p12,13 Trade talk:p12,13 Trade talk 29/12/2008 12:00 Page 13
www.sgb-sports.com
SGB Sports Retail - TRADE TALK
Sports and Outdoor
customer for more, perhaps better known as the I am sure that he will discuss this more with the powers
‘revolving door’. MD Steve Raven, himself once an that be. Simon Mason, Director of Mercian Sports, was
international canoeist and Simon Bradeley, sales team originally sponsored when he was 13, by Mercian. He
manager, ex-professional cyclist, and twice the Guinness certainly knows a thing or two about the game having
world record holder for indoor cycling, did not take long represented Great Britain in the 1996, 2000 and 2004
to convince me that carboSHOTZ energy gel which they Olympics, and gaining a number of bronze medals in the
claim stimulates the mind, fuels the body and generally Commonwealth and European games. In 2003 he was in
makes one feel good will also improve the sellers’ cash the winning team for Reading Hockey Club, winners of
flow and bottom line too. Also on show was a full range of the European Cup. He finished his hockey career in 2004
PowerLung Sport product, a device that allows increased when he joined Mercian who had a great display of their
breath support helping to strengthen one’s breathing stick range although they seem to have left their Goalie
muscles. And if any independent retailer genuinely stick behind. Simon was adamant that they have sticks ‘at
believes that he can neglect these and similar products every price for every player’. He is the taller one in the
and still compete with the multiples it may be time to take picture, holding – but not on – ‘Fire’ and Terry who by
a deep breath himself and think again. This, yes this, is now will be eligible for the ‘Over 65’ brigade, is a little
shorter. He is carrying – but not in – a ‘Storm’. The
characteristics of the ‘Fire’ are truly astounding. The blurb
states that ‘if a player were to hit a ball constantly for 24
hours…’, but just a minute please guys, let's not go down
that path today!
Rather, lets go to the end of the alphabet and zee for
ourselves what Zoggs are up to on the waterfront. On the
stand I met the delightful Rachel Jenkins, UK Field Sales
Manager, though quite why a swimwear company should definitely coming from him. Does he include
have a ‘field’ sales manager is rather hard to fathom. There ventriloquism in his repertoire? He showed me his ‘no-
was not time to feast my eyes on the swimwear and as on blow’ whistle, operated by a simple button. This is not
previous occasions I lamented the absence of the lovely April 1st. and this is no gimmick. Its potential, I suggest, is
models of yesteryear. It was always interesting to have outstanding. Referees can ‘no-blow’ it while talking to a
them parade close to the heart rate monitors. I did note player. Teachers can not only save their breath but can
with special satisfaction, however, that thanks to Lutex pass it from child to child without upsetting ‘elth an’
chlorine-proofed fabric , swimmers are challenged to out safetee’ who fear the passing of some dreadful disease.
swim their Zoggs garment’s 1000 hours in the pool. Heaven only knows how we are all still alive to tell the tale!
Perhaps we should take their word for it. Peripheral vision But this was my final whistle where it all had to stop. I
what specialisation is all about and I cannot emphasise in the water wearing swim goggles has always been a made a note to allow longer at the show next time. I made
too much the part it can play in the survival and success problem but thanks to CLT lens technology swimmers a brief farewell to Ward Robertson. We agreed how
of the Independent. Pardon the pun, but there is neither can enjoy up to 180° all round sight with constant visual staggeringly successful from every point of view this
space or time to detail their Timex multisport collection. clarity. ‘CLT’, you ask? Another set of initials. Yes, and buying show had been. We knew that there were bound to
The watch incorporating a Heart Rate monitor is, I was when you’ve finished guessing, check out the upside down be some problems as a result of the uncertain (or some
told, unique in the trade and the breadth of their answers at the bottom of the page. That is the third and would say certain) economic situation. But I left confident
collection is mind boggling, more than enough for a last of Jack’s New Year Quiz Questions! They certainly in the knowledge that the four pillars would be strong and
feature devoted entirely to it – if only space and time proved their worth at the Beijing Olympics coming close flexible enough to enable the trade to weather any storm
permitted. to a nose ahead when worn by Jan Frodeno in the and that when conditions calmed, with our own
Triathalon event. Look out for a one-off special all-white Olympics on the horizon, there would be good times
I caught up with Terry and Sandra Howlett of Howlett version as worn by Jan which is set to be another ahead and even gold to be won and that hopefully not too
Sports in Dovercourt, Essex. Their business was started by swimming off shop shelves. But Zoggs don’t simply much would have to be passed on to HM Treasury.
Terry’s father in 1946, moving to its present site in 1952. celebrate past success or even dwell on fashion and
He took over running the business in 1971 and is an function in the water. Children are looked after too with May it be a Happy and Somewhat Prosperous New Year.
enthusiastic member of STAG. In September this year he ranges of water confidence games, buoyancy inflatables, The best of good health and all good wishes until ‘Jack
was in the winning team of the England Grand Masters mini kickboards, dive sticks, even a non edible flexible meets…’ again in 2009.
‘Over 60’s Hockey’ Champions team, beating Australia in foam noodle for pool fun.
the finals 4 – 1 , in Hong Kong. It would have been worth
coming to the show to hear such a good news story. The WOW! Going home time already? Well, I can hear a
Jack welcomes your comments and is always glad to
game was played on water-based astro turf. Terry used a whistle, that’s for sure. Could this be the ghost of
discuss your ideas, problems and concerns, either
Mercian Manta stick and turns up regularly for Colchester yesteryear’s STAG shows? I see Bob Hope of Molten
person to person, or in print.
where his position is ‘Left Defence’, which reminded me of Sports beckoning to me. His hand is on a button and the
If there is anyone you would like him to meet or any
my early days searching for a left-handed hockey stick. shrill blasts of the whistle stopping and starting are most
product to write about please contact
Why I could not find one and the reason why the other The Editor or Jack (writeawayjack@aol.com).
. gy o l o n h c e T s n e L d e v r u C r o f d n a t s s l a i t i n i e s o h t d n A
club for which he plays is called the LX Club may be
His articles do not necessarily reflect the views of
. b u l c ’ s r e y a l p y e k c o h s ’ 0 6 r e v o e h t r o f s i b u l c X L e h T
found upside down at the bottom of this article. This was,
the publishers and are not ‘advertorials’. They are
. 0 6 = 0 1 X 6 0 1 r e b m u n s i ’ X ‘ 6 r e b m u n n i t a L e h t s i ’ L ‘
he told me, “a great show in a great venue” . He did
not seen prior to publication by any person or firm to
. d e d n a h - t h g i r d e y a l p y l n o s i y e k c o H
wonder if the recession might attract some names who
whom they may refer. : s r e w s n a n w o d e d i s p u e h T
had not yet joined the list of suppliers to “think again” and
DECEMBER 2008 13
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