FCS SURF ROBES AND PONCHOS 2025 PREVIEW
Retail Buyers Guide: Surf Robes and Ponchos 2025 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: FCS
Interviewee: UK Territory Manager
From a niche market to a popular must-have, Changing Robes and Surf Ponchos keep on growing.. What is your strategy for 2025: keep on expanding full tilt or has the time came to consolidate your offer?
For 2025 we kept the same offering but made a few adjustments to freshen things up and meet market requests. The FCS ‘Shelter’ all-weather poncho has been upgraded to long sleeves at no extra cost with some added colour pops to the waterproof zippers. Our range of FCS Towel Ponchos include a hidden internal stash pocket for keys, phone or cash and some fresh new colours and unique patterns for 2025.
The Robe/Poncho appeal is so mainstream nowadays: have you considered reaching out beyond the boardsport distribution channels before the fashion big names take over the demand?
FCS is a core surf brand so our distribution remains focused on the core surf market.
Recently, lighter and quicker drying options using micro-fiber cloth, rather than the thick terry Surf Poncho have gained traction, Do you offer both?
We actually brought the microfibre version to market around 10 years ago. It had some benefits like being lighter and more packable, but it proved less popular as this type of fabric has a tendency to stick to wet skin like cling wrap which is a little annoying and slightly revealing!
The (Changing) Robes are worn in very different situations: Après-surf, dog walking, camping, as an indoor plaid and as a fashion statement in the big cities! Do you offer specific models for those various activities or the all-in-one product is the go-to choice?
While most brands put their focus on warmth and asthestics, the FCS Shelter Poncho is designed to dry you on the inside with a heavyweight terry towel lining, and keep you watertight on the outside with a 5k water resistant shell and zippers, similar to a snowboard jacket. Our black inside lining is designed to absorb heat faster, aiding the drying process and warming your body with less need for bulky fluff.
What are the key materials in your Robe range?
Plush cotton terry toweling, 5k water resistant outer shell
Style: As there is pretty much a single silhouette for Ponchos & Robes, the only way to stand out is via colors/prints/patterns. What do you have in store for 2025?
The FCS ‘Shelter’ all-weather poncho has been upgraded to long sleeves at no extra cost with some added colour pops to the waterproof zippers. Our range of FCS Towel Ponchos include some fresh new colours and unique patterns for 2025.
How are you helping retailers to sell more of your product?
Any product has to have both shelf appeal and functionality to appeal to the end consumer. FCS is also renowned for quality and innovation and is a trusted brand globally. We also hit the right price, especially with our technical Shelter Poncho which has a retail price 20 -30% lower than our competitors.
Key Products:
FCS Shelter Poncho:
Water Resistant & Breathable. 100% Polyester shell with taped seems and 100% cotton terry toweling internal liner. 5,000MM water resistance/3,000MM breathability. Oversized for ultimate feeling of warmth. Internal stash pocket.
FCS SHELTER
FCS Towel Poncho:
Plush 100% cotton material with warm cotton hood and a generous fit. Internal and external stash-pockets for keys, cards, money or to keep your hands warm.
FCS Towel Poncho
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