Japanese skiwear Co mulls entry into NA markets

22 Dec '09

3 min read

Japan sportswear producer, Goldwin is mulling an entry into the North American market for skiwear. Goldwin is positioning itself to take advantage of what it expects will be a growing interest in winter sports in North America, since next year's Winter Olympics will
be held in Canada.

The company is in the process of appointing distributors and will begin accepting order from January 2010 onwards and will focus on higher-end skiwear like the one it markets in the European Union.

Fibre2fashion spoke exclusively to Tom Nishida, official spokesperson based in Godlwin's headquarters in Japan who said, “Since Goldwin brand has already made itself known in European, Russian, Chinese and Korean market, it will even be strongly acknowledged as a world wide brand after launching in the North American market as well.

“Goldwin develop new fabrics and functionalities each season to keep offering new comfort to skiers and not only do we see North American market as a chance to expand our sales, but a new market where new opportunities exists which has got us all excited, therefore Goldwin will promote its products at SIA trade fair (2010 January) to the North American market.

When asked about the changing market trends in ski-wear market in Japan he said, “Because of Japan's good economical situation, market volume was a peak at the beginning of 90's, but since the collapse of Japan's overheated stock and real estate market, people started to cut their budget for winter sports. As per our estimates, there were about 14,000,000 skiers in 90's, but now it has dipped to just 2,000,000.

When asked about their unique selling propositions for the North American markets, he said, “We provide a new and high-value ski style. For example, as our core product we have the Adflex jacket (Knit down jacket), which is very stretchable and provides extreme warmth and we are also providing new detailing in the existing range to suit the colder climes of North America and these products will be showcased at the SIA trade fair.

“We will also begin sales to famous ski specialized stores with our high-class products and services starting with the 2010 season with the cooperation of our distributors and our functional and luxurious products need to be accepted in shops where high-end brands are welcomed with a certain understanding along with which we will also tie-up with North American magazines from the winter of 2010.”

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India

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