With sales for summer 2003 up 60 percent over Indigo Equipments already aggressive projections and a North American dealer base that has nearly doubled in the past year, the up-and-coming outdoor products manufacturer continues to chart a successful entry into the four-season outdoor market.
Along with growing interest among retailers and consumers in North America, Indigo is also growing its international distribution. This spring, Indigo will be working with new distributors in France and Korea, adding to its already established distribution networks in Japan and Scandinavia.
“Were seeing positive results in North America, but also in international markets” Indigo co-founder Steve Kropf said. “You have to be an exciting brand in your home market before theres interest in overseas markets, and thats happened a lot quicker than we expected.”
Many existing retailers who have seen successful sales with Indigos winter-oriented products are picking up the companys new summer line, and Indigo recently added a slew of new dealers up and down the East Cost. David Goodman, owner of the well-known outdoor retail shop Mountain Miser in Denver, Colo., said he decided to carry Indigos first warm weather-oriented pack line, the Rox series, this summer after seeing solid sell-through with Indigos winter products.
“I sell quite a few Indigo packs, quite a few of the ski poles, a lot of Linken bindings, and the shovels are really picking up,” Goodman said. “Its kind of fun working with people who are as passionate about the outdoors as these guys are, and who have as much experience in the industry as these guys to do. So you take people who have successfully built gear for the winter season, and that same experience, passion and quality is evident in their summer products. Its our job to look for the newest and latest and greatest, and to have that available for our customers. And I saw that in Indigos Rox pack designs.”
Kropf also attributes Indigos success to a focus on excellent customer service with attention to on-time product delivery, a new warehouse and tracking system that allows Indigo to manage inventory in real time. Indigo is also committed to retail sales clinics and prompt warranty service.
