3,2,1 and Action: What action sports brings to OutDoor by ISPO

Since the mid-1980s, action sports has been active as a distributor in the sports, fashion and outdoor industries. Starting back then with O'Neill, the company distributes various brands on the European market that until then had little or no visibility there and helps them gain a foothold.

We spoke with Jochen Hoffmann, sales manager for Teva, contigo and Exel, ahead of the show about the brands action sports and q-brands have in store at OutDoor by ISPO and why the distributors are looking forward to the show.

ispo.com: Why do you participate in the OutDoor by ISPO and why is the fair important for you?

Jochen Hoffmann: action sports from Würselen has been known as a distributor for sports, outdoor and lifestyle fashion since 1989 for "the right nose in the wind", i.e. with a certain feeling for market trends and emerging brands of the future. 

At the end of January, it was clear: "we are there" at an OutDoor by ISPO in June. Because we are convinced that "the outdoor retailer" or "the sports retailers", simply who has sports, outdoor and fashion in the DNA, is not made for caging. We live from the physical exchange, the personal conversation and the human togetherness.

Convincing design, felt haptics and function paired with convincing sporty exchange of ideas on site, at a trade show, the virtual space never brings over exactly the same. In addition, the trade fair takes place at a time that is neither too early nor too late. For us, the timing of a leading trade fair is the be-all and end-all, especially the more costs come to the fore in the future. All the more important now are all the conceivable details of a trade fair: Where does it take place, how do you get there as quickly as possible, in an environmentally friendly way, and at a bearable price, are there enough overnight accommodations without moon price situations? 

But also which brands come to the fair, are all important brands on site, are there new brands to discover. And clearly, the supporting program should also be coherent. Equally important for future joint success is the exchange of experience between dealers, between manufacturers, so a real get-together for a successful trade fair.

What are the current challenges in the outdoor industry? To what extent do they influence the company and your actions?

It is clear, and especially as a distributor we feel this every day, that the global supply chains, the transport routes and associated costs have never shot up so immensely as in recent times since the outbreak of the pandemic. At the same time, there is no telling when things will get better. Another issue is sustainability and the use of recycled materials. Here it remains to be seen whether there will be enough basic material to be recycled on the world markets in the near future, or whether other paths will have to be taken.

At the same time, greenwashing is of course also an issue with brands. Based on our experience with our brands Teva, the number one in the outdoor sandal segment, we can judge well that sustainability is lived here in detail and optimized for the future wherever it is possible.

Have you thought about something special for this fair - what awaits visitors? 

We have prepared a few surprises and impulses. With our brand Exel we would like to present Frisbee Golf in the outdoor area and offer a Nordic Walking Parcour to test the poles of Exel with their Exel Curved technology. We are currently still coordinating what is possible and what is not. But there will definitely be some action with us.

Are there any products that you will be presenting for the first time at OutDoor by ISPO and what are they?

Yes there are many novelties: for example from Teva, regarding new sandal collections.  contigo has new drinking bottles suitable for outdoors and dishwasher safe. At Exel we have Exel Curved with flashpads in the luggage, so it's guaranteed to look at all our brands.