Bataleon Snowboards 2024/25 Preview

Retail Buyers Guide: Snowboards FW24/25 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: Bataleon
Interviewee: Rubby Kiebert sales director

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?

Given the strong sell-through and reorder demand last year, the snowboard market appears to be in a healthy state. Brands and retailers have successfully sold out most older products, emphasizing a clear focus on the promotion of new board releases.

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?

Being a rapidly expanding hardware brand, we’ve maintained a favorable relationship with our production partners, enabling us to avoid sudden, drastic price hikes. Our approach is gradual, and we prioritize close collaboration with our retail partners to determine the optimal pricing strategy for our brand.

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

Our strength lies in physical retail, and we remain committed to supporting our retailers who engage with snowboarders on the shop floor. While e-commerce plays a significant role, demanding unique solutions and strategies, we always maintain a focus on our valued brick-and-mortar partners.

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

So far, we have experienced robust sell-through, ensuring healthy stock levels. As we gear up for the upcoming winter season, our focus remains on providing comprehensive support to our retailers through our efficient online B2B ordering system. With increasing prebook orders and a greater market share, we acknowledge the responsibility to meet the rising demand for our boards and other product categories at the shops.

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?

Bataleon remains at the forefront of 3D snowboard shapes, propelling us continuously toward change and innovation, which remains our defining trait. Our recent endeavors include a comprehensive overhaul of our freeride line, alongside the reconfiguration of the popular plus series, now featuring the newly introduced women’s Push Up+. Furthermore, we have expanded our youth range by introducing the Evil Teen, ensuring the next generation of snowboarders can fully experience the advantages offered by our distinctive shapes.

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

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.

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

Once again, our 21st collection is curated by our creative director, Danny Kiebert, showcasing the continual evolution of his distinctive style throughout the range. For an in-depth exploration of this evolution, we recommend obtaining a copy of the Bataleon 20-year book. This special edition features every board ever produced by Bataleon, along with the background narratives behind each design, commemorating the brand’s 20th anniversary.

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

We are introducing a new board to the collection. The TURBO is a competition-specific model tailored for elite riders. Crafted with the demanding requirements of top pros in mind, this board offers a level of performance that may exceed the needs of the average rider, but it was a blast designing this with the team riders.

What is your top product marketing story for next season?

This season, we’re thrilled to announce we will product the inaugural Bataleon Team video, “Flat Earth.” This movie will stand as a testament to our unyielding dedication to snowboarding culture and our fervent support for the riders who define our identity.

Best Sellers/Hero/Key products

Goliath plus:

Experience the Goliath+, the Directional Twin that keeps getting better. With a lighter woodcore featuring AirRide Technology, increased carbon, and a lightning-fast base, it’s all about elevating your ride. Feel the speed, agility, and strength as you conquer the mountain like never before. Upgrade your ride with the Goliath+.

Whatever:

the Whatever’s outline looks strikingly directional, yet its contact surface is twin. It’s the ultimate ride for those seeking the best of both worlds. Perfect for park days, hot laps, or powder lines, the Whatever embodies versatility. Part of our genderless collection, it caters to riders of all sizes with an extensive length range.

Evil twin:

The Bataleon Evil Twin is a pioneer in 3D design and remains a timeless rider favorite. Continuously upgraded, it stays ahead of the curve. With carbon SuperTubes seamlessly integrated into the core and SideKick™, its agility and park prowess are unparalleled. This board is your trusty companion for conquering park features with style.