Nathan, the maker of hydration, visibility and performance gear, recently held its annual International Sales Meeting in New York City. The conference culminated in the brand’s awards banquet, where Nathan announced 2Pure UK as the Distributor of the Year Award winner and Technolyt as the One World One Brand Award winner.
“Both 2Pure UK and Technolyt are partners who align with our values, are highly regarded in their markets as experts and provide excellent service to their retail bases,” said Nathan CEO Bridgit Lombard. “Additionally, they are brand builders and market creators who work closely with us as true partners who are integral to establishing the brand’s success globally, both now and as we look ahead.”
The Distributor of the Year Award is designed to celebrate the distributor that emulates core values that Nathan stands for, while bringing the brand’s campaigns and merchandising to local markets in unique ways that drive growth. In just four years, 2Pure has proven their passion and pride for the industry through investments in their own infrastructure to help support the brand, as well as investments in Nathan products.
Based in Edinburgh, 2Pure is always strategic in its category growth across each distribution channel from leading UK retailers, like running retail stores Runners Need and Run4It, to department stores, like John Lewis.
“It’s hugely rewarding to have our team’s commitment and creative approach recognized by one of our premium brands,” said George Bowie, managing director of 2Pure. “Nathan listens to our market and supports us in execution. It always feels like a partnership. It’s fantastic to work with Nathan. They get what it takes to be a successful global brand.”
As part of the award, 2Pure will receive an employee entry and round-trip visit to New York City for the NYC Marathon in 2016
The Netherlands-based Technolyt took home the One World One Brand Award in recognition for their efforts as brand and essentials category champions. A partner for the last seven years, Technolyt has proven to be one of Nathan’s fastest growing distributors. The retailer is known for creatively engaging its local athlete community, including ultrarunner Jolanda Linschooten. Technolyt sets itself apart by focusing efforts on ensuring retailers effectively implement the merchandising and retail marketing programs in ways previously unseen in the market, ultimately growing sales and the category overall. For example, during Nathan’s recent retail education campaign, Fire Up Your Run, Technolyt created creative window displays at top Perry Sport stores and conducted an essentials takeover of All4Running.
“Our team was both proud and surprised to receive this recognition from Nathan during the international meeting in New York. Nathan is one of our best performing suppliers and their marketing support is excellent, even from a great distance,” commented Peter Wayper, director of Technolyt. “Everybody within Nathan, including the management team, is responsive to needs within the market. Their products are the most desirable for runners, and are improving with new innovations every year, allowing us to create more successful plans for the Netherlands and Belgium.”
