Yes Snowboards 2024/25 Preview

Retail Buyers Guide: Snowboards FW24/25 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: Yes
Interviewee: David Pitschi Brand Manager

OVERALL

How would you describe the current state of the snowboard market? What big developments, changes, challenges, and/or opportunities are you seeing and how is your brand navigating them?

The current market is somewhat holding it’s breath I think the menace of inflation and less disposable income is something we all are looking at closely. There is also the hangover from the great post covid years that has slown down somewhat. But the return of the interest in freestyling and backyard riding is bringing focus on twin boards and accessible freestyle.

Following overall price increase, any positive developments with regards to manufacturing, sourcing, or logistics and the changes you’ve made? Are there any examples you can share of how your business pivoted effectively? What developments are you seeing with regards to product pricing?

We’ve managed to weather the blow with some scale economies, some creative budgeting and optimizing our board builds. This allows us to remain competitive in our price range. Plus the merging with Lobster has also brought new technologies to the brand so we add the excitement to the optimisation of pricing and we are pretty happy on what we are offering the consumer for 24/25

Is e-commerce sales still strong since most brands have been put a lot of effort in physical retail?

E-commerce is still strong and will remain strong moving forward but it will never replace the brick-and-mortar retail. Riders need to exchange with experts and people who live the lifestyle to be able to make an educated decision. Stars, likes, and comments are good but a conversation with a shop pro will always have it’s importance.

After last winter and the lack of snow in Europe, what’s your overall sales and production/inventory strategy for 24/25?

We are fortunate enough to have a good inventory. We have some strategic carryovers and keep our bookings close to the market need.

SNOWBOARD SPECIFIC

What trends or developments are you seeing with regards to board construction, shapes, and general innovation? How is this shaping your 24/25 range?

I think twin boards are making a comeback, we’re seeing more and more riders going back to the classical camber twin. I think the side hit and flat trick trend is getting strong with the consumers for the next couple of winters. Our 24/25 range defentively reflects that trend with softer boards for the flat riders and the introduction of Y3D bases where riders can find a looser catch in the nose and tail so they can get on and off rails easily without loosing the benefits of camber.

Anything new concerning sustainability and related product or construction you would like to highlight?

We do a lot of development with boards and bindings our factory is solar powered, we strive to bring the most sustainable product to the market.

Are you using any new materials in your hardware for 24/25? If so, what and why? We’re interested in anything new in inserts / edges / cores / sidewalls / glue / resin/ wood types / base material / top sheet / etc. here.

The main technology we’re introducing this year is our Y3D bases with the sidekick technology associated to it. We’re benefiting from those technologies thanks to the merge with Lobster. Y3D is a the YES 3 dimensional base, it brings more playfulness in the park boards and more floatation in the powder boards. The sidekick technology helps the rider have a smooth ride in chatter by flushing out the excess snow before the edge catches.

Any new design or pattern approaches in your 24/25 gear? Any collabs on the line?

Yes as said previously the Y3D is our main new technology. Most our boards are collaborative works with artists close to the riders. We’ve collaborated with Mark Kowalchuck who made the jackpot that comes with a sticker pack to finalise the board’s design. JPS collaborated with Richard Bentley who designed a “little red riot hood” to show the state of the world today. We even have collab with the famous Icelandic Supermarket chain called bonus

Are you planning to focus on a special product range or type of customers? What’s your newest range?

In this year one of the merge we have made a strategic move to talk to the younger audience and the more freestyle part of the snowboarding offer. We have multiple twin and directional twin boards to fit all freestylers out there.

What is your top product marketing story for next season?

The introduction of Y3D in the mix is our big addition to the product offer this year.

Airmaster

Halldor PRO

Standard UnInc DC XTRM