HI-TEC has announced an impressive eight per cent increase in European footwear sales for the first months of 2009.
Continued investment and dedication in particularly the outdoor footwear market has maintained the positive momentum and growth for the company and were major contributing factors to its latest sales performance figures. Sales in the outdoor category have increased by 23 per cent this year, while forward orders have experienced healthy growth of 35 per cent, compared to the same period in 2008.
A major contributor to this latest increase can be directly linked to HI-TEC’s pioneering ion-mask™ surface enhancement technology, launched September 2008, which continues to provide the brand with unique and innovative product benefits. During 2009 HI-TEC has invested heavily in a global marketing campaign with sales of the V-Lite Altitude Ultra, the first-ever commercial product in the world to feature ion-mask™, reaching record sales of over 250,000 pairs globally.
During 2009 premium outdoor retailers, including Cotswold Outdoor, have become stockists of HI-TEC, increasing the nationwide distribution of the brand’s light hiking and performance collections. Further distribution and sales growth has also been achieved from new relationships with key independent retailers, including The Great Outdoors – Dublin, Surf Mountain – Belfast, and Landmark in the Cotswolds.
HI-TEC has also experienced considerable sales growth within its existing accounts base, including Tiso and Nevisport – both leading outdoor clothing and equipment specialist retailers.
Martin Binnendijk, HI-TEC CEO Europe, says: “HI-TEC is extremely proud of our positive achievements and growth, especially when you consider the current economic unrest. These positive results are the direct product of passion, dedication and integrity, which are in abundance here at HI-TEC and throughout our customer base.”
