incredible. gave me the idea and Quotemykit.com was born. We offer a number of options to work with us and improve your sales or help with marketing. Our large database covering several WHAT’S THE AIM OF THE SITE? sectors, both to the end user and within the sports trade, is a brilliant The site’s aim is not to drive down the price of sportswear and tool to use to promote your brand, products and services. We also teamwear, but to help the buyer find the best deal. Everyone gets a offer a banner creation service for teamwear suppliers looking to quote before purchasing, so Quotemykit.com provides this via one promote goods either on Quotemykit.com or via their own site at site using the very best suppliers and brands from the sportswear and competitive rates. teamwear industries. The teamwear suppliers invited to be a Quotemykit.com ‘Exclusive Supplier’ are the best in the UK. All have accounts with some of the leading brands and all have excellent reputations for supplying teamwear in the UK. Quotemykit.com will be the main sportswear/teamwear portal, benefiting all parties - the buyer, teamwear suppliers and sports brands. WHO IS THE SITE AIMED AT? The site is marketed towards teamwear buyers, whether they represent grass roots sports teams and clubs; semi-professional and professional sports clubs; sports associations; schools, colleges and universities; the armed forces; work teams; marketing and promotional companies; or event management specialists - to name just a few. We are also signing up and listing our exclusive suppliers and sports brands, who have their own web page within Quotemykit.com with links back to their websites, online brochures and kit designers. HOW IS THE SITE MARKETED? Our in-house web, marketing and SEO team has spent the past nine months working on the site behind the scenes, contacting potential members from various markets across the UK. Now the site has gone live, our SEO team is working full-time to drive traffic through the site, and we expect a significant growth in users and membership over the next 12 months. KEY FEATURES AND BENEFITS The key feature of the site is giving end users the option to get a quote from the leading teamwear suppliers in the UK in one place on anything from team shirts, team shorts and team socks, to sweatshirts, hoodies, polo shirts, t-shirts, skorts, hats, caps and manager’s coats.
20 www.sports-insight.co.uk XPRES CUT ® THE PERSONALISED SPORTSWEAR SOLUTION
The increasing demand for low volume runs of personalised sportswear make the Xpres Cut transfer system a must for all suppliers of sports apparel.
Produce single and multi colour transfers for Football Shirts, T-Shirts, Bags, Polo Shirts, Caps, Jackets, Tracksuits, Promotional Wear and more
No screen or set up costs
Superb profit potential