SNEWS Qs, Retailer Edition: Steve Perez, Tiger Joe’s Fitness Equipment
The subject of this week’s SNEWS Qs is Steve Perez, owner of Tiger Joe’s Fitness Equipent.
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Steve Perez
Owner, Tiger Joe’s Fitness Equipment
What are the most popular selling items in your store?
Ellipticals No. 1, treadmills No. 2, bikes No. 3.
What are some trends you’re noticing at the trade shows lately?
Accessories, things like kettlebells and Bosu Balls a lot of that free-weight movement kind of thing.
What are some of your favorite technologies coming out in equipment and why?
I’m not really a technology kind of guy, I’m probably the antithesis of all the technology, but I would say better biomechanics on the ellipticals. The elliptical seems to be getting better every year in terms of the biomechanics like arm movement.
What are some things you think fitness retailers can do to remain profitable in the future?
I think aligning themselves more with fewer vendors and being stronger allies with those vendors they’re aligned with – instead of carrying 15 different brands, pick a few and focus on those.
In the future, they should work toward making smarter purchases in larger quantities and maybe work with dealers that are your friends and try to piggyback deals to get better freight breaks.
What is your favorite thing about working in the fitness industry?
I like that can wear shorts and a T-Shirt to work every day. I used to have to wear a tie years ago. Plus, most people in this industry are fitness-oriented people and like working out. It’s easy to understand this industry. I think that’s fun and the fact that you can meet new people on the daily basis is fun.
–Compiled by Ana Trujillo
