Clew Snowboard Bindings 2024/25 Preview
Retail Buyers Guide: Snowboard Bindings 2024/25 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: Clew
Interviewee: Clew marketing
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?
At CLEW, we’ve experienced a significant surge in our brand’s growth over the past 5 years, with remarkable worldwide support fueling our motivation daily. Despite the challenges of increased raw material costs and transportation issues, we’ve steadfastly adhered to our “Made in Germany” ethos, allowing us to uphold our commitment to quality and social responsibility. This approach has been vindicated, especially during the difficult years of 2021 and 2022, and we take pride in the integral role of the workshop for people with disabilities in Miesbach in our production process.
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 confronted the blizzard of rising production costs with a bold defiance, fortifying our local manufacturing ethos. This philosophy has reaped rewards beyond measure — establishing trust, fostering sustainability, and creating a product line that speaks volumes of our values. Our manufacturing heartbeat in Miesbach/Weilheim is not just a facility; it’s a haven where innovation meets social responsibility, and where every product is imbued with a sense of purpose.
Is e-commerce sales still strong since most brands have been put a lot of effort in physical retail?
Our e-commerce presence continues to thrive, bolstered by a strategy that combines direct-to-customer sales with strong local dealer partnerships. This model supports our regional ethos and protects our retailers from undue price competition.
After last winter and the lack of snow in Europe, what’s your overall sales and production/inventory strategy for 24/25?
As we carve our path toward the 24/25 season, we’re doing so with an expansive vision. Our strategy is not just about meeting demand; it’s about pioneering it, setting new industry benchmarks with our blend of artistry and engineering. Our inventories are poised to cater to the call of the mountains, ensuring that every turn, every jump, and every ride is powered by CLEW’s unwavering commitment to excellence.
BINDING SPECIFIC
Are you introducing any new innovations in buckles, straps, highbacks, bases baseplates, heelcups, etc.?
Innovation is the north star for our product development, guiding us through the exploration of pioneering materials and cutting-edge designs since our founding year. The promise of tomorrow is written in the trails of our relentless testing and prototyping, always seeking the next breakthrough.
Are you using any new materials in your bindings for 24/25?
Innovation is a constant pursuit for CLEW, and they have indicated that developing new products and experimenting with new materials is a continuous process. They are committed to progress, regularly testing out new ideas and prototypes throughout the year, whether in simulation or on the mountain.
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