Norden 2023 Wing Preview
Retail Buyers Guide: Wing 2023 Retail Buyer‘s Guide
Brand: Norden
Interviewee: Andy Wirtz CEO & Product Designer
What are the main trends in wing foiling, in terms of riding styles?
I guess Freestyle at first, Racing will grow but Downwind and Surf are the roots.
What customer profile is driving more product demand at the moment (newcomers/experienced, kite/wind riders/exclusive wingfoilers)?
Most definetly new comers, mostly with windsurf and surf background but also people from snowboarding and skating. Kiters at last, as the windlimit with kite-foiling is lower then with wingfoiling.
In what market section do you expect the biggest growth?
I think beginners and intermediates will be the key markets like in any other sport. In terms of riding style it will be plane and simple freeriding, also same as in many other sports.
How popular are and will become land variants of the sport?
The question is, do you need a wing to snowboard, ski or skate? In the beginning there will be curiosity and interest but on a long term it is hard to predict, guess like kites attracked land sports, so similar potential.
Which of your wings are selling well and why?
We only selling wave/surf wings but these type of wings are also great for beginners, so they cover both markets.
How many wing designs will you offer this year?
Only one design
SEAFLIGHT
What are the main trends in Wing construction, materials and design that the industry is progressing towards?
Anything that is light, cause light just flys better.
What materials and construction techniques are you using this year? Will you launch any innovations for 2023?
At the moment we are trying to find a good balance between durability, light weight and affordable price.
Any standout graphics, artwork collaborations or pro models in your current collection?
Keep it simple, keep it clean, we do not believe in too much graphics in or on a product.
Have you implemented any new sustainable practices in your production and shipping processes?
We don´t use any plastics in our packaging, just card board and paper. All wings come in back packs, that get packed in a recycling bag made from PET bottles and can also be reused for many things, wet suits, dirty laundry, shopping etc.
How are you supporting retailers to sell this category?
Same as in all other products we sell, simple and clear. We try to offer as much as wanted but as little as needed. The larger the program, the more difficult it is for a retailers to have stock and give new comers any advice in terms of what gear to buy. The market is 90 % beginners, so they don´t want to be confused with too many options.
Futarama 5’ft
Have you suffered any stock or delivery issues due to supply chain bottlenecks? If so, what solutions have you implemented?
We getting enough stock in, just the shipping time takes 3 times as long, not to forget the shipping rates that are still 8-10 times as high. With the cost of living on the rise and a war in the back of our minds, the market is pretty slow and needs to start selling which hasn’t happened yet. We hope we won´t have a flooded market with too many products for too little demand again.
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