Against the background of the current crises caused by the global spread of COVID-19 and the challenges the outdoor industry is facing, Equip Outdoor Technologies, owner of outdoor brands Rab and Lowe Alpine, has set up a risk management action plan to support its retailers and issued the following release:
“The health and safety of our community – retail partners, consumers, staff and athletes – is Equip’s number one priority. Following Government advice on COVID-19, we have implemented measures such as home office working for almost the entire team, social distancing policies as well as rigorous cleaning protocols.
“Furthermore, as part of the Risk Management Action Plan, Equip has decided that any remaining orders of the ongoing spring/summer season will not be shipped unless they are explicitly requested by the retailer. This will help retailers keep their stock at a reasonable level during this period of reduced demand and enforced store closures. Currently, Equip’s warehouses in the UK, the U.S. and the Netherlands are open, and carriers continue to operate in all markets where local restrictions allow.
“To offer further support retailers at this exceptional time, Equip will allow a stock return of up to 50 percent of their SS20 invoiced forward orders at the end of the summer season. This offer is made to help retailers manage their season end stock risk, to help maintain the value of Rab and Lowe Alpine in the market and to assist retailers in their planned transition into AW20 ranging.
“Due to the dynamic developments around the spread of the Coronavirus, Equip’s senior management team is constantly monitoring and adapting its strategy to best react to the given challenges. Equip will continue to keep its retailers informed about our supportive initiatives on a regular basis.”
Neil McAdie, global sales sirector at Equip, explained: “At the moment, we are facing an unprecedented global situation, severely affecting society and business alike. Our main goal is to contribute to public health as well as to help our partners in retail overcome this severe crisis. This will be an extremely tough period for all of us, but we want to emphasize that we care about our retail partners and their long term existence.”
