Airblaster, a Portland-based snowboard apparel manufacturer has announced that it will expand distribution of its Ninja Suit product line – consisting of functional one-piece long underwear suits–into the Outdoor Market, starting with its 2011/12 line. Airblaster co-Founder and Ninja Suit designer Jesse Grandkoski explains:
“Over the last 5 years, we’ve developed what we feel is the most functional long underwear on the planet. Whatever your cold-weather outdoor activity of choice, the Ninja Suit will make your experience better. Proof is in the fact that numerous competitors and copycats have realized the functionality of the Ninja Suit, and are entering the outdoor market with knock-offs or similar designs. Our goal is to establish the Ninja Suit as the original in its category, and to share our creation with adventurers everywhere.”
Besides developing a risk free buy-in / merchandising program targeted toward small-to-medium specialty shops, Airblaster has additionally hired an in-house Majors Rep, Clayton McCune, to focus on introducing the Ninja Suit line to large specialty outdoor chains. “We are looking at the Ninja Suit as separate brand almost. We feel it needs to be utilized in every aspect of outdoor recreation, be that hunting, fishing, climbing, cross country skiing etc. etc. By expanding this product to a greater market, we can continue to grow Airblaster in an organic, natural way within snowboarding.”
While its clear that the Ninja Suit product has great potential crossover, will the Airblaster brand cross over to the outdoor market? Says Grandkoski: “The Airblaster brand is based on fun and function. I think these ideals are pretty universal. I grew up cross-country skiing, hiking, backpacking, whitewater rafting, and now I’m split-boarding all I can. My Merino Ninja Suit is absolutely indispensable as a functional piece of gear. Plus–as any 10-year old can tell you — dressing like a Ninja makes everything you do significantly more awesome.”
