Outdoori Vol 18 No 20 Page 1 30/05/2013

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"#!$%&'##()!*+,)!#%&!-*+.)!/#(!&01!/%&%(1!Held at the Holiday Inn, Sheffield last week Go Outdoors Suppliers Conference outlined future plans to suppliers and guests. Following introductions, key management presented an overview dividing delegates into four interactive breakout sessions. Founder John Graham told Outdoor i t s two years since the last conference and was important for suppliers to meet the new team and present where we are. The team are not here to change the culture of the business; they are here to evolve the business and improve efficiency. We want to work with our suppliers. To share new opportunities and benefit from closer collaboration. Jon Asbury, Multi-channel director, explained changing consumer behaviour and the increasing importance of having a strong multi-channel offering. There has been a 40% growth in the retailers web traffic, PCs account for almost three-quarters (70%) but are declining while mobiles have grown 40% and tablets 80%; reserve and collect (R&C) is now bigger than home delivery on units. Total web business including R&C now accounts for 15% of turnover. After a relatively quiet year, a total of six stores are planned for 2013; three have opened, details of the remaining three will be announced soon with a further 10 planned for 2014. Retail Director Jeff Fagan described new store environments including improved lightening, signage, clearer branding, merchandising and product information boards. New information boards and signage will be rolled out to all stores over the next two months. In terms of marketing, the company will launch a 200 page catalogue this winter, with a separate edition planned for SS 2014. The focus of future advertising will be less-price driven according to Marketing Director Russel Bennett which received positive appraisal from Retail Week. In financial terms, sales have grown 19%, with double digit EBITDA; CFO Chris Morgan stated that debt was down by £2million while Commercial Director Dan Quinn emphasised that the key objective was improving stock availability. Incoming CEO Chris Mathews told Outdoor i he was pleased to be working in the outdoor sector and looking forward to getting to know the market. He admits the decision to leave Kotsovolos, the 100-store Greek arm of uniquen

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Outdoori Vol 18 No 20 Page 2 30/05/2013

New UK head of sales for Berghaus Nadine Thompson has been appointed as the new UK head of sales for Berghaus, reporting to Richard Leedham, EMEA vice president. Thompson, a keen outdoor enthusiast, joined from Procter & Gamble, where she represented globally recognised brands for 13 years working with a wide variety of customers, including small independent retailers, national accounts, wholesalers

-hand appreciation of the value and the difference that great outdoor products can make with great experience of working with

Cotswold Outdoor to open 68th store Multi-award winning outdoor clothing and equipment retailer, Cotswold Outdoor, is set to open its seventh store in London next month (Saturday, 15 June). Wandsworth is the location of the latest store, which takes the Cotswold Outdoor portfolio across the UK to 68; the opening of the 6,199 sq ft store will create 10 new jobs and represents a financial investment of around £600k. Hans

- we are in a very lucky position to be able to continue expanding the company into new areas, investing into new communities and opening up new opportunities. We are also really looking forward to building links and supporting the local community, which remains a key ethos for the business. Cascade changes With effect from 1 July 2013, First Ascent will no longer represent Cascade Designs Ltd in the UK. First Ascent continues to represent and be the direct contact for placement of orders, warranty and repair, and technical assistance until and including 30 June 2013. Cascade Designs has expressed to Chris Watts and Siobhan Sheridan of First Ascent its appreciation and recognition for their years of good service and wished them continued success in their current and future endeavours. Information regarding representation of Cascade Designs in the UK from 1 July 2013 will be advised at a later date. Reciprocating, First Ascent advised it would like to thank John Burroughs and his family for the opportunity to represent Cascade Designs and its brands in the UK for the past 25 years. In a

Together, we have received many UK industry awards for outstanding products, service and sales initiatives and enjoyed meeting and working with some very talented and dedicated people in Seattle and Midleton but the time has now arrived for a change. PrimaLoft appoints East River PrimaLoft, a leader in high performance insulations and yarns used in leading outdoor, footwear and fashion brands, work wear, hunting and military applications has appointed East River as its British PR Agency. Based in Newcastle upon Tyne, East River is headed up by Sue Reay, who has worked in PR for more than ten years on various high profile FMCG and outdoor brands and reports to Irina Mock, European PR Manager PrimaLoft. The team will work closely with Mock to raise further awareness of PrimaLoft technologies and products in the UK across a wide range of media sectors, considering the various PrimaLoft business segments. KORS show exceeds 100 brands

orthern outdoor trade show, kicks off in Kendal on 23-25 July, two weeks earlier than previous years. Packed into the Kendal Leisure Centre venue will be 23 exhibitors

the specialised outdoor retailer, with the change of date designed to make it as relevant and timely as possible for buyers especially those that may not make it out to Friedrichshafen. Not only will visitors be able to spend quality time with key outdoor brands, many exhibitors will be offering special incentives to those retailers who attend. exhibitors with Beta Climbing Designs back in the fold, bringing a new selection of brands such as Totem Cams, Tenaya rock shoes, Ultimate Direction and Kahtoola. The KORS party has also gained something of a reputation (it is possible to continue all night in Kendal as some exhibitors have blearily confirmed), and while continuing at the Brewery Arts Centre the social event will also be moving, to the Tuesday night (23rd).Further KORS information and news at kors.org.uk, and on the new KORS facebook page.