Reusch has announced several new developments for 2005 most notably the company completed its first season under a new distribution arrangement. Last year, Reusch-Germany pulled the brand out of its former distribution arrangement in which the SnowSports glove line was one of many brands under one management team. The company then brought in an exclusive distributor with Peter Hold leading up the team and David Huntress as National Sales Manager.
Huntress told BOSS that the glove market has been relatively flat recently, but that under this new distribution agreement, and with better customer service systems in place, Reusch has been re-gaining some market share in the SnowSports market. “Weve been opening quite a few new accounts recently,” he said. “What is even more gratifying is that we are re-opening several accounts that left the brand under the previous distributor-it shows me that we are really making a difference.”
For the coming season, Reusch has abandoned the use of Gore-Tex in all of its glove lines and decided to use eVent. Huntress said, “It is really remarkable, the difference, when compared side-by-side.”
Additionally the company will be launching a new line of snowboard/freeskiing and park & pipe gloves with a second booth in the snowboard section of the SIA05 show. The company will compliment this with a new womens specific line.
“We are really trying to step out of the niche product categories that we are known for,” said Huntress. “Having this racing heritage is a great thing for the brand, it shows that we are very technical and design oriented, and we will continue with our dedication to the athletes. At the same time, we are ready to move beyond that and establish some presence in the snowboard and freeskiing market I think in the coming months you will see Reusch being used anywhere a glove is needed.”
