Wilson Racquet Sports is significantly expanding its efforts to engage consumers and retailers through a series of initiatives and events at this year's 2011 US Open, complementing its status as Official Stringer and Official Ball of the tournament. Wilson is continuing its updates on a recently renovated retail store, the only stand-alone Wilson store where consumers may meet players and purchase Fall 2011 apparel and select footwear styles. In addition, prior to New York fashion week, this Wednesday, August 29, Wilson is hosting its own fashion show in NYC previewing Summer/Spring 2012 performance apparel for retailers and media.
Last Friday, Wilson sponsored a successful attempt by 658 New York kids to break the Guinness World Records Title for, “the most people bouncing tennis balls on tennis racquets.” Wilson tennis athletes Mardy Fish and Andrea Petkovic were on hand to mentor kids and adults who received 500 free racquets.
“Our stringers are internationally renowned, encompassing the best of the best in order to provide all players with the best quality stringing job in the world,” said John Lyons, global category director of hard goods for Wilson Racquet Sports. “It is a testament to our heritage that we are the official stringer not only of the US Open but also the Australian Open, earning the trust and support of players of all racquet brands.”
Its jumbo tennis balls, loved by young enthusiasts for gathering autographs, have been a staple at the US Open for decades. Attendees can meet Wilson athletes in person at the Wilson retail store for autograph sessions throughout the tournament. The on-site Wilson retail store is also the only place where Wilson's Tour Vision shoes are available for purchase.
“We are going to make a lot of noise at this year's US Open in an effort to connect more directly with consumers, our retail partners and especially kids,” said Mike Steck, global marketing director for Wilson Racquet Sports. “We have many stories to tell. In addition to our leadership position in tennis racquets – not just with consumers, but as the no. 1 racquet brand on the Tour – we're debuting Wilson's Spring/Summer 2012 apparel line, featuring designs, fabric technologies and colors that are a clear departure from what we have done previously.
Our retail presence onsite has been enhanced to give consumers a more in-depth preview of all we have to offer. Through our fashion show, we are showcasing our new approach in an interactive setting for retailers and media. Lastly, our successful Guinness World Records event last Friday put smiles on the face of nearly 700 New Yorkers who hopefully had enough fun to continue to pursue the sport,” continued Steck.
Wilson Racquet Sports is a division of Chicago-based Wilson Sporting Goods, which is owned by Amer Sports.
