Slowtide On Growing Their European Presence
Source talks with Dario Phillips from Slowtide to discuss their growing presence in the European market and what they are doing to gain greater consumer reach. Phillips also touches on some of their highlights over the past 18 months and what’s new for this summer season.
How’s the business with Slowtide?
Business is great. We have seen a very positive increase in our European business. We continue to grow with our existing independents and are successfully opening new accounts across Europe. In the USA our top accounts are REI, Urban Outfitters along with premium surf independents, so we are trying to mirror that in Europe.
Anything new with personnel or distribution/sales agents in Europe?
We have two new distributor partnerships this year. One in Spain with Indusnow and in Italy, Greece we have Blue distribution
What have been the highlights of the past 18 months?
Growing our account base and seeing strong sell-through at independent and major retail along with collaborating with world-class brands and artists like Chippa Wilson, Acacia, Grateful Dead.
What collabs/artwork are you pushing for summer 2019?
For Summer 19 we have collaborations with Kevin Lyons, Mollusk, Risk, Clark Little, Grateful Dead, and Tori Praver:) These collaborations really help expand our customer reach.
Anything new with products?
We recently launched a 100% recycled travel towel, polar fleece blanket, and a yoga mat towel that all have been performing extremely well. We also have expanded our successful changing poncho offering with a Turkish cotton poncho ideal for summer temperatures. For Holiday 19, we have expanded our blanket offering ideal for the gift-giving season and colder climates.
How are you targeting boardsports retailers?
We are the perfect accessory to compliment any retailer that carries surf or swim. With our product offering including blankets and ponchos and the fact that towels are used year round our holiday business is very strong as it is perfect once size fits all gift. We offer retail fixtures to volume retailers that help display and drive merchandising and sell through. The changing ponchos are also a great add on to any wetsuit sale.
Which European markets have been working best for you?
The main markets we are performing well in are surf/beach, action sports lifestyle, fitness/yoga, and homeware. The key countries for us are the UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, and France.
