BIG WIG GLOBE'S MATT HILL + MIZU'S JUSSI OKSANEN SECURING INVENTORY IN 2020'S SKATEBOARD BOOM
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BIG WIG GLOBE’S MATT HILL
+ MIZU’S JUSSI OKSANEN
SECURING INVENTORY IN
2020’S SKATEBOARD BOOM
#102 AUGUST 2020 €5
RETAIL BUYER’S GUIDES BOARDSHORTS, SWIMWEAR, SKATE
FOOTWEAR, SKATE HELMETS & PROTECTION, THE GREAT
OUTDOORS, BOTTLES & FLASKS, BACK PACKS, HANGING
SHOES, STREETWEAR, SKATE HARDGOODS & SURF SKATES
retail buyer’s guide
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retail buyer’s guide
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retail buyer’s guide
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retail buyer’s guide
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EDITORIAL realised until 2021 or even
2022. But it’s our job as the
Here’s to getting fucked by
the new normal. But here’s to
SOURCE#102 boardsports industry to keep the also working in a business that
stoke alive and welcome these benefits from being practiced
new skateboarders and surfers solo. Let’s take a minute
with open arms. Make sure their to think about our poor
Surf and skate hardgoods (and first board is a legit one, not counterparts who have been
some shitty Wavestorm or piece hit the hardest in the festival,
many categories connected to
of crap skateboard that’s going to live music, hospitality industry
them) have thrived through
break within a couple of weeks. or even the team sports world.
COVID-19. Those who were
That whole ‘one chance for a We’ll all learn lessons from
able to pivot and set up online
first impression’ thing is more this one, and even though
stores, or further accelerate
pertinent now than ever before. it sucks balls, I think we can
current offerings have been
feel thankful our biggest
the real winners. No one
You’ll notice my editorial has problem from all of this has
would have believed we’d
a little extra vigour this time been a shortage in supply. So,
head into the pandemic and
round, some punchy swears. It’s without being a total capitalist
come out complaining of a
a combination of real energy, bastard… next time the world
supply shortage. You’ll read
optimism, and utter excitement plummets into an economic
a feature on the booming
for taking off on holiday for the recession or global pandemic…
beginner segment in
first time since early March. hit the fucking go button!
skateboarding (P.73), with a To most normal people a (also, read our feature on
report from the frontline by 6-month hiatus from heading how to secure inventory and
the UK’s top action sports to the beach may seem like a service customer needs P.12)!
academy where since opening first world-problem, but with Make surf- and skateboards.
from lockdown, their coaching the shit pay we receive in this Get innovative with ways to
sessions for beginners - of all boardsports racket, the glitter operate through lockdown
ages - are maxed out! this jobby of an industry is rolled laws, because that’s what we
in is supposedly travel. But like are as surfers, skaters and
With furloughs and everyone else in our industry, snowboarders… innovators.
government grants propping I’ve bitten down hard, bent over
up unemployment figures at and have been shafted by an Always Sideways,
the moment, the real damage almighty workload, the likes of Harry Mitchell Thompson
of COVID-19 may not be fully which we haven’t seen before. Editor
5 6
CONTENT
P.10 News P.51 Boardshorts SS21 P.85 Women’s Streetwear
SS21
P.13 Securing Inventory In P.57 Austrian Market Insight
2020’s Skate Boom P.87 Big Wig: Mizu’s Jussi
P.58 Spanish Market Insight Oskanen
P.18 German Market Insight
P.59 Women’s Swimwear P.91 The Great Outdoors
P.21 Retailer Profile: SS21
Austria’s Stil Laden P.65 Italian Market Insight
P.97 Voited Brand Profile
P.23 Skate Helmets SS21 P.66 Swiss Market Insight
P.99 Bottles & Flasks SS21
P.31 UK Market Insight
P.67 Skate Hardgoods & Surf
Skates SS21 P.103 AlterEgo Brand Profile
P.33 Backpacks SS21
P.73 Beginner Skate P.105 Hanging Shoes SS21
P.39 French Market Insight
P.109 New products
P.41 Skate Shoes SS21 P.77 Nobile Brand Profile
P.111 Opportunities
P.47 Big Wig: Globe’s Matt Hill P.79 Men’s Streetwear SS21
TEAM
Editor Harry French Editor Advertising & Marketing Published by ESB
Mitchell Thompson Marie-Laure Ducos Clive Ripley 22 Friars Street, Sudbury
harry@boardsportsource.com ducos@boardsportsource.com clive@boardsportsource.com Suffolk, CO10 2AA. UK
Skate Editor Dirk Vogel Graphic Design Accounts Manager Boardsport SOURCE
dirk@boardsportsource.com Héloïse Isola accounts@boardsportsource. is published bi-monthly
heloisemarieisola@gmail.com com © ESB. All Rights Reserved
Snowboard Contributor
Andrew Duthie Proofreaders Natalia Ma- Publisher
duthie@boardsportsource.com runiak, Marie-Laure Ducos, publisher@boardsport-
Sam Grant source.com
Senior Surf Contributor
David Bianic Contributors To Subscribe
david@boardsportsource.com Benoît Brecq, Gordon Way, boardsportsource.com
Fabien Grisel, Franz Holler, subs@boardsportsource.com
German Editor David Bianic, Ruth Cutts,
Natalia Maruniak Dana Miskulnig, Sydney Bo-
tala@boardsportsource.com hannan, Max Muller-Wende boardsportsource.com
No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any to reproduce extracts in other public works shall be made to the
form or by any means, or stored in any retrieval system of any nature publishers. Full acknowledgement of author, publisher and source
without prior written permission, except for permitted fair dealing must be given. The views expressed in this publication are not those
under the Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988. Application necessarily held by the Publisher. ISSN # 1478-4777
for permission for use of copyright material including permission
On the cover Xué Gil YOW brand manager at Mar Bella skatepark, Barcelona.
Photo by German Antón Spot.
7 8
NEWS
retail buyer’s guide
innovative, customer-focused experience just a
#101 stone’s throw away from the Duomo di Milano.
-
UK Boardsports Retailer Two Seasons
Repurchased From Boardriders By Founder
Stuart Roberts
Stuart Roberts has purchased the domain name,
stock, e-commerce business and assets for Two
- Seasons back from Boardriders with the help of
Three Industry Lifers Look To Shake Up Flip two investors. Stuart founded Two Seasons back
Flop Market With FoamLife; The Next Big Thing in 1982, and in 2007 merged with the Billabong
Over lockdown in the UK, three friends and Group – in 2020 he has taken it back.
industry lifers with eclectic backgrounds in action -
sports, music, design and street art got together Kandui Holdings LLC (Hurley Family) Aquire
to start something new. Launching in Spring Simple Shoes
2021, FoamLife is a new flip flop brand heavily Kandui Holdings LLC, owned by the Hurley family,
tipped for the top by some of the industry’s key has added Simple to their network of brands
players. Read a full profile of the brand with co- after acquiring their outstanding assets and
founders Timo Mullen, Daniel Macaulay, and Karl intellectual property. Kandui will work closely
Read on the SOURCE website. with Denis Ryan, who brought Simple Shoes in
- 2015, to continue to evolve brand whilst keeping
Burton’s Social Compliance Program Simple products high quality and eco-friendly.
Accredited By FLA -
After an extensive review, Burton’s social UK National Snow Show Set To Debut In
compliance program that ensures fair Birmingham, October 2021
international labour has been award October 2021 sees the reincarnation of the
accreditation by The Fair Labor Association. legendary London Ski & Snowboard Show,
- with the birth of The National Snow Show,
Rip Curl Debuts Girls Store In Baleal Bay, hosted by Raccoon Events. The new event, run
Portugal by some of the former event’s management
Riding on the decade-long-wave that is the rise team will take over the NEC in Birmingham
in female surfers, Rip Curl has opened up a girls for a weekend of action, talks, workshops,
store in Baleal Bay, Portugal. It will be the 4th brand and retail exhibitors, entertainment,
of its kind in Europe that only stocks women’s after parties and some of the biggest names in
apparel and technical surf gear. snowsports. The new UK Snow Show will unite
- the snowsports industry just as winter kicks off
John John Florence Launches Brand W/ Hurley for the 21/22 season, providing brands with the
Family perfect platform to activate any new marketing
Back-to-back world champion and qualifier for campaigns.
the USA Olympic surf team, John John Florence -
is launching a new outdoor apparel brand in Wildsuits Enters Spanish Market With Playgop
collaboration with the Hurley family. Florence Agency
Marine X is set to arrive in Spring 2021. French eco-friendly wetsuit brand, Wildsuits has
- signed a deal with Playgop agency. Playgop’s
VF Corporation Sets Up Shop In Heart Of Milan experience and knowledge of the Spanish
VF Corporation have set up shop at 11 Orefici watersports market will give Wildsuits the best
Street in Milan. With their new multi-brand shop possible start in their new venture.
set to open in the autumn, VF aims to create an -
9 10
Huge Changes At WSL: 2020 Cancelled, 2021 POC Set To Further Engage UK Market With
retail buyer’s guide
Season Starts In Hawaii, Hossegor Off The CT New UK Sales Team
Circuit, 1 Day World Title Events The leading manufacturer of headwear, eyewear,
Due to the ongoing COVID restrictions and apparel and body armour, POC, has launched a
subsequent safety concerns, the World UK Sales Organisation to continue their business
Surf League has decided to cancel the 2020 growth and maturity. The new team will allow
Championship Tour. Accompanying the news is POC to engage more with the UK market, their
the brand new schedule and set-up for the 2021 UK partners and customers.
Tour and Challenger Series; features include -
equal numbers of events for men and women, Nixon Announces Nancy Dynan As President
distinct seasons and a high pressure and Focusing on experiences, Awayco aims to reduce
exciting single-day final. Big news in Europe is With 25 years experience under her belt, a
that Hossegor is off the CT and Portugal moves proven track record of successful development
from October to February. There will however of brand strategies and growth and 2 years as
be a new series of pre-season exhibition events Vice-President of Marketing at Nixon, Nancy
featuring CT surfers in the USA, Australia, Dynan has been promoted to President of Nixon.
France, and Portugal called The WSL Countdown. -
2022 will see the introduction of a cut, where the Pilot Fish Opens Concept Store Biarritz
CT will reduce the men’s and women’s fields Pilot Fish has opened their first shop in Biarritz,
from 36 and 18 to 24 and 12, respectively at the the first in Europe – the shop aims to bring a
season’s midway point. connection between customers and the brands
- they buy through a unique and modern retail
Recycled Tire Footwear Brand Indosole experience.
Now Available In Portugal Through -
CoolandFunctional CEO And President Of Patagonia Steps Down
Using their own Sole Engineered Tyre Technology The CEO and President at Patagonia is
(SETT), Indosole recycles rubber from used stepping down after 12 impressive years.
tyres into footwear, the result? Comfortable, Champion of Change recipient Rose Marcario
sustainable and adaptable material. Since has led Patagonia through huge changes in
2004, Indosole has spread to over 25 countries advancement of climate and environmental
and now, in 2020, is going to be available in policies, to the point of Patagonia becoming a
Europe. They are available in Europe through leader in the Benefit Corporation Movement.
CoolandFunctional and now have B Corp status. Patagonia wish her well for the future.
- -
Town & Country Return To Europe With Opening Pura Vida Now Available In Europe Through
Of New Store Hectic
Hawaiian surf brand, Town & Country has Pura Vida Bracelets (“Pura Vida”), the La Jolla,
returned to Europe through ‘The Salts Only’ California-based digitally native jewellery and
(Wilco Prins, Stephan Moretti and Arnaud Touix) lifestyle accessories brand has announced
in time for their 50th anniversary. The return is its partnership with European distributor
coupled with the opening of their new shop ‘The Hectic Ltd. Hectic will be responsible for the
Salts Only’ in Hossegor. sales, marketing, and distribution of Pura Vida
- products for wholesale accounts throughout
Darren Broadbridge Joins Pure Surf Camps Europe. Pura Vida joins fellow Hectic brands
After 13 years at Euroglass, Hossegor-based such as Stance, Arcade Belts, Firewire, Deus,
Darren Broadbridge has taken on a position Slowtide and more.
at Pure Surf Camps. His start with Pure was
hampered by the global crisis, however things
have started looking up with high levels of
interest in this summer’s camps.
11 12
RETAIL STRATEGY to bring them some fun and peace
retail buyer’s guide
during these difficult times getting
S E C U R I N G I N V E N T O RY I N 2020’ S both the recreation and exercise
we all need. Skateboarding brings
S K AT E B OA R D B O O M freedom and serenity to a world
that is a bit difficult to navigate
right now,” said Eben Woodall VP of
Sales at Carver Skateboards.
Nobody saw it coming. Now skateboarding is officially booming, The wide availability of decent
and supply is running low. Learn retailer strategies for securing public skateparks and the socially
distanced nature of skateboarding
inventory and serving customer needs amid unprecedented demand have created the perfect storm,
in this special guide by SOURCE Skateboard. Editor Dirk Vogel. also from a business standpoint:
“The market and participation
at the moment are very strong
and this is backed up by the
unprecedented amount of sales we
Photo OP
have seen this year. There appears
to be a new influx of youth picking
up the sport and also some older
guys getting back into it, next to the
core group of riders that is always information sink in. Two months, full year! A
blessing and a curse, as it turns out, because
"If I worked in the soccer or hockey practically nobody in the industry expected
such a surge in demand. “Carver sales have
industry, I would be stating something tripled with the impact of Covid-19 across all
very different. In my ten years in the sales channels. This also has put a huge strain
on the supply chain. With components coming
longboard industry, I have never seen from different parts of the world and those
this level of growth happen over such countries experiencing their own set of problems
a short period of time”. Dave Price, individually, supply is definitely very challenging
right now. We have a decent flow of goods from
International Accounts Manager At our suppliers, but we are still behind on orders,”
Landyachtz Longboards. said Eben at Carver. Kris at OBfive Skateboards
Photo Fallen
said: “The next challenge for us, and most other
brands, is replenishing stock for the future. All
there,” said Jamie Smith, Enuff Team Manager. At reports from our factories are that they are at full
Landyachtz Longboards, Dave Price, International capacity and lead times and MOQ’s are high.”
Accounts Manager said: “Covid-19 has created
a very unique situation. We are lucky to be in an S I X S T R AT E G I E S F O R S E C U R I N G
What a rollercoaster ride! The skateboard industry that is an individual based activity that I N V E N T O R Y I N S K AT E B O A R D I N G ’ S
industry was bracing for a boost from the Tokyo can be practiced close to home. If I worked in B O O M C YC L E
“The market and participation the soccer or hockey industry, I would be stating
Olympics. Then the pandemic hit and sent In order to chart a way forward, we sat down
retailers, manufacturers and distributors into at the moment are very strong something very different. In my ten years in the with an industry insider who’s seen the rise of
longboard industry, I have never seen this level of
lockdown. But out of the silence, skateboarding and this is backed up by the growth happen over such a short period of time.”
globalized supply chains in skateboarding from
popped back into the mainstream spotlight as day one: Steve Douglas at Rolling Thunder, global
the year’s surprise trend: “Since the pandemic
unprecedented amount of sales licensees and distributors of Zoo York, Ocean
POP GOES THE MARKET
started, we have had a huge spike in sales mainly we have seen this year". Jamie According to reports from retailers and
Pacific, Speed demons, Vol 1, Blueprint, Verb, KFD,
RAD, Pivot trucks, Killer Speed Co and The Heart
due to the stimulus packages with governments Smith, Team Manager at Enuff. distributors, everyone has sold through an entire Supply. “Skateboarding has never been in the
trying to fuel the economy and encourage year’s worth of inventory in the two months
spending,” said Kris O’Brien, Founder/Director Olympics, so everyone knew there was going to be
following March. Take some time to let this a ripple effect. But nobody saw this coming!
at OBfive Skateboards. “People need something
13 14
We don’t know yet if it’s going to be a one-foot 4. Talk pre-orders with suppliers
retail buyer’s guide
wave or a 60-foot wave, but I want to be on that
wave! I’m not going to just sit there during what Despite the current drought in
could be the biggest expansion of skateboarding in supply, Jörg Ludewig, Managing
history!” said Douglas. Partner at Urban Supplies
distribution noticed: “In hardgoods,
which is 95% of our business, we
“Skateboarding has never been in the
have only had a few SS21 pre-books
Olympics, so everyone knew there so far.” According to Steve Douglas,
was going to be a ripple effect. But many shops may be risk averse
nobody saw this coming! We don’t in the current uncertain climate.
know yet if it’s going to be a one-foot But he strongly encourages stores:
wave or a 60-foot wave, but I want to “Ask if your suppliers will take the
risk and put in a pre-book order. It
be on that wave! I’m not going to just helps shops secure product and the
sit there during what could be the suppliers also benefit, because they
Photo YOW
biggest expansion of skateboarding in receive better information about the
history!” Steve Douglas kind of products that are selling well.
Which helps decision-making all
the way into manufacturing.”
Obviously, securing inventory for the holiday
In the following, the former pro skateboarder season should be first in mind for core retailers at
and accomplished company strategist joins industry 5. Constantly check in
the moment. But what happens afterwards? How
insiders for these helpful retailer strategies:
Now more than ever, stores need to keep in touch long will this drought continue? “I don’t see the
1. Throw out the old rule book with suppliers amid disrupted global supply chains. situation changing until springtime 2021 or summer.
Photo Etnies
“What you think you are getting delivered may differ There are going to be lots of unhappy people this
The new reality after COVID-19 is anything but from what’s actually coming in,” said Steve Douglas. Christmas,” said Steve Douglas at Rolling Thunder,
normal, so stores need to adjust their pre-booking “You need to constantly check in with your distributor adding: “Christmas product may take until spring
and order frequency, like, right now. “Some or supplier to make sure you are actually getting what to turn up. And spring stuff is already delayed.
companies still work with their old calendar, thinking you ordered. Some product that was supposed to Factories now have up to six months lead time to
delivery windows and lead times are still the same. 3. Embrace complete boards make completes.”
arrive in October 2020 has already been pushed back
Factories are telling them, ‘No way!’” said Steve by manufacturers to March 2021.”
Douglas, adding: “Everything is delayed by three to Asked about the key product of the moment, At Landyachtz, David Price also said: “I’ve never
four months right now. Shops will not have inventory Benoit Brecq at HOFF Distribution said: seen a global shortage of skateboard completes and
for Christmas season if they’re not on top of it now. “Completes are the strongest category right 6. Keep an eye on accessories
trucks, but that is the state the industry is currently
People need to change the way they do business.” now. COVID19 seems to have a great impact
in. Many people have been asking me how long
in terms of demand and sales.” And finally, The drought is not just affecting decks, trucks, and this level of growth will last. Sales always drive
2. Don’t put your eggs in one basket core skateshops are waking up to the category: wheels. “Expect shortages of things that aren’t on
“Completes are where it all starts for the more sales and with so much demand left on the
your radar, like griptape, hardware, bushings and table, I could see this lasting a year or two.” At the
Shops can no longer depend on a single distributor or majority of people, yet a lot of people in the so on. Manufacturers are scrambling because there
industry used to not embrace it,” said Steve same time, the rate of new releases and product
hardgoods manufacturer to secure supply. Instead, is so much demand,” said Steve Douglas. Now is a innovation is bound to take a hit: “It has been
branch out and work with a variety of suppliers Douglas, who specializes in quality completes
good time to stock up on these accessories, while challenging to drive new product development and
to secure inventory in case one of them runs out. from licensed brands such as Alien Workshop
and Zoo York, adding: “Someone could be the always keeping in mind that in this new normal, tech with the supply chain as affected as it is now.
“Everyone is hoarding as much product as possible suppliers will be quick to point out the difference
next Tom Penny, but might as well get a crap We are just trying to keep up with demand,” said
right now, so don’t put all your eggs in one basket,” between the products you want and the products
complete board and just quit. Stores like Slam Eben at Carver Skateboards. Then again, after years
said Douglas. “It’s a great time for woodshops right you can get. People are ready to buy blue wheels
now, including American and Mexican companies. City Skates now carry completes, and people of oversupply, all those empty shelves in retail and
new to skateboarding now start on good instead of white wheels, and niche brands that warehouses have a plus side, said Sly Kookmaster at
Usually, it’s too expensive to ship internationally from
North America because of airfreight, but European boards. It also makes walking into a core shop were formerly scoffed at now sell thousands of Sector 9: “We’re keeping on track for 2021, but back
distributors are buying whatever they can.” far less overwhelming.” units, on the mere strength of having inventory. to decent production rhythms. No more overstocks
and that sounds good.”
15 16
retail buyer’s guide
GERMANY A lot has happened unveiled the largest financial aid package
since our last German in their history of the Federal Republic.
AUSTRIA
FRANCE Market Insight two According to the Federal Ministry of
SWISS months ago. Covid-19 Finance “the total volume of measures
ITALY lockdown regulations affecting the budget amounts to EUR 353.3
UK were easing up and billion and the total volume of guarantees
sports goods brands to EUR 819.7 billion.”
were coming out of some of their most
turbulent times after shifting strategies The snowboard industry seemed to get
both in production and marketing. But the brunt of the Covid-19 hit with lifts and
it hasn’t all been doom and gloom, resorts closing early due to lockdowns
skateboard sales have been through the so what has happened there in the last
roof with little product left in stock and a few months? Dominik Lyssek, Head of
similar trend in other solo sporting goods Marketing at SP United offers a bit of
segments. insight: “In Germany especially in these
multisport shops that might be selling ski
As of June 17, regulations have eased up, and snowboard gear in the winter become
shops have opened and can be entered quite bike heavy in the summer and they
only with a facemask and the number of are doing quite well and that probably
customers has to be regulated by staff as has something to do with the fact that in
well as ensuring disinfection measures are Germany we were allowed to go outside
kept in place. The wearing of facemasks can and do sports. How that is going to pull
also still be seen on public transportation over into winter is really hard to say. We
and restaurants with plenty of space can see the bike parks are full, lifts are in
left between tables to safeguard social full swing, social distancing rules are being
distancing. Event-wise, large scale events respected and it works. Whether that will
still won’t be permitted until October 31 at transfer to the winter season the same way
least and with strict regulations in place for is really hard to say. Generally, I think many
small public and private events, however the retailers pulled through the pandemic
rules for these are varied between states. positively, we’ll see how the sales go at the
end of the summer season, there’s already
Looking at the economy, Germany suffered a big discount battle on the market.”
a 10.7% drop in the second quarter but
thanks to the German ‘kurzarbeit’ system, When it comes to surf, Andy from Norden
unemployment wasn’t affected as sharply. gives us his take on the market: “Generally
With a slowdown in unemployment I would say, anything that floats sold well.
numbers in June, July 2020 saw the first For us it was beginner surfboards such as
decrease in unemployment since February softboards, mini Malibus and longboard
with the number of unemployed people in surfboards, as well as all-round hardboard
Germany falling by 18,000. Germany’s ifo SUPs and skim boards. We have worked
research institute (Institute for Economic on a lot of new products in the past few
Research) is predicting GDP to grow 6.9% months, especially the stuff that sold well
in the third quarter and 3.8% in the last during these difficult times. If people are
quarter of the year. To boost the economic meant to stay at home, we need to give
recovery during Covid-19, Germany has them stuff that they can use on their door
17 18retail buyer’s guide
step,” and commenting on the morale I expect a bit slower business at the end
between brands and shops, “I think it was a of the holidays so we are getting ready
good year to build up the relationship with for snowboarding business that hopefully
our retail partners. We all had to survive, starts at the end of October. We will still
and we achieved that and came out with keep stock levekls low and buy the gear
a smile as it was a really good season this where it is available. All outdoor gear will
year, if not, one of the best seasons we ever still stay strong in 2021... the virus will be
had. So if our partners help us with the around for a while, so indoor clubbing or
planning of the next season, we are on a indoor sports and so on will still be masked
good path. I think everybody was happy the and keep the customers away, or won’t be
way it went and everybody believes in the allowed like concerts.”
future of outdoor sports and is motivated.”
Over at Wellenreitshop Hamburg, the surf Jörg Ludewig from Urban Supplies gives
business has been good since the end of us his insight on the skate industry: “Every
lockdown with customers buying products category is selling equally well, anything
to use locally rather than travelling abroad, hardgoods related sells. There’s no real
explained Yann Kuehlke. In hardgoods strategy, there was obviously a product
foamies has been a strong category shortage as everybody knows. So we
followed by Malibu's and shortboards but in were trying to get our hands on as much
softgoods sales have been slower. product as possible, buying anything that
our suppliers were offering us on top of
existing orders. So we got additional orders
We also spoke to Nicolas Wendelken from companies who for whatever reason
from Choppy Water and got his take on did not take their orders from suppliers.
the surf industry: “All watersports are We weren’t really sure when we would
selling strong: SUP, surf, and windsurf. get back to normal and the lockdown was
We expect normal winter sales. Summer only affecting brick & mortar stores, it
shows that people invest in sports goods didn’t affect online stores and our online
and enjoy their sports as long as they sales in Germany are pretty strong so were
can reach the spots/resorts by car. I am still selling products. So we were on the
optimistic for winter sales for all countries lookout for any options to buy products on
which are close to ski resorts. We are very top of what we already ordered.”
positive about summer business 2020 and
optimistic about Winter 2020/2021.” We also spoke to Heiko Schoeller from
Malte from Surfline in Kiel tells us how Concrete Wave in Cologne, "Everything in
it is at the frontline: “Inflatable SUP hardware is in demand, with completes
was pretty sizzling, stocks melting like selling the fastest.” Heiko estimates that
ice cream in the sun, after the borders "of the increase in demand, 40% is from
opened again surfboards also increased people returning to skate and 60% from
in sales, all outdoor sports hardware sold newbies, with girls being an important
very well. We even had a big increase in component. At the same time demand for
skate longboards. Clothing is still a pain, skate lessons has exploded, with schools
all thanks to the big online outlets. We full across the country.”
are only working with small brands like
Hippy Tree, Picture and bleed for example. DANA MISKULNIG
19 20We have organised countless events in the in the online shop, you have to ask yourself
past 15 years and these events are still a why are you actually doing it? On the other
major part of our DNA. hand, we understand, that you can't do
retail today without an online presence.
How your business was affected by For us, the ratio is around 30% in the online
COVID-19 and how you’re dealing with the area and 70% in the shop. We also see our
new normal? online sales as a kind of virtual shop window
Despite a rather slow start after the especially for local customers. Saying that,
coronavirus reopening, our sales have it's important for us that the online shop has
stabilized again and we have seen good a corresponding look to the actual store.
growth, especially for skate hardware. This
trend is actually still there, but there are Is social media a big part of selling products
currently major delivery problems in this or simply creating a hub for the store?
category, which unfortunately complicates Social media is, of course, an important stone
potential sales. Our online business has in this whole mosaic. While Facebook is more
also done well, where sneakers have been or less irrelevant, channels like WhatsApp
increasingly purchased. or our newsletter are currently the most
important tools for us.
Recently there have been stricter hygiene
STIL-LADEN regulations in Austria to which we react How does having a cafe in the shop help
VIENNA, AUSTRIA accordingly and give our customers the drive business?
option of free masks, as well as disinfectant We decided some time ago to expand our
spray in our store. shop with a café, and at the same time
Located in Vienna, Stil-Laden started as a skateboard and streetwear we also dealt intensively with the topic of
concept store in 2005 and has since seen it’s reputation grow as one of COVID-19 hit us in the middle of our sustainability and social responsibility. This
Austria’s finest skate shops. Now complete with coffee shop installation renovation and opening phase of the new has resulted in our café being completely
and a brand new skate-goods-only shop opening just across the road, CEO Skate Goods store. Of course, that was a hard geared towards sustainability - everything
Michael Paul tells us how the reinvention of the store and online presence blow and not foreseeable. Yet, the pandemic from the coffee beans to the cups are
creates the community and drives the business. has shown us how great the support from 100% sustainable. We have also aligned
the community is, especially in the online the selection of our textile and shoe range
area. Our numbers in online sales have accordingly. That is why we decided to
increased by around 20%, so we are at least outsource our entire skateboard area and
Tell us about your store’s history. concept and that business stays exciting for able pay the fixed costs. We kept coming opened a skate-goods-only shop in April
STIL-LADEN was founded by Günther Zott and us. I think boredom and standing still is the up with new campaigns every two to three 2020 - directly opposite the existing shop.
myself [Michael Paul] in 2005 and the concept biggest poison for a small retailer. days during the quarantine on social media
of the shop has changed over the years. In the platforms, like Instagram. For example, we What was your best-selling skateboard and
beginning, it was more of a street culture shop Just what kind of advantage does a small did StayHome skate contest, raffles of limited skate shoe of 2019 for you?
with its own exhibition space - Nike Urban Lab retailer have over the big guys? stuff with a purchase in the online shop or The best-selling skate shoes in 2019 were
Vienna - which we curated together with Nike There are two incredibly important things special voucher campaigns. the Nike SB Blazer and Vans Old Skool Pro,
Sportswear. We were also one of the first Nike you can do as a small shop. Firstly, you can however recently there’s been a big increase
SB dealers in Europe. create your very own image that you should How’s your online business evolved over in requests for the Vans Half Cab. The best-
the years? selling skateboard apparel and hardware in
convey authentically. Secondly, you can build
Online is still a difficult topic for me, total was Fucking Awesome Skateboards.
What’s your USP? personal contact and connection with your
personally, because it is actually a complex
We actually never paid any attention to what customers. As a small shop, not only do you and expensive business. If you add up the STIL-L ADEN.COM
other shops do and continued to develop as have the advantage of being flexible and costs of packaging, shipping, the effort put
a store. First and foremost, we simply made quick in your reactions to certain trends, but in taking photos and product maintenance
sure that we keep reinventing the shop you can also organise cool events regularly.
21 22RETAIL BUYER’S GUIDE In contrast to previous boom periods – like
retail buyer’s guide
retail buyer’s guide
1999’s Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater videogame
S K AT E H E L M E T S & P R O T E CT I O N 2020 effect – this time it’s not just young
kids getting on board. Hip and fashion-
minded tweens and entire families are (re)
Instead of suffering whiplash from coronavirus, skateboard discovering skateboarding.
participation is booming. Here’s how to keep all those newcomers
rolling safely in our Skate Helmets & Protection Retail Buyer’s Guide “Nobody wants to go to the ER for a
2020 by SOURCE Skateboard Editor Dirk Vogel. sport related injury, so people seem
to be wearing helmets and pads at
an increased rate these days”. Noah
Todaro, Marketing Coordinator at
Triple Eight Helmets/187 Killer Pads.
Photo REKD
According to John Phaneuf, Director of
Global Sales at Bern Helmets, families are
looking to “get back outside and ride to
stay in shape but also as a healthy and safe
way to navigate through the pandemic.”
Speaking of safety, quarantine measures Brands are also shifting their sales support
LANDYACHTZ
have also sensitized consumers not to strain for retailers online, and Sandbox Brand
their healthcare systems. “Nobody wants Manager Joel Giddings said: “We won’t be
to go to the ER for a sport related injury, doing any tradeshows or road travel for SS21
so people seem to be wearing helmets and sell-in, so the majority will be via email,
pads at an increased rate these days,” said zoom, and phone.”
Noah Todaro, Marketing Coordinator at
Photo Protec
Triple Eight Helmets/187 Killer Pads.
“After initial uncertainty, we were
MARKET & PRICE POINTS surprised by a real boom. April and
Brands in the helmet and protector segment
are already noticing the effects on their order May were top months for the sale
The year 2020 keeps dishing out surprises looking to get out on their boards, bikes sheets. “After initial uncertainty, we were
left and right. After skateboarding’s and other sports, we’ve seen an increase in of helmets and protectors”. Rudolf
surprised by a real boom. April and May
Olympics debut was cancelled due to the the demand for protection gear,” said REKD were top months for the sale of helmets and Herger, CEO at TSG.
global coronavirus pandemic, industry Protection’s Toby Dray. protectors,” said Rudolf Herger, CEO at TSG.
insiders feared for the worst. But as it turns But keeping in mind the current drought in
out, the outbreak has actually triggered a skateboard hardware, will retailers be able
new boom period for skate participation. “We were already seeing a growth in the to meet surging demand? For now, the good Despite strained supply chains, price points
“We were already seeing a growth in the news is that supply levels appear secure. remain stable. “We’re continuing with the
category, but with coronavirus and the same pricing we’ve had for years, €40-50 in
category, but with coronavirus and the rush Although many leading brands reported
to get outdoor sports equipment to keep rush to get outdoor sports equipment supply chain squeezes earlier this year when bike and skate helmets,” said R.P. Bess at
kids and families active while quarantined, to keep kids and families active while China first shut down, everyone has been Pro-Tec. While full-feature helmets can retail
there’s been a spike,” said R.P. Bess, Global quarantined, there’s been a spike” . R.P. strategic about creating extra inventory. This for up to €100 and pro-engineered knee pads
Brand Director Pro-Tec. While team sports includes increased manufacturing, but also command similar price points, beginners
Bess, Global Brand Director Pro-Tec. carryovers of last season’s bestsellers; which have access to certified helmets and pads at
and gyms remain shut down, skateboarding
offers some much-needed escape. “With is not inherently bad and perhaps a welcome comparatively low prices. As Noah at Triple
enthusiasts making the most of the limited break from the pre-crisis obsession with Eight said: “Our top-of-the-line helmet, The
exercise time during the lockdown and newer-better-faster refreshes. Certified Sweatsaver, retails for $59.99 and
our most popular padding 3-pack for $34.99,
23 24meaning you can get fully protected for
retail buyer’s guide
under $100.” When it comes to making a
strong sales argument, here are three things
for retailers to keep in mind:
1. Fit is everything.
Retailers need to know how sizes run
for each brand. Perhaps also encourage
customers to measure head sizes at home
before try-ons in store (less gear to disinfect).
And always focus on fit. This is where core
retailers have a big advantage over chain
stores, which for Nadja Herger, Marketing
Manager at TSG, is the reason “people
believe a poor fitting helmet is how these
helmets should fit. This is a huge misbelief
and at the same time a great sales argument
for skateboard shops. If they offer good
helmets, they can easily convince their AD?
customers, why they should not buy PPE at
discounters.”
2.Understand personal needs.
Skateboarding is a broad church these days,
from cruising to vert to street and downhill.
Shops need to assess every customer’s
Photo Sandbox
individual skill level and goals before
recommending protectors – all the way to
the pro rider. “187 Killer Pads are typically
for the more experienced rider, and you can
wear the same exact knee pad most pros use
for $99.95,” said Noah at Triple Eight. Nadja a piece of wood with four wheels under it.
at TSG is on the same page: “All our pro It’s also good habit to get used to, wearing a
skateboarders ride exactly the same products helmet while participating in the new sport,”
that are available in the shops. There is no said R.P. Bess at Pro-Tec.
better sales argument than to say: ‘You can
actually buy (pro rider’s name) knee pad.’” HELMETS: CERTIFIED PROTECTION
3. Think combos. First things first, core retailers need to lead
Protection never stops with helmets. And by example and carry only certified, quality
while combination sets of wrist guards, helmets. In 2020, brands featured in this
elbow and knee pads used to be the domain Buyer’s Guide comply with certificates such
of young grommets, brands are increasingly as EN 1078, EN 1077B, CPSC, CE, ASTM, and
offering adult protector sets (also at cool AS/NZS 2063:2008. As Joel at Sandbox says:
prices). Adults understand that a single Mr. “Safety certification is a must have for us.
Wilson – the kind of slam where the board This can possibly lead to a higher cost versus
shoots out underneath your feet – is all it some brands who sell helmets without
takes to sideline a wrist or elbow (and their certification to hit a low price point, but we
keyboard typing capacities) for weeks. feel it’s important.”
“Protection is very important, especially for Also demand helmets featuring ABS
new riders. They’re the most susceptible (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) in
to taking those spills as they learn to ride the outer shell with high density EPS
25 26Sweatsaver-equipped Tony Hawk model
retail buyer’s guide
from Triple Eight. For the latest in head
protection, choose models such as Macon
2.0 (Bern), Meta and Evolution (TSG) Classic
2.0 and Legend Street (Sandbox), Certified
Sweatsaver and Tony Hawk Pro (888), Elite
2.0 Helmet (REKD), as well as Classic and Full
Cut (Pro-Tec). In terms of cuts, low profiles
like the street-ready Sandbox models are on
the rise. Visors are disappearing from core
skate helmets, but full-cut helmets with
ear protection continue to trend, including
ProTec’s flashy Mark Gonzales Flames
modeland Signature Full Cut for 12-year old
skate phenom Sky Brown.
HELMET STYLING: BRING IN THE COLOURS
Speaking on colour trends, Pro-Tec’s R.P.
Bess said: “Black, Black, Black are the three
bestselling colours still. But we’ve added some
pop colours for Spring.” Standouts at Pro-Tec
include tie-dye patterns and a collab with
‘90s skate brand The New Deal. TSG offers
the Evolution model in a number of cool
finishes from psychedelic, to firecracker and
luxe metallic finishes. S1 Helmets teamed up
with Girl is NOT a 4-Letter Word to recreate
a 1970s helmet colourway worn by pioneer
Photo TSG
Cindy Whitehead in the S1 Lifer model.
PADS: ENGINEERED FOR MORE
PROTECTION
(Expanded Polystyrene) for the inner The attitude towards pads is changing,
mould and keep an eye out for advanced and brands are using R&D to evolve their
impact protection tech such as MIPS. Triple collections. “Padding is making a comeback
Eight is proud of the Certified Sweatsaver – beyond learning to knee-slide and needing
helmet, which is actually dual-certified beefy quality pads to skate transitions, it’s
(U.S. CPSC Bike and ASTM Skate safety not viewed as uncool anymore to wear
standards). TSG just dropped the Nipper wrist guards or keep some coverage on your
Maxi, a light in-mould helmet for kids elbows,” said Noah at Triple Eight pointing
featuring secure, adjustable fit options. out the brand’s new Kevlar-coated Stealth
Hardcap Elbow pads initially made for
HELMET DESIGNS: LIGHTWEIGHT AND COOL derby athletes. Toby at REKD is stoked on
Brands are stepping into 2020 with the introduction of a new material in Ramp
reengineered takes on proven helmet Knee Pads and Pro Ramp Knee Pads: “Energy
models. Updates include less weight, like Foam is a non-Newtonian material that
the 15% lighter Macon 2.0 model from Bern. stiffens and becomes rigid during an impact
The Macon 2.0 also features twelve vents but is flexible in its natural state.
to keep cool, which is the second big trend
for summer helmets this year, including Our Energy foam disperses up to 75% more
the Legend model from Sandbox and new impact energy during compared our standard
27retail buyer’s guide
Photo Triple 8
high-density impact foam.” At TSG, Nadja like the TSG downhill pads Kneepad Sk8
points out the performance of ACF foam, that DHP. Another aspect that’s becoming more
is “flexible and soft in the normal state but diverse: Pads are no longer limited to drab
when met with impact the molecules form a black-and-grey colourways, with splashes
hard, protective shell.” TSG also implements of colour and cool patterns hitting shelves
Arti-Lage soft foam that absorbs up to 95% of across the board.
impact energy and a double amount of foam
in the Kneeguard Force V Pro, “the safest
Mega Ramp pad ever.”
PAD DESIGNS: BETTER FIT, MORE COLOURS Visit our website to see in depth
brand previews of this category.
Skateboarders today come in many shapes B OA R D S P O RT S O U R C E .C O M
and sizes, and the pad offering is finally
becoming more diverse in terms of fit. After
three years of development, 187 Killer
Pads is launching Slim Knee Pads for, “the HIGHLIGHTS
perfect balance of mid-weight protection, 1 Rise in adult/family participation
flawless fit, advanced features, and a low-
profile design” including a Fusion groove 2 Increased safety consciousness
Channel with Memory Foam System. Several 3 Stable price points
brands also offer flexible soft protectors for 4 Protector sets for grown-ups
low-impact riding styles like surf skate. On 5 Lightweight, ventilated helmets
the other side of the spectrum, hardcore 6 Engineered foam padding
scenarios like downhill longboarding call
7 Specialized pad fits, use cases
for extreme protection, answered by pads
29 30MARKET INSIGHT MARKET INSIGHT
UK I hope you guys are all the UK but hopefully if it’s not good for you Moving down to Sessions in Cornwall I spoke “From really worried to mental in a few short
safe and well and that now… it’s on the way. I don’t usually like to to Simon and a new word popped up amongst weeks. It’s exploded and nobody is more
GERMANY Covid, whilst impacting quote without a name but one watersports those we have covered already. “Mental, it’s surprised than me. Did anyone see this coming?
AUSTRIA
businesses in different retailer (who has asked not to be named) had absolutely mental,” you could hear it in Simon’s “I think the answer is no. “Biggest issue now
FRANCE
SWISS
ways, has not impacted this to say. “May was better than expected voice and you could also hear the busy shop in is the supply chain – we’ve got the customers
ITALY you in a personal way. and higher than last year. This surprised me. the background. “We reopened on the June 15 – new customers, young and old, adults, kids,
June was manic and massively up on last year and it has been completely non-stop since then. parents, and the best bit – loads of girls taking
Well…what a difference and now [mid July] we have already doubled
The tourists have arrived in force and they are up skating. Now we just need to get the supply.”
a few weeks make! Not the previous year’s full month which was, in
spending money on watersports kit – so much
long after lockdown skateboards sold like hot turn, our highest ever month since we started.
cakes, then we all saw the bike ‘revolution’ Coping with demand is the issue and getting so that we may actually run out of wetsuits.” Looking to the upcoming winter season the
(which appears to be continuing) but who would supplies in and out.”Well that sounds like a biggest concerns are going to be liquidity of
have predicted the watersports boom? Not me. good problem to have. How did you feel when lockdown was first stores and then, whether or not the consumers
As soon as the great British public were allowed announced? “Like everyone I really did not will come through. Personally I think they
to, they took to the water - and not just those Moving on, how has the season been so far? know where we were heading. We missed will - Covid and travel restrictions allowing.
that were hardened watersports enthusiasts “Remarkable. After the lockdown and the doom Easter and May Bank Holidays - which are really I also believe that our mountain lovers will
but, it seems, so did many newcomers. and gloom we could never have imagined that important to us - and then as we reopened I come through with enthusiasm in abundance.
it would bounce back as it has done,” says Matt was still concerned about how it was going to Those that missed out on an end-of-season-
You actually feel guilty saying how good things from H2O in Poole. “At the time of lockdown be. But it’s been amazing and if we can sustain week in 2020 will probably try and tag in
have been because so many industries have we, like so many others, were wondering if these gains through August we will have made some additional time this coming season.
suffered and continue to suffer. Travel and we would have a business to return to but we up all the lost ground… and some. We’re Some wintersports stores are already reporting
Tourism (overseas) is having a terrible time cannot really believe it. It’s awesome.” currently breaking loads of records.” And is it better than expected sales and good interest
and (at the time of writing this) further travel newbies? “Yes, absolutely, and that’s the great in new kit. People do have the money and they
restrictions and isolation rules have just come So paddle boarding is obviously the real
thing - we are definitely getting newcomers want to spend it on stuff they like. We’re here
into force. Their loss may just be contributing winner? “It is. Sales have been fantastic and
and they are staying with it – they’re loving it - to serve of course! If this winter can follow the
to our gain and we simply have to ‘make hay’ boards are outselling anything else. It’s like
whilst we can – who knows what’s around the nothing we have really ever experienced. Even even those who have bought ‘supermarket kit’ summer then, well... fingers crossed.
next corner? Winter could be tough! going back to the heady days of windsurfing - [I think the word ‘crap was used by one of us]
this is way bigger than then.” now realise they need some decent kit.” Someone who is keen to serve is Stuart Roberts.
Watersports are going off, the ‘staycation’ He’s just become the proud owner (second time
business is booming and the £££’s that were Are these completely new enthusiasts or born- Matt did say that, like me, he felt guilty when round) of Two Seasons, after acquiring it from
going to be spent in Spain, Greece, Turkey again enthusiasts? “They’re new. That’s the talking to other local businesses who are not Boardriders. Welcome home Stuart and good
and wherever are now heading towards UK great thing. And they’re already returning and fairing so well: “It is really tough for some and luck. We’re all pretty sure that going forward,
shops, schools and businesses. Similarly the buying second and third boards for other family we should never forget that, but, we cannot the business will look very different and are also
‘pot of gold’ that I eluded to in my last piece members – they are all loving it and they’re here dwell on that. We’re more than happy with confident that Stuart will steer it in the right
does appear to have materialised and shops to stay. This is an amazing time to be here helping how it’s going and could never have foreseen direction. Great to see a ‘new’ (old) retailer on
are reporting ‘best ever month’, ‘best ever all these people discover a new way of life. And this. Long may this continue.” The thing with the block. So we welcome the new members of
week’.Is this sustainable? Who knows, but that is going to feed through to other sports – all this is that we don’t know how long this our congregation with open arms and hope that
without wanting to overlook the misery and WindSUP, Wings, Windsurfing, Surfing and Foiling will last – both Covid, the restrictions and the they stick with us for years to come. Who could
devastation that Covid is wreaking, we don’t are all going to feed off this – it is amazing!”
flourishing watersports business. We should possibly have predicted that maybe, just maybe,
want to look a gift horse in the mouth. The
still ‘plan for the worst and hope for the best’ Covid could have a positive outcome for the
fervent hope is that the new-found (or re- I didn’t want to put a downer on things but I
found) watersports enthusiasts are going to had to ask if something was not going well? because as quickly as things first went into boardsports industry. All that said I think we
stick with it and indications from the bike “Wetsuits. We didn’t get the sale of spring suits lockdown mode it could all happen again. would all agree that we could do without it and
industry (which is ahead of us in the curve) are and everyone has gone straight into a shorty As mentioned in the last Market Insight, skate I am sure we are all looking forward to the day
that there is a sustainable uplift. plus a lot of the business has gone to the big is doing just as well. Nic from Route One kicked when it is not dominating our world.
So I am a little surprised that this article has online guys. And fashion for us is out – we’re off the conversation exactly as Simon had done Stay safe.
a very positive feel. I appreciate that this may really a hardware store. Back to where we used :“Metal. It’s completely mental.” Aha, I have
not apply to every store in every corner of to be. It is awesome.” heard that before so I know what’s coming: G O R D O N WAY
31 32RETAIL BUYER’S GUIDE
retail buyer’s guide
retail buyer’s guide
season, we believe that consumers look for stable and supply flowing. Not an easy task,
light and durable backpacks with different as February’s shutdown in China created
B OA R D S P O RT S B AG S & B AC K PAC KS 2020 pack options and extendible pockets to a squeeze and many endemic boardsports
store bottles, jackets or towels. They want brands are bracing for lower overall
With travel down but skate participation up, what is happening in the versatility and crossover to use one product in turnaround. As a result, some of this season’s
boardsports bags and backpacks segment? Find the major trends for many different environments and situations,” product releases were pushed back to next
2021 in our Retail Buyer’s Guide by Dirk Vogel. says Maxime Lemaitre, Bags & Accessories year. Meanwhile, several brands resort to
Product Manager, Picture Organic Clothing. carryover of last season’s products while
focusing on the strongest, best-performing
PRICE POINTS & MARKET SKUs in their line-ups.
The boardsports bag segment has matured
tremendously over the past years. As a result, “People need to get their money’s
solid quality is already available in the entry worth if they’re going to jump up to
level price segment, with quality backpacks the next price point.” Tom Howells
starting around €39. Then again, the demand Head of Design at Amplifi
for versatile packs that transition between
usage scenarios also justifies premium price Speaking of performance, here are the Five
levels. “The trend of versatile, multi-purpose Hot Backpack and Bag Trends Retailers
product is at a high right now. Consumers are Need to Watch In 2021:
investing in quality product that they know
can help them transition between activities 1. Season Trend: Sustainability
and accompany them in their everyday,” said
Photo Dakine
Bettina Rohde, Category Director Lifestyle at The pandemic has laid bare mankind’s
Dakine. Some brands stake their claim in the impact on the environment. On a positive
entry level/fun segment. Others in premium. note, nature has come back in a big way
during shutdown (human-made noise levels
“The shutdown still led to a are down 50% worldwide!). The impact
Welcome to the new normal. While for backpacks and shoulder bags for daily
on consumer behaviour is immediate:
skateboard hardgoods are booming, other use,” said Maria Schmieder, Marketing requirement among end consumers “Sustainable options are key, the younger
segments are under pressure amid the Coordinator at Pacsafe. But daily use is for backpacks and shoulder bags for generation is informed and cares about
coronavirus pandemic. With travel and changing. While indoor gyms, sports facilities, daily use”. Maria Schmieder Marketing their future and the future of the planet,
holiday bookings in freefall, the luggage therefore a big portion of our line is using
segment has suffered a 90 percent decline in Coordinator at Pacsafe.
“Our category was of course greatly recycled polyester and bluesign-approved
sales over last year, according to the Office for impacted by Covid-19, with travel bags materials,” said Bettina at Dakine. Look
National Statistics (ONS). As consumers spend Some do it all: “We have a broad range of for models like the Fjällräven Kånken Re-
less time on the road, boardsports bags and and backpacks being amongst the top
backpacks starting with daypacks on lower Wool (made from recycled wool), as well
backpacks also feel the effects. “Our category 20 most impacted fashion accessories”. price points like our Vardag collection starting as Pacsafe’s daypacks and side bags made
was of course greatly impacted by Covid-19, Domitille Parent, Product Director at at €79 up to high-end long-distance trekking from Econyl, sourced from ocean waste.
with travel bags and backpacks being Eastpak, adding: “That being said, we backpacks like our Kajka 100 for €419.95,” Eastpak goes full circle with the Rebuilt
amongst the top 20 most impacted fashion are seeing a positive turn as we ramp said Philipp Kloeters, Head of PR at Fjällräven to Resist line, which deconstructs existing
accessories,” said Domitille Parent, Product International. backpacks and reassembles them into a
Director at Eastpak, adding: “That being said,
up towards the important BTS period”. new and unique bag. Meanwhile, Picture
we are seeing a positive turn as we ramp up According to Amplifi’s Head of Design Organic is proud to say: “100% of our range
towards the important BTS period.” Tom Howells, the current market situation is sustainable. The light ripstop we use on
What exactly back to school (BTS) will look restaurants and bars remain closed (varies demands, “continued focus on quality to our technical range as well as our Soavy
like this year remains a guessing game. But across regions), people congregate out in price ratio. People need to get their money’s fabric are 100% recycled and the cotton of
even amid lockdown measures, consumer the open air, where it’s safe. That’s why the worth if they’re going to jump up to the our beach bag is 100% organic.”
demand proved resilient: “The shutdown still backpack emerges as a valuable companion, next price point.” In direct response to the
led to a requirement among end consumers whatever the use case. “For the summer crisis, brands have made sure to keep prices
33 34You can also read
