Rome Snowboard Bindings 2024/25 Preview
Retail Buyers Guide: Snowboard Bindings 2024/25 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: Rome
Interviewee: Matt Stillman, Omnipotent Narrator
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?
Going in the winter of 23/24 I would describe the global snowboard market as continued success and seeing the sort of gradual return to normal after the Covid boom. Earlier shipping timelines seem to match general seasonal customer engagement levels and keeps retailers stoked as well. It feels like everyone is eagerly watching the European weather and markets to see how they might rebound after such a tough year, but stoke is high and vibes are positive.
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?
Nothing really groundbreaking has happened with our pricing, sourcing or logistics, which we view as a positive in the sense of holding the line.
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Is e-commerce sales still strong since most brands have been put a lot of effort in physical retail?
Both continue to be treated with equal importance and balance each other nicely.
Past last winter and the lack of snow in Europe, what’s your overall sales and production/inventory strategy for 24/25?
Nothing has changed in our overall sales, production or inventory strategy.
BINDING SPECIFIC
Are you introducing any new innovations in buckles, straps, highbacks, bases baseplates, heelcups, etc.?
This year, our binding line features some new developments by expanding on the ‘Pro Collection’ format, with the inclusion of the new Katana Pro, Trace Pro and Hydra Pro models.
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Any quick entry bindings in your collection for 24/25?
Nope, not yet but are continuing to explore all options for future developments.
Any new design or pattern approaches in your 24/25 gear? Any collabs on the line?
For the 24/25 line we’re pleased to expand our Pro Collection, building on the name recognition and success of key models in our line, like the Katana. The Katana Pro features boosts of Carbon fill in both the baseplate and highback for a lighter and more responsive ride, with the same unique customisation options the Katana is known for. The Hydra Pro and Trace Pro feature Kink Ladder straps on the ankles to allow for two different ankle strap positions and feature upgraded toe straps. We also revamped the highback on the Guild and Brass bindings to give them a modern visual profile and increased response.
Are you planning to focus on a special product range or type of customers?
Our binding line has always been designed around the idea of having an offering for every riding style, at as many price points as we can realistically cater to. Adjustability and responsiveness are the unique selling points in our binding category and the new Pro Collection helps expand those offerings to more riders.
What are your top product marketing stories for next season?
Our key marketing stories for the 24/25 collection focus on the expanded Pro Collection. We have had great success with the Katana binding, and we look forward to the hype around the Katana Pro. The introduction of the Trace Pro and Hydra Pro solidified the HeelWrap platform as an approachable, ride-everything platform with options for every riding level and budget.
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