Sole Technology today said it is taking over direct distribution of two of its brands in Germany, a market the company called increasingly important for its brands.
The move expands Sole Tech’s direct distribution efforts in Europe. The company previously went direct in the U.K., Spain, the Netherlands and Denmark.
The move means it is ending its contracts with distributors Holy Sports and Beatnuts in Germany.
The change is effective January 1.
Here is the company’s press release:
Sole Technology, the maker of etnies, éS, Emerica, ThirtyTwo and Altamont, proudly announce their plans for direct distribution of the etnies and ThirtyTwo brands in Germany.
SoleTechnology Germany (STDE) will be effective from January 1st 2010. STDE will be responsible for all sales and marketing activities in Germany for etnies and ThirtyTwo only.
This announcement follows previous moves to distribute direct in the UK, Spain, the Netherlands and more recently Denmark.
Germany is one of the most important markets in Europe for SoleTechnology and selling direct will allow more control over the brands and strengthen etnies and ThirtyTwo across Customer Service, Marketing and Sales for all existing and new potential customers in Germany.
Through previous experiences of going direct, SoleTechnology knows it can offer the retailer a higher level of service across sales and marketing. This has led to growth in all the direct markets. SoleTechnology Europe will be expecting the same focus and growth for the German retailers.
Going direct in Germany implies that SoleTechnology Europe is parting ways with the existing etnies distributor Holy Sports GmbH and the ThirtyTwo distributor Beatnuts.
For the etnies brand, Sole Technology will deliver all Spring 10 orders that have already been placed by German retailers with Holy Sports. Moving forward from January 1st 2010, Sole Technology Europe will take care of all future etnies orders and deliveries.
For the ThirtyTwo brand, Beatnuts will take care of all remaining
Fall / Winter 09 deliveries.
From January 1st 2010, Sole Technology Europe will take care of all future ThirtyTwo orders and deliveries.
More communication will follow to German customers upon completion of this transition.
In the meantime when any questions arise, the management of SoleTechnology Europe can be contacted at info@soletechnology.eu or by phone at +31 (0)20 355 1100
SoleTechnology Europe would like to thank Holy Sports and Beatnuts for their hard work and commitment over the last many years.
