Slinger Bag Inc., the maker of tennis ball launchers, announced its inaugural global distribution agreement with the Japanese sporting equipment distributor, Globeride Inc.
The partnership names Globeride Inc. as the exclusive distributor of Slinger Bag products in the Japanese market including its new Slinger Launcher Bag supporting the tennis market. Globeride plans to launch the Slinger Bag brand to Japanese consumers in July 2020.
Slinger Bag said tennis is growing at a serious speed across Asia and Japan is recognized as the second-largest global market for the sport with over 3 million players – a market that also includes soft tennis. Data indicates that there are 1.3 million avid tennis players, those who play weekly, and Globeride has demonstrated its faith in the Slinger Bag by committing to capture at least 2.5 percent of Japanese players over the length of the five-year agreement, which equates to a minimum purchase order of 32,500 Slinger Launcher Bags.
The deal will see Globeride market Slinger Bag through a combination of on-line, direct-to-consumer business targeting players and coaches through its network of tennis wholesalers and retailers and through Japanese schools, universities and associated governing bodies of tennis across Japan.
Slinger Bag CEO Mike Ballardie said: “We’re delighted to be aligning Slinger Bag with the leading sports equipment distribution company in Japan. Globeride Inc, with their 40+ year experience in the Japanese tennis market, will unlock the door to access the all-important regular tennis players market, facilitating our ability to bring our market-changing products to a nation of tennis players and fans.
“In my previous role as CEO of Prince, I worked closely with the Globeride team to drive revenue and market share in one of the world’s largest and most active tennis markets. I know first-hand that Globeride’s vastly experienced tennis division’s management will drive long-term growth and success for the Slinger Bag brand, starting by building a solid grassroots foundation of teaching pros and tennis influencers. Globeride’s commitment to Slinger Bag, as a new brand in the market, over a five-year term demonstrates a significant stamp of approval for the Slinger Bag brand and our products. We’re excited to be embarking on a journey with our new distribution partner to deliver our vision of stimulating increased participation in tennis by making it more accessible for players and fans, irrespective of age or ability.”
Kazunari Suzuki, president at Globeride Inc., said: “We’ve been extremely impressed by Slinger Bag. Our market testing over the past 4 months opened our eyes to a new product category in tennis which is typically a very traditional sport. The Globeride family holds out great hope for the long-term success of Slinger Bag products with Japanese players of all ages and abilities. The Slinger Launcher Bag is unrivaled in the tennis industry. With its high-quality specification combined with its affordable retail price we are confident that the Slinger Launcher Bag can change the game for the better and that we will see quick adoption of Slinger Bag products by the worldwide tennis community, starting here in Japan.”
Founded in 1958, Globeride Inc. is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Globeride is a leading producer of fishing tackle through Daiwa and of golf equipment through OnOff and others with worldwide sales and distribution operations. Globeride is also the exclusive licensee for Prince for all racquet sports categories and is the exclusive distributor for Corratec and other cycle brands in Japan.
Photo courtesy Slinger Bag
