Founded in 2003 by 19 large outdoor companies, The European Outdoor Group voted last year to begin admitting retailers as members. This week the group announced that SportScheck, Transa Backpacking AG, Sport 2000 and STMI (Sports Trade Marketing International) are the first retailers to join EOG.
The EOG also has confirmed that the Czech specialist climbing hardwear brand Singing Rock has joined, along with the Czech sporting goods association AVOZ. Total number of full EOG members is now 66 plus 10 associate members. The EOG also anticipates welcoming additional new members in the coming weeks.
“The EOG is more representative of the whole outdoor industry than it has ever been and the addition of the new members reinforces that point, strengthening our position through both the types of outdoor businesses involved and a geographical perspective,” said Rolf Schmid, president of the EOG. “The market is at a critical stage now that overall growth has slowed down and activity and buying behaviour are changing. Challenging traditional patterns and creating fresh demand will be crucial for the future success of the sector and while every single business can play an individual role, some major tasks will need strong cooperation.”
SportScheck CEO Stefan Herzog said the industry must coordinate like never before to move the needle on consumer engagement in Europe.
“That’s why we are very happy to see that the EOG has amended its charter to enable expanded cooperation, and for us there is no question that we will extend a hand to work closely together,” Herzog said. “There are many different projects on which outdoor businesses can cooperate, which span national borders. That makes it even more important for us to work towards a common agenda and to address these issues in our sector with real energy.”
The European Outdoor Group works with members and stakeholders on a range of projects in areas such as industry representation, market research, responsibility, increasing outdoor sports participation, and trade events.
