Shimano, Pearl Izumi debut at Outdoor Show • German trade group gains stronger voice • ISPO to study business opportunities in Brazil
FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, Germany (BRAIN)—Shimano will exhibit at Germany’s Outdoor Show for the first time next month to promote Shimano Tour, the new name for the company’s trekking-related apparel, shoes, components and eyewear.
Shimano Tour also includes cycling-specific bags and a new pedal system, Click’r.
Pearl Izumi, owned by Shimano, will also be present with its new Ultra mountain bike and running apparel line and the Project E:Motion running shoe collection.
The Outdoor Show is run by Messe Friedrichshafen, which also organizes Eurobike, and is held July 12-15.
German retail group gains stronger voice
BRUSSELS, Belgium (BRAIN)—German retail trade association Verband des deutschen Zweiradhandels, or VDZ, has joined the European Two Wheel Retailers’ Association.
The association advocates on behalf of German two-wheel retail business to national authorities, the industry and the public. One goal is to strengthen the entrepreneurial skills of bike dealers by offering information, advice, contacts and publications.
VDZ has been in contact with ETRA for many years, but just recently decided to join the organization, a partnership both groups believe will benefit the bike business in Germany and Europe as a whole.
“We are extremely pleased that our long-standing relationship with VDZ has now resulted in effective membership,” said ETRA president Erik Oddershede. “This new affiliation will further strengthen our voice in the European Union.”
ETRA now has 29 associated members from six EU member states and six non-EU countries representing 7,000 companies that employ 17,500 people.
ISPO commissions survey on Brazil market
MUNICH, Germany (BRAIN)—ISPO has hired Sporting Goods Intelligence to conduct a market overview study of Brazil to help brands look at business opportunities in the emerging South American market.
The 100-page study will be available through SGI and ISPO and will focus on segments in team sports, running, fitness, action sports, cycling and outdoor.
ISPO is also planning an information and matchmaking trip to Brazil during the fourth quarter to provide firsthand information from local sports, retail and business experts. The trip will also offer a direct overview of the retail environment and the chance to meet with local wholesalers and distributors. The program is based on a similar trip ISPO organized to China. ISPO is asking brands that are interested in pursuing opportunities in Brazil and South America to participate in an online survey at: http://www.iqsn.de/L1/cawi/ispobraz12ifad/1_1_1/DE.php.
ISPO organizes outdoor and sporting goods trade shows in Munich and Beijing, as well as ISPO Bike, held Aug. 16-19 in Munich.
