Ride Snowboards 2024/25 Preview

Retail Buyers Guide: Snowboards FW24/25 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: Ride Snowboards
Interviewee: Stefan Schauer, Marketing Coordinator

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?

The snowboard market is still growing. During the Covid pandemic people learned the true value of being able to be outdoors and enjoying the mountains. This is still remaining in people’s mind. However, we are now facing some big environmental challenges caused by the climate change. The shift of the winter season towards spring is one of the big challenges we must deal with right now.

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?

There is a lot happening at RIDE’s structure right now. We are always looking for ways to improve our processes and proceedings to make them as efficient as possible. Regarding the product pricing, our goal is to give the customer the best product possible for a fair price.

Ride Shadowban

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

Since we are living in the digital age, e-commerce stays strong for sure. People like the convenient idea of buying stuff online but it heavily depends on the product type. For a snowboard it probably doesn’t matter if you but it online or in person because you cannot try it anyways. For buying boots a shop has the big benefit that customers can try if it fits or not. Therefore, RIDE uses both, e-commerce and physical retail to give the customers the best support possible.

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

Keep on producing good stuff. We have great products. We’re gonna sell them.

Ride Zero

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?

We already offer a diverse range of shapes, ensuring every customer can find the board that suits them best. However, there is substantial potential in developing board materials that are lighter, stronger, and more sustainable.

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

We’re all about that constant upgrade. Perfection’s a myth, but we’re grinding every day, getting better every day.

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.

A lot of innovation happened for bringing out our 24/25 products. Stay tuned and find out yourselves!

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

We rocked some awesome collabs this year, and guess what? Next year’s lineup is gonna be epic too. Stay tuned!

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

RIDE’s products cater to a diverse range of riders. Every customer will find a board that fits them perfectly