INTERSPORT Austria closed the first half of the 2015 sports year with a highly successful increase in sales. INTERSPORT also maintained its strong position in the hotly contested sporting goods market in the eastern markets.
Between January and June, the Wels-based industry leader grew by 12%. There was a gratifying increase of 10% in the Czech Republic, 5% in Hungary, and 6% in Slovakia. Sales drivers in all areas included the strong exclusive brands McKINLEY, PRO TOUCH and ENERGETICS. "We are very happy with these numbers. This gives us the certainty that we are on the right track with our concept. That is why we will quickly fill the remaining white spots on the map: Currently, ten to fifteen expansion projects are running simultaneously," says Mathias Boenke, Managing Director of INTERSPORT Austria.
Consulting is the be-all and end-all
"The most important building block of our success is our employees. In the highly competitive sporting goods market, customers expect salespeople who are on their toes. Products that require intensive consultation are not bought at discount stores. This allows us to position ourselves very well in the market. That's what people outside associate with INTERSPORT," explains Boenke.
Trump card outdoor
Whether for hiking, climbing or camping: not only Austrians, but also many vacation guests are increasingly stocking up on INTERSPORT equipment. The sporting goods retailer recorded the greatest growth in the outdoor segment, up 16%, with the textile segment a particular success with an increase of 18%.
Particularly successful: Running and Bike
INTERSPORT Austria recorded sensational growth of 27% in the running segment last year. Despite the weather factor, running has clearly changed from a seasonal sport to a year-round sport. Here, too, the stores score with advice, which is especially in demand for high-quality running shoes.
Austria is a cycling nation. The trend towards e-bikes and bicycles as a means of transport has also boosted sales figures in this segment by 10%.
Successful first half-year for INTERSPORT Germany
Within the six-country group, Germany's INTERSPORT also reported encouraging sales growth in the "non-event year". Even without major sporting events, INTERSPORT Germany grew by three percent in the first half of 2015. One reason was the strong winter business at the beginning of the year. The Outdoor (plus 5%), Winter Sports (plus 25%) and Bike/Funwheel (plus 18%) segments performed particularly well.
Six-country alliance presents Strategy 2020
INTERSPORT's strategy for the new six-country alliance up to 2020 is entitled "Kick-start the future". A key element of the strategic considerations are tailored services for members and end consumers. The vision is to further expand its leading position in the relevant sports market. INTERSPORT wants to be perceived as the most popular brand in sports retailing, emphasizes CEO Kim Roether: "Our mission is to inspire customers together with our members in all sales channels through excellent product selection, a fair price/performance ratio, individual advice and comprehensive service."
This includes the consistent further development of multichannel retailing launched in Germany in 2013, a strengthening of private labels, and a self-confident appearance as a six-country group. At the same time, product and supplier management at INTERSPORT are working to enter into longer-term strategic partnerships with key suppliers, he added. It is important to work out common goals for successful cooperation in the future.
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Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions:
Mag. Isabel Höglinger
INTERSPORT Austria
Airfield road 10
4600 Catfish
Tel. +43 7242 233 30203
E-mail: isabel.hoeglinger@intersport.at
About INTERSPORT in Central Europe
Since 2013, the German and Austrian INTERSPORT have been an alliance. With over 1,500 sales outlets generating revenues of 2.85 billion euros, INTERSPORT Germany is the world's most successful medium-sized sports retail group. It also holds the INTERSPORT license in Poland and has a stake in INTERSPORT Polska S.A.. INTERSPORT Austria is the best-known sports retail brand in Austria, with more than 250 stores. It also licenses the markets in Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Within the INTERSPORT Group, more than 1,800 stores in six countries in Central Europe generate sales of almost 3.4 billion euros.
Chairman of the Board: Kim Roether
Chief Merchandise and Market Officer: Jochen Schnell
Facts and figures about the INTERSPORT AUSTRIA Group
As of the end of June 2015, the INTERSPORT Austria Group comprises 116 INTERSPORT retailers at 257 locations in Austria (including 79 in urban locations and 178 Rent locations). INTERSPORT employs more than 3,100 people in Austria - including 310 apprentices. The total sales area is 270,000 sqm.
INTERSPORT Austria management team:
Management: Dipl. Kfm. Mathias Boenke
Management Sales and Marketing: Mag. Franz Koll
Management Operations: Alois Grüblinger
Sender: INTERSPORT Austria GesmbH
Contact person: Mag. Isabel Höglinger
E-mail: isabel.hoeglinger@intersport.at
Tel.: +43 7242 233-0
Website: www.intersport.at