news Direct Golf on course for record year D
irect Golf is on target for a record financial year aſter posting increased year-on-year growth for the 10th consecutive month.
Turnover at the Huddersfield-based golf retailer
was up 27 per cent for June, compared with the same month last year – the ninth consecutive month this financial year that figures have shown an improvement – as the brand looks to continue its expansion by opening further stores in 2015. Direct Golf began the year with a flourish aſter
posting record-breaking winter sales figures and now sits 25 per cent up for the whole year, potentially paving the way for a record performance. Direct Golf, which was set up in 1991 by PGA Fellow professional John
Andrew, has reinvested substantially in the past year to improve the ‘customer experience’ and it is seeing a substantial return on that outlay, picking up a recent accolade for outstanding on-line customer service: the inaugural Oracle Retail Ruby award for ‘best in ecommerce convenience’. Earlier this year the company opened a new store in
Southampton – Direct Golf’s southern-most outlet and part of an expansion plan which will double the number of stores from 20 to 40 by 2018 – with at least one more new outlet scheduled for 2015. Meanwhile, a substantial investment in
refurbishment across the country has seen the introduction of new state-of-the-art apparel and footwear departments plus a ‘brand shop in shop’ experience. Founder John Andrew said: “I’m delighted that Direct Golf is continuing to defy the
overall downward trend in the golf industry while outperforming our competitors. It’s a very competitive marketplace and you have to get everything right to flourish and it’s testament to our staff and senior management team that we are able to target continued growth of the business in this way. “It’s also great news for our loyal customers who will continue to reap the benefits of our investment in bricks-and-mortar and on-line retailing, and on the award-winning customer service ethos within.”
New UK distribution for OGIO O
GIO has appointed Dutch- based distributor Approach Golf to handle its UK golf
distribution. Approach Golf has been mainland European Master Distributor for OGIO for a number of years, but has been appointed to handle all sales and distribution for the UK and Ireland with immediate effect. Aad Van Os, Owner of Approach
Golf, commented: “We have enjoyed great success with OGIO on the continent, but with the UK golf market representing the largest market in Europe, we feel there is a great opportunity for the brand. We are looking forward to growing the brands reach and distribution in the UK.” Mark Talarico, Global Vice President
International for OGIO, said: “We are delighted to have Aad and his team handle the sales and distribution for the brand in the UK for golf. We have worked closely with Approach Golf for a number of years and are confident they are the right people to help take the brand forward in such a key market.”
Approach Golf has moved quickly to
set-up Orange Golf Services Limited, a UK based entity, to service all UK customers and also to appoint a team of well-respected sales agents to carry the brand in the UK and Ireland. Stuart Macinnes will cover Scotland, with Douglas Bailie in Ireland, Steve Shaw for the North, David Westwood in the Midlands, Russell Hurd for the Home Counties and Richard Tinworth in the South. “It is important for the brand to have a base and sales support in the UK. That is why we have set-up a UK-based company to service this market and appointed such a strong team of sales agents. “OGIO has a great range of products, but until now distribution has been very
limited in the UK. With the right team now in place we are looking forward to welcoming onboard lots of new accounts who value premium quality golf bags and luggage in the UK and Ireland.”
www.ogio.com GolfBuddy renews support for the PGAs of Europe
including shows, events, tournaments, seminars and conferences - GolfBuddy is promoted to PGAs, their members and golfers across Europe. John Ennis, GolfBuddy head of global sales and marketing, said: “The
G
PGAs of Europe has a fresh, new look and is building an impressive multi- media communications platform with international reach. "It is sometimes difficult for brands to engage on an individual basis
with the so-called smaller PGAs, or their members, especially in countries where golf is in its early stages of development. "We believe working with the PGAs of Europe will enable us to showcase
8 SGBGOLF
olfBuddy has renewed its support for the PGAs of Europe as its ‘Official Handheld GPS Rangefinder’ and Corporate Partner. By working with the PGAs of Europe on a wide range of initiatives -
GolfBuddy and the benefits of DMDs to that audience in a strong and cohesive way. We are delighted to renew our agreement with them." GolfBuddy has already worked on a new partner channel on
www.pgae.com which contains information, news, videos and other important information about the brand and its products. Ian Randell, Chief Executive of the PGAs of Europe, commented: “The
PGAs of Europe is very pleased to be continuing the partnership with GolfBuddy as our ‘Official Handheld GPS Rangefinder’. “Our continued cooperation is of real benefit to both parties and this
extension will allow the introduction of an exclusive European-wide offer for PGA Professionals.”
www.golfuddyglobal.com
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