BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
Eighteen year-old British company Montane called this summer’s Friedrichshafen, Germany-set OutDoor show its best to date.
The show saw visitor numbers increase five per cent on 2010 – up to 21,520 – with 1,012 international journalists. The show takes place in the same location as this week’s Eurobike.
Montane was one of 890 exhibitors from 91 countries at the show. The firm, which produces goods in a number of disciplines including climbing, trail running and mountain biking, told BikeBiz that it is currently growing significantly across almost 30 territories overseas and will only get bigger.
Montane’s marketing director Paul Cosgrove told BikeBiz: “We had the best show on record by a long way. I know this sounds like the classic answer but it really was the case.
“Our new SS12 range has been exceptionally well received and we are experiencing excellent growth in the 28 markets around the world that we operate in.”
The firm recently revealed it was widening its product line-up, as Cosgrove explained to BikeBiz: “The big news is that we are producing rucksacks for SS12. It is the first time we have produced anything other than clothing and we are so excited about bringing them to market.
WEATHERING THE STORM
“It felt like a natural move for Montane to get into producing rucksacks. The extensive fabric and design knowledge that we have accrued and built up over the years has allowed us to produce four genuinely innovative and functional packs.
“We have been blown away by how well they were received and the order books already look fantastic. Furthermore, our clothing development continues unabated and we have again extended our ranges in eVent, Pertex Shield, Pertex GL and new leg wear styles among various other product lines.”
The success of the show in attracting more visitor numbers illustrated the fact that the outdoors market was continuing to stand up the economic storm, according to Cosgrove: “I think the real positive general trend is just how strong the outdoor sector continues to be considering the current economic climate.
“The positivity of buyers and manufacturers alike is so encouraging and we always come away from OutDoor so full of new ideas, inspiration and motivation. It’s great to be part of this special trade community.”
Next year’s instalment of the OutDoor Show will take place from July 12th through to 15th, once again in Friedrichsahfen, Germany.
Montane: 01670 522 300
