Supplier Update
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Starting with the Clip ’n Climb deal, Ropes Courses market
development manager, Lori Gunthorp explained how it all came about. She said: “John Targett, owner of Clip ‘n Climb and Ropes Courses owner Jim Liggett, have known each other for years. Both companies offer products that cater to families and there is an overwhelming advantage for facilities to operate both attractions with minimal overhead cost. Targett realised that RCI had a strong presence in the US family entertainment market, and that it would be in both parties’ interest for us to introduce the climbing challenges to our customer base and expand from there.” It’s an ambitious move by the fi rm, and despite the similarity of the offering, creates a need for the fi rm to expand in terms of staff, output, marketing and sales. “We’ll be expanding in the new year with the expectations of increasing the opportunity for sales to our existing and future client base,” explained Gunthorp. “We will serve as the sole North American manufacturer once we’re up and running. We expect to have this all ready by January 2018. We will distribute Clip ‘n Climb to anyone in North and South America. We can also distribute to customers in Spain, Germany and Australia with written approval from relevant distributors in those areas and any other country.” There will still be involvement from Clip ’n Climb,
particularly in the initial stages, until Ropes Courses has its manufacturing plans properly in place. “We have a great working relationship with John Targett and his New Zealand team. We will use their knowledge and expertise to guide us as we start the process of manufacturing in Michigan.” What won’t change is the branding. The fi rm will still be
using the Clip ’n Climb brand, and Ropes Courses will be sold alongside it. “We’ve discovered a lot of our customers are trying to evolve their facilities with more and more fun attractions that keep their guests on site longer. By diversifying our family of products, we’re able to fi ll that need for our current customers and future clients.” Clip ‘n Climb is fairly new in the US, with just under two dozen sites in all of North America while RCI has over 160. “We feel that a lot of our customers will be very interested in this new product offering from us and we’re excited to share the possibilities,” said Gunthorp.“RCI is already a market leader, so we are able to bring this new product to the market with the traction we already have.” The fi rm sees huge potential in the climbing walls market
in the US. “It’s different from traditional climbing walls at adventure facilities and climbing gyms,” Gunthorp believes, “because those are really meant for the experienced climber. Clip ‘n Climb challenges, like our Sky Trail ropes courses, offer an experience to individuals that are new to the adventure world. Kids as young as two to four can experience a Sky Tykes ropes course. Same goes for Clip ‘n Climb climbing challenges. We bring new types of attractions to the family entertainment market that are perfect for birthday parties, team building groups, and those that may have never been able to participate in the traditional world of climbing. “
Export potential With products already selling into more than 25 countries, Ropes Courses is no stranger to the export market, and it believes that Clip ’n Climb has huge potential not only in the US, but in South America too. “South America is a huge untapped market for both Sky Trail ropes courses and Clip ‘n Climb challenges. We now have a dedicated sales representative based out of Puerto Rico. He has a wealth of
JANUARY 2018
knowledge of the culture and values of the region as a native to the area and having been working in the entertainment business for many years. He works with companies in the water park, amusement park, shopping centre, resort and tourism markets as they consider their options to drive family entertainment.” With two signifi cant and rapid-fi re deals under its belt, the
likelihood is that Ropes Courses will be too busy integrating two new brands into its line-up to make any other big moves in the foreseeable future. But with its gaze fi xed fi rmly upwards, you never know what might turn up next.
An Amaze’n Acquisition
In addition to its deal with Clip ‘n Climb, Ropes Courses has acquired Colorado- based Amaze’n Mazes for an undisclosed sum. More than 70 Amaze’n Mazes have been designed and installed in 24 US states and nine international locations, featuring innovations such as aqua mazes and custom- designed elements to blend with the maze surroundings. It will continue to use the name Amaze’n Mazes, and founder Greg Gallavan will continue as a consultant to RCI to provide operational guidance on design, construction, and themes. “RCI is a top-notch company that can take Amaze‘n Mazes to the next level and bring our unique combination of a human maze topped by a Sky Trail high ropes course to a wider audience,” said Gallavan.
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Opposite page and Below: Clip ‘n Climb Sky Trail, Berwick Australia
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