Still family owned and operated, Calzaturificio Zamberlan of Pievebelvicino, Italy has been crafting outdoor footwear for over 70 years. Now, for the first time ever, Zamberlan products will be sold and serviced from America.
Zamberlan USA will handle U.S. sales, marketing, fulfillment and customer service. The company will be headquartered in Golden, Colorado and directed by John Cranford.
Cranford brings over 20 years of outdoor footwear experience to the new venture having worked with Asolo, Vasque and most recently AKU. “Zamberlan is well known in nearly every major market outside of the USA”, said Cranford. “Several major U.S. retailers have purchased it directly from Italy; they thought it was that unique.” Zamberlans Trek Lite was labeled the “killer deal” among day hikers in Outside Magazines 2004 Buyers Guide.
Zamberlan footwear is currently available at REI, Blue Ridge Mountain Sports and a select group of specialty shops throughout North America.
Cranford plans to complete the hiring of key reps and support personnel over the next few weeks, well in advance of the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market. Zamberlan footwear can be seen at the OR show in booth 5346.
With over 90% of its business gathered from exports, Zamberlan knows what it takes to build its brand. Here as elsewhere, the focus will be on “demand generation,” strategies to build loyal customers for the company and its retailers. One example: each pair of Zamberlan boots will contain a postage paid card for registering product. Upon its return, the customer will receive a free Zamberlan gift, a way of building community, adding value and saying thanks.
