ORSM '12 New Exhibitors Recap: The Mann Group

The Mann Group

www.manngroup.net / Dan Mann, president / Weaverville, N.C. / Founded 2003

Dan Mann on The Mann Group: “The Mann Group’s products are specifically designed to improve the sales and profitability of specialty sports retailers. This is not training. Our approach (GEAR outdoor) gets measurable results because of its focus on development, accountability, and buy-in. We know how customers buy and what they’re looking for in service. We match those expectations with ideal employee behavior and thereby create the perfect shopping environment. Bottom line: over the past eight years over 350 retailers have used this system. Their average annual increase? Seventeen percent.”

Tell us about your brands and products:

GEAR outdoor, GEAR running and GEAR cycling. Plus, we offer profitability project (20 groups), visual merchandising, strategic planning and manager development.

What were you, as the founder of the company, doing before this?

Vice president of retail for Bachrach Men’s Clothing.

Where did your inspiration come from?

Two things: Hank and Kent Mann, my sons.

What’s the one best feature of your product?

It works. Your top line sales will increase.

What has been your biggest challenge?

Marketing on a budget (well, really NO budget).

Why did you exhibit at Outdoor Retailer?

To tell our story to an industry that needs us.

Who do you look up to in the industry?

Blair Clark, Greg Thomsen, Kim Walker

Who do you want to compete against in the industry?

We compete against the tendency to do nothing, to not improve, and to remain satisfied with status quo.