Vans has formed a team in Canada that will assume the responsibility of sell-in and distribution of Vans product lines for 2010 and beyond. Vans Canadian business will be led by Michel Bilodeau, Director, Sales and Marketing, who is overseeing Vans transition of its Canadian operations from distributor Sports Odyssee, Vans sole distributor in Canada since 1995 to Vans, a division of VF Outdoor (Canada), Inc. Bilodeau has directed Sports Odyssees Vans operations for the past 12 years.
“Establishing Vans Canadian office is part of our global strategy,” said Stephen Murray, President, VF Action Sports Americas. “Vans and Sports Odyssee have enjoyed a particularly strong and successful relationship over the last 15 years. The ownership team at Sports Odyssee has been an integral part of Vans success in Canada. We wish them continued success with their ongoing business and thank them for having been a loyal partner.”
“We are thankful of having had the opportunity of establishing the brand in Canada alongside the dedicated management team from Vans,” said Claude Roy, President and Owner of Sports Odyssee. “We will make this transition as seamless as possible and its business as usual for us with Vans until the end of calendar 2009.”
The new Canadian management team will be in place in May 2009 and offices will be located in Ville St-Laurent, Quebec. All current sales agents remain in place which will result in stability and maintained relationships with partner retailers across Canada.
