Hi-Tec is highlighting its growing strength and performance within the athletic and outdoor footwear markets.  According to a company release, Hi-Tecs Athletic footwear sales rose by 63% and Hi-Tecs Outdoor footwear sales rose by 48% against the comp period in 2009.

 

Hi-Tec European CEO Martin Binnendijk suggested that Hi-Tecs continued focus on the independent retailer through investment in enhanced sales support and marketing initiatives has enabled the brand to maximize potential opportunities.

 

Part of the Q1 increase came from strong gains with buying groups.  During the first quarter of 2010 Hi-Tec reported a 35% increase in business with STAG buying group members, based on the same period last year.

 

This is fantastic news and thanks go to all of the STAG and FREEDOM members, we have been delighted with the sales performance of our Outdoor product and look forward to launching a new global marketing proposition later on this year, said Binnendijk.

 

The Outdoor range from Hi-Tec has become an integral part in the growth of Freedom in the last 12 months, offered Ricky Chandler, STAG / FREEDOM joint managing director. Excellent product quality and innovation is backed by first class customer service and marketing initiatives. Freedom members really have seen the huge benefit that Hi-Tec Outdoor can bring to their businesses. We are working very closely with Hi-Tec to ensure this growth continues.

 

In other Hi-Tec news, the company has confirmed that Charles Willis, who was announced last month as the companys new Outdoor Creative Director, will join Hi-Tec effective June 14, 2010.  Willis is joining the company from Merrell where he most recently served as group vice president-creative director.

 

In conjunction with the addition of Willis, Hi-Tec has confirmed that Hy Rosario, global outdoor category director, will be leaving the company in order to seek new challenges and opportunities.