Salomon opened a concept store in Vail that is the first such venture under a new partnership with Specialty Sports Venture (SSV), the retailing unit of Vail Resorts Inc.


 

If successful, Salomon and SSV could partner to open more such stores. Salomon opened its flagship brand store in Salt Lake City earlier this year and has partnered with Squaw Valley Ski Corp. to open a store at the California resort.

 

 

The Vail store carries Salomon skis, snowboards, outdoor apparel and footwear as well as products from sister brands Suunto and Bonfire, which are also owned by Amer Sports of Finland. The store will also rent skis and snowboards, an area of expertise for SSV. While SSV will operate the store, Salomon will contribute to the salary of its boot fitters.

 

 

Amer Sports Winter & Outdoor division, which is based in Ogden, UT, already operates multi-brand outlets in Ogden and Pleasant Prarie, UT and plans to open multi-brand stores in the United States in 2014 that will offer Arc'teryx and Salomon products. 


 

 

“A Salomon store is the perfect fit for this area, and we’re thrilled to offer our visitors some of the industry’s best snowsports equipment and apparel,” SSV Sales and Marketing Manager Lee Steele said.

 

 

The two companies have invited the public to a grand opening celebration of the store Saturday, Dec. 2 at 4:00 pm. The grand opening celebration that will feature a guest appearance by professional skier and ski film star Chris Anthony, a ski giveaway, food, half-off ski demo rentals, and retail promotions.

 

 

“We’re really excited about this brand store with SSV and to what we hope will be a partnership for years to come,” says Salomon USA vice president of marketing Ashley Williams. “We’re now able to give consumers a full head to toe offering in both winter and outdoor products which will ensure they enjoy their Vail experience that much more.” 
 

Specialty Sports Venture operates 181 specialty stores under a variety of banners in the ski, golf, bike, and fly fishing markets plus four turning shops for its fleet of rental gear, making it one of the largest specialty retailers in the country.