Cover Story: OPRO Q&A with
1. Who are OPRO? For over 15 years OPRO has been manufacturing custom fit mouthguards from our Hertfordshire headquarters. As well as supplying all 12 Aviva Rugby Premiership teams, OPRO provide mouthguards to international athletes and amateur sports men and women from all over the world. 2007 saw OPRO enter the retail market with the launch of the first self-fit mouthguard – the OPROshield.
2. What does the new partnership with Mueller mean for OPRO?
We are delighted to announce that we have taken over the UK distribution of leading sports healthcare specialist Mueller. It means that OPRO will have a greater offering of products in the marketplace –
which is exactly what we were looking for. We’re a growing business and we’ve already expanded our sales team to manage the extra workload. The combined medical and healthcare offering of OPRO and Mueller is a great prospect for retailers, combining a wealth of knowledge, technology and marketing expertise.
3. Have you implemented any initiatives to increase sales?
Mueller and OPRO are set to re-launch Mueller Sportscare in the UK and you will see lots of marketing activity and exciting announcements in the coming months. There is going to be an ongoing advertising campaign direct to consumers in a variety of different sports and to the outdoor market. Our sales team has been expanded both internally and externally to ensure we are customer focused continuing OPRO’s usual high levels of service. Whether you place an order, or make an enquiry by phone, fax or email, we’re ready to respond.
4. What products are planned for the future?
In conjunction with Progressive Sports, a design and research consultancy based in Loughborough University, we have been working on an innovative respiratory training device. Designed to provide added resistance against the muscles responsible for breathing, the device is adjustable thereby allowing the user to change the training load placed across those muscles. Results so far from members of the British Triathlon team have been positive with running economy improving by 6%.
5. What value-added services do you offer the retailer?
A consumer leaflet is to be launched this month for the Mueller range so customers can make informed decisions as to the level of support needed to make a purchase – which generally helps retailers. POS options tailored to individual stores will also be available. If an order is placed before 3pm a guaranteed next-day delivery service will be an option. And finally, staff training will also be encouraged for retailers who require it.
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www.sgb-sports.com
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