industry news
Onappoints new UK sales director S
wiss Running Shoe company, On, has appointed Olly Laws to the position of UK
sales director following an excellent year for the brand in the UK. Olly is a well-known figure within the running
industry both commercially and as an international athlete. He is perfectly placed to drive On forward in the UK. His previous roles include senior buyer at retail chain Runners Need and seven years at Asics. European head of sales Christian Bahr says: “We
have been on the hunt for a top notch sales head in the UK market for some time. Olly is undoubtedly a great fit for the role. On is the fastest growing brand in the running sector in Europe and we’ve
seen rapid expansion in the US so we have high expectations for the UK market this year.” On is following a strategy of selective
distribution, which has positioned the brand well with specialist retailers and as a premium brand. On’s goal is to provide retailers with the best service possible and a partnership to help increase sales for retailers. It is customer focused and offers an attentive, proactive and agile partnership at all levels, be it Sales and Tech, our Customer Service Team, or our marketing personnel. This is set against a backdrop of the many efficiency driven brands who are increasingly distancing themselves from their customers.
Fanatics re-brands Kitbag HQ T
he recent acquisition of e- commerce sports retailer
Kitbag by US company Fanatics has been re- endorsed by an official re-brand of the company and its Middleton-based premises to reflect its new life under the Fanatics banner. After an official unveiling of the new look to staff, the offices, warehouse and distribution centre received a full makeover to reflect the new status as the international arm of Fanatics’ billion-dollar operation. In the UK, Fanatics will continue to operate e-commerce, retail and event businesses with a series of high profile sporting partners including, but since February, staff on either side of the Atlantic have been working closely with new colleagues to establish a series of ‘quick win’ initiatives in the areas of digital marketing, technology, operations, buying and merchandising. The aim is to create a single organisation and an attitude that the company is calling ‘One Fanatics’. Andy Anson, who formerly acted as CEO of Kitbag and is now president of Fanatics
International said: “We’re committed to ensuring the new operation moves forward as a single, integrated company. The new era offers a refreshingly new commercial atmosphere and one that’s supported by a strong, striking brand.”
Skechers partners EB Brands for branded range
products, and workplace safety equipment, announced that they will partner to launch a full range of Skechers branded running, yoga and fitness products as well as a line of workplace safety gear and accessories. “We are thrilled to be partnering with Skechers,” said Steven Brigham, chief
L
executive officer at EB Brands. “It’s a timeless brand that stands for fitness and wellness and we are confident we can provide devoted fans with more of the quality products they have come to expect from the Skechers brand.” The line will focus on wellness, with products including yoga accessories, personal fitness gear and running and walking accessories and will launch at retail in early autumn 2016. “We’re excited to be partnering with a company like EB Brands because
they have outstanding product development and global distribution capabilities,” said Skechers president Michael Greenberg. “We look forward to expanding the Skechers brand into more product categories that provide our customers with additional ways to boost their personal fitness and wellness.”
hoenix Sporting Goods has bolstered its sales team with the appointment of two grass roots account managers for the UK, managing grass roots clubs, Intersport and STAG members. Dan Smith joins from Skins UK and will be managing the Midlands
Phoenix appoints new sales managers P
and North West area. He can be contacted on 07825 897774 or
dan@phoenixsportinggoods.com. Darren Cousins, ex-Northampton Cricketer (and formerly of Skins UK) will be managing the East Coast, Essex, Kent, London and Humberside area. He can be contacted on 07826 707371 or
darren@phoenixsportinggoods.com. Lee Crocker, general manager of Phoenix said: “I am delighted to have both Dan and Darren join the UK team. Their experience within the Sports Market will significantly strengthen our position in the market as Phoenix embarks on the next stage of its journey. I am confident that both Dan and Darren will be instrumental in driving our ambitious growth and development plans throughout 2016 and beyond.”
eading footwear and apparel brand Skechers USA and EB Brands, a top provider of innovative fitness, running and wellness
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