SURF Line Kiel

What particular product has been the best seller and why?

High end wetsuits, skate longboards, SUP boards, high end harnesses kite and windsurf. However the board shorts did not sell so well because of the bad summer (weather) so far. In fact clothing in general is quite calm because we feel that the fashion trends right now are just in other directions.

What is your best selling accessory category?

Harness and wetsuits.

What percentage of your sales are from online business (requests) compared to your in-store sales?

10 – 15 % from online business.

What are the benefits of having a physical shop over simply having an online store?

The contact to the customer and the emotions you can transfer whilst selling items for a sport you do yourself. One which you love and enjoy too. Yo

u can not transfer that same feeling purely via an online shopping cart….

How is your store different to your competitors?

We only sell items that we trust we believe in the performance it has to offer. We do not sell products that we do not believe in and that we do not find fulfills it’s requirements. Most of the items are either tested or used by one of our members of staff (surf, skate windsurf, kite surf, snowboard). We do spend a lot of time in the water or on the mountains and I guess we can transfer this to the customer. We pretty much have close to zero warranty claims nor any unsatisfied customer returns.

Up and coming trends?

Shorter SUP boards, more drop through skate longboards, more stretch in the new high end wetsuits and complete zipper-less entry systems and STILL very short short boards under 6 feet.

What kind of advice can you give other independent retailers who are trying to compete against the big box megastores?

Stick to your roots and sell items you are more than 100% convinced with. Also, go surfing/skating/snowboarding more and meet your customers on the beach or on the mountain so you´ll have an even bigger reputation because you are the guy that sells real eqipement for his dream holiday.

Which up and coming brands do you hope to stock in the future?

Already stocking ‘Oh Dawn’ from Denmark , ‘Colour Wear’ is on the wish list.

What makes your store so appealing and why?

Being a great tea

m and honest for 15 years… we have a good reputation.

What have been the best three selling categories for you in the last 12 months?

Wetsuits, harness, and longboards

Please tell us of any upcoming events etc? 

We have a yearly season opening in November when the new snow-stuff arrives and   an end of season sale in August when we have free drinks and food “saufen und kaufen”means so far getting drunk and getting good deals.