Eider Hits Stride First Quarter

ANNECY-LE-VIEUX, FRANCE (March 6, 2007) – Eider, the French technical winter sports outerwear and apparel company is hitting its stride during the first quarter of 2007. It introduced its most extensive collection to date at the SnowSports Industries America (SIA) and Outdoor Retailer Winter Market (ORWM) trade shows, with a strong response. To date, sales are up 30% compared to fall ’06 orders, the result of new retailers placing orders and existing retailers increasing the size of their orders.

“The orders from new retailers and increased volume from existing retailers signals that Eider has hit the mark with its customers,” said Gene Frederick, president of Eurosport Enterprises Inc., which has served as Eider’s distributor for nine years. “At SIA, we introduced the Indie Ride collection geared for a younger ski and snowboard enthusiast which has generated a positive reaction. Retailers at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market were open to hearing about a brand not only with a point of difference, but also, with a genuine European mountaineering heritage. This nine-year effort encompasses a wide range of programs that go way beyond the product itself. ”

The 2007-’08 Eider line focuses on skiing, snowboarding, mountaineering, free ride, technical hiking, hiking and mountaineering, and includes insulated jackets and pants, soft shells, fleeces, thermal layers as well as accessories such as gloves and hats.

“Eider has clearly taken the right steps to engineer a mountaineering and skiwear collection that appeals to the American consumer,” said Ryan Meyer of St. Bernard Sports in Dallas, Texas. “We see this in the attention to design detail, the proprietary fabrics and the use of the latest fabric technologies such as Gore Pro Shell. Eider has presented a brand with a unique point of view that is resonating with our customers. As a premier high end, technical collection, we look forward to the continued growth and success that has made Eider so strong in our stores.”

Eider styles that proved to be most popular in terms of orders for the 2007-‘08 season include: Mountaineering – Commodore and Comitia jackets and Condormax pants for men and women; Makla jacket and pant for men; and the Benbow jacket for men and women; Softshells – Shield and Feel for men and women; Powerlight jacket and pant for men and women; Snowsports – Wider men and Widdy shells; Kanai pant for men and Khera pant for women; Kinetic jacket and Boost pant for men and the Jalia jacket for women.

“Despite the slow winter in the east proving to be difficult for many retailers, Eider remains patient,” continued Frederick. “We’re excited about the new marketing tools that we’re instilling to take the brand to the next level, including: a targeted public relations program; our shop employee program; the Eider Team USA, headed by Gordy Piefer; our uniform program and advertising campaign; the global Team of Xavier Delerue, Mike Horn, Lionel Daudet, Jean Troillet and our strong customer service and dedicated reps.”

About Eider:
Eider was established in 1962 in the heart of the French Alps, close to Mont Blanc. For Eider, the mountains have been an inexhaustible source of inspiration for developing the brand’s values and guiding its research. The Eider philosophy is closely linked to the alpine world: authenticity, open-mindedness, commitment, and above all, the humanity essential to adventure. The name, ‘Eider’ comes from the name of a north-European duck whose down is known to be the highest quality in the world. Today, Eider is available at more than 2,000 outdoor specialty stores across the U.S. and in many other countries around the world. For more information, log onto www.eider-world.com.
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