Northcore plans for the future
Northcore following their acquisition by B2C Distribution, sat down with Source, to explain their new set up and discus the state of the surf market.
Northcore has recently changed hands, please tell us about the new owners?
Northcore (www.northcore-europe.com), along with its distribution arm Left Point Distribution (www.leftpointdistribution.com), was acquired by B2C Distribution on May 5, 2023. With a 20-year history in the water sports sector and distribution networks across the UK, Europe, Australia and the US, B2C Distribution is a perfect match for Northcore and the brands distributed by Left Point Distribution. Northcore is back where it belongs, back in the hands of people who understand and value the core values of this great brand.
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Please tell us about the new set up?
The set up remains mostly unchanged with the majority of staff, manufacturing facilities and tech infrastructure retained. Rob King continues to be the main points of contact to the trade and the majority of distributors and agents have remained with the brand which along with the four B2C distribution centres has enabled the brand to return its global offering.
Lauren Garner and Matthew Hayes have joined in the role of brand managers. Both have a long standing history in the surf industry and are looking forward to taking the brand onto the next level. By being part of B2C Distribution we now have warehousing in the UK, EU, Australia and US resulting in the ability to move stock quickly and efficiently to our customers. And more importantly customers on the whole won’t incur any duty or customs delays on their orders.
Both the Northcore and Left Point Distribution websites have been integrated onto the B2C internal platforms enabling the brand to benefit from the 20 years of development skills and knowledge resulting in greatly improved functionality.
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What are currently the key product categories for the business?
Key products to the Northcore brand always align with what is essential to an outdoor enthusiast and are products we all use ourselves. Classics like the KeyPod, which protects your car keys when you are on the water or out on adventure, is forever at the top of our top sellers list. Along with the KeyPod, the Northcore Seat Covers are a staple in the catalogue too and it’s such a great feeling seeing car parks across the world full of seats protected with our range. It would be amiss of us not to mention the range of changing robes we have to offer too. From the original Beach Basha all the way through to the heavy duty Beach Basha Pro we have all bases covered.
The range of products we offer at Northcore is really what’s key to the brands success. We aim to develop a range of uncompromising products that are proven essentials. Our roots are in hardcore cold water surfing and adventure sports so we know what it takes to get out there in both attitude and the gear that’s essential.
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How has the UK market for Surf products performed over the last 6 months?
Our products have held strong and we have seen an upward trend in the last 6 to 12 months. Without a doubt, we have had challenges but with the teams knowledge and experience we have navigated through them. We’re looking forward to a great summer of waves flowing through to AW24 being a fruitful time for water goers and adventurers of all disciplines. There is positivity out there. Competitors are making positive moves, which is always a good sign for the entire surf and outdoor market.
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How are you finding sales in Europe?
With the introduction of the EU warehouse we have been able to achieve strong sales across Europe. The Deventer warehouse has been a huge win for us removing any red tape left over from BREXIT. A huge relief to all our customers and fans of the brand. Being able to service our customers across Europe and taking out an unnecessary issue has been key to our performance across Europe.
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What can we expect to come from Northcore in the next 12 months?
Without wanting to tease too much, the next 12 months will be a big one for Northcore and Left Point Distribution. As mentioned, both the Northcore (www.northcore-europe.com) and Left Point Distribution websites (www.leftpointdistribution.com) have a brand new platform for customers to use. The new B2B function will be a game changer for that part of the business. Watch this space!
From the Northcore perspective, over the next 12 months you will get to see some of the work we have been putting together with our new team of Ambassadors which includes; Logan Nicol, Caleb Gidden, Diego Balestro, the amazing Emily and Chris who run NE Surf and more!
We are continuing what is at our core, adventures, trips, fun content, amazing product that can’t be lived without once discovered and more! We’ll also be partnering on some events through the next 12 months, supporting some great causes and some events that are community lead, as we will refuse to forget that we are a community brand.
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