NSP S/S 2022 SUP Preview
Retail Buyers Guide: SUP S/S 2022 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: NSP
Interviewee: Caren Forbes, Head of Marketing Head & Sander Blauw, Head of Sales
Are sell figures still going through the roof? Did you manage to supply accordingly in 2021?
Demand remains very strong across all categories, we are blessed that we have spent the past season strengthening our range and marketing and are able to reap the benefits… demand still out strips supply and we are fully booked for much of 2022.
After a couple years where virtual relationships were the new normal, how excited are you to attend the Paddle Sports Show in Lyon and meet the distributors/retailers again?
With ongoing issues globally, we are unfortunately not joining in person this year, but looking forward to meet all the markets in the flesh and bone soon enough
Do you think production time will go back to normal for the SS22 season?
Everything indicates we will continue to meet the greater demand than capacity for at least another 18 – 24 months. Freight congestion and shipping costs will also continue to be an issue.
In 2021, the MSRPs did not reflect (that much) the huge rise in shipment costs. Will they in SS22?
We are seeing this starting to increase further, as well as the costs of raw materials for production impacted by freight costs to import these materials.
Beyond the all-around supremacy, any noticeable movement to report in the other categories (touring, SUP surfing, race, river, foiling…)?
Increased demand for innovation and designs that are different from the main stream/mass.
Inflatables: Which new technologies & models are you implementing in 2021?
In addition to the regular-to-regular array of construction technologies sed by all the premium players, we have seen a sharp increase in demand for our race inflatables with the revolutionary removable fin box, ensuring less drag and increased speed.
Hardboards: Which new technologies & models are you implementing in 2021?
Our HIT technology is entering its 3rd year of production and is by far our most in demand SUP technology, combining extreme durability and value.
Do you think core retailers should leave the allround boards to the big sport chains and D2C specialists, and focus on more specific (and advanced) designs?
Not at all, there’s still the authenticity of buying a cruiser from a traditional retailer with all the advice, expertise, and accessories that the big sport chains miss… and these stores are the best to build relationships and community – an intimacy that the big sports chains and their websites cannot replicate.