buying hockey


Kookaburra issues rallying call to retailers


Kookaburra has released a series of new products for the 2012/13 season. SGB visited Kookaburra to find out more.


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stablished since 1890, Kookaburra has been synonymous with


Australian sport. After the acquisition of Alfred Reader & Co Ltd, Kookaburra Sport is now the single largest cricket and hockey ball manufacturer in the world. Not content to rest on their laurels, 2012 promises to be an important year for the brand. The small matter of the Olympics will obviously be a huge driving force behind the hockey trade in 2012. For Kookaburra, they have the added advantage of being the sole supplier of hockey balls in London 2012. The new yellow Dimple Elite hockey ball is the only ball in the world with full FIH approval for use in International Competition. For retailers looking to capitalise on the Olympics, products endorsed under the Olympic umbrella will obviously be sought after. For Kookaburra Brand Manager


Stuart Waterton, the added incentive of 2012 being an Olympic year means the time is right for retailers to profit from the game. “Obviously more exposure


through the Olympics will be beneficial to the sport but there is an argument to be had that hockey is often under- appreciated by many retailers. With over 1000 clubs in England and a thriving colts structure, hockey is a sport retailers can


really make their mark in.” Waterton also added, “If


retailers choose to sell hockey products it gives the impression that they are a sport specialist. The game is also not costly in comparison to other sports such as cricket and golf.” With hockey also having the advantage of being non- gender specific and available to individuals of all ages, there certainly is the argument that the game if marketed and sold correctly, can be a profitable one. In cricket and hockey,


Kookaburra have marketed themselves on providing fresh, contemporary graphic designs yet not compromising technology. This year promises to be no different. For instance in the new I-bow hockey stick range, the Vendetta (RRP £180) combines the latest matrix technology with impressive new graphics. Although the stick will appeal to those looking for aesthetically pleasing products, the Vendetta still has all the playing characteristics needed at


choose to sell hockey products it gives the impression that they are a sport specialist. The game also is not costly in comparison to other sports such as cricket and golf


If retailers Hummel K-Leather 14 | SGB-SPORTS.COM


any level of competitive hockey. As well as sticks, Kookaburra’s


protection range has taken an overhaul with the new Phoenix and Dragon shinguards. The hand guards have also undertaken a makeover with Pittards leather incorporated to enhance comfort and grip. With hockey competing with


a variety of other sports this summer, there is the possibility the sport may be swamped by other more ‘fashionable’ activities. However there is an undeniably large core market base that can still be exploited with a sport that is fairly cost effective compared to others. Is that iconic Kookaburra bird singing in your shop? If not, it perhaps ought to be…


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