Mizuno USA, Inc. reported that they received high marks from running specialty retailers nationwide in a recent survey measuring brand strength, market strength, growth potential, and relevant running technologies within the running specialty market. Sports Marketing Surveys USA, in its Retail Sales Survey for Fall 2004, reported that the Mizuno brand, along with its patented Wave® Technology utilized in Mizuno running shoes, scored highest among running specialty retailers in several categories.

According to Sports Marketing Surveys, these reports consistently combine qualitative and quantitative data gathering techniques in order to ensure an accurate overview of the running footwear marketplace. The Fall 2004 survey included in-depth phone interviews with a total of 75 specialty running retail store dealers across the United States.

Here are some of the results from the survey as they relate to the Mizuno brand:

  • For the second consecutive season Mizuno was ranked #1 in the Market Strength Index (MSI), which gauges a brand’s projected growth as reported by running specialty store dealers.
  • Mizuno also emerged as the leader in the Dealer Confidence Index, ranked #1 by running specialty dealers, reflecting the brand’s overall impression in that channel. This index is a good measure of how dealers “feel” about a company.
  • Mizuno Wave Technology was ranked the #1 technology for the fourth consecutive season by specialty retailers in terms of benefit to the serious runner.
  • Mizuno’s share in specialty running retailers, according to Sports Marketing Surveys, increased by 11.1% from Fall 2003 to Fall 2004.
  • Mizuno’s share in Cross Country Shoes in specialty running retailers, according to Sports Marketing Surveys, increased by 168% from Fall 2003 to Fall 2004.
  • Mizuno also was ranked #1 in Performance Technology within Cross Country Brands, according to Sports Marketing Surveys.
  • In one year’s time, Mizuno posted significant gains in the survey categories of performance technology, credibility with serious runners, advertising/promotion, cosmetics/design, in-house customer service, product delivery, and overall rating.

“We are extremely proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish as a brand and are very excited about the momentum we’re building within the marketplace” said Tom Elwell, Vice President and General Manager of Athletic Footwear and Apparel, Mizuno USA, Inc. “It’s great to hear this kind of positive feedback from our retailers regarding the increasing strength of the Mizuno brand and the continuous recognition of the performance benefits of our Wave® Technology. We remain committed to creating the best performing products for runners of all abilities, and servicing our consumers and accounts at the highest level.”

“Mizuno continues to make huge strides in the industry as evidenced by retailer survey results such as these,” said Bob Puccini, President Mizuno USA, Inc., and Chairman, Mizuno Canada, Ltd. “Our running division has experienced huge growth and increasing market share over the last couple of years and we plan on continuing that success by leading the way with cutting edge technologies for unsurpassed performance and unmatched service to our retailers.”