During the 2014 Asia Outdoor Exhibition, Shenzhen Himalaya will participate in this outdoor products trade show with a number of brands including VASQUE, Black Diamond, Zamberlan, MSR, THERMAPEST, and platypus. On July 24th, we at GreenLight Outdoor Network had the privilege of interviewing Mr. John Irvine, International Sales Director of the VASQUE brand
Q: As I understand it, VASQUE has a shoe called the Grand Traverse that was recommended by Backpacker magazine and is known as “the most stable shoe.” Can you tell us about the advantages of this product?
A: Yes, this year we will also have a follow-up model. This shoe belongs to the functional fast-hiking series and combines elements of trail running. Its highlight is that it performs exceptionally well in all kinds of environments and terrains, without any limits. In terms of sole construction, it offers greater grip, more durability, and better comfort.
Q: What new products and technologies do you have planned for the second half of 2014 or next year?
A: It’s the Inhaler GTX. It combines features of trail running and traditional hiking and will be launched in the summer of 2015. It is very breathable, lightweight, and waterproof. For breathability, it introduces unique technology in the toe area, which is much better than traditional hiking shoes. In terms of new breathable technology, this is also a major advantage we have compared to other brands.
Q: How do you view the current boom in China’s outdoor market?
A: Facing the current level of enthusiasm and the thriving state of the Chinese market, VASQUE is also very excited. The philosophy of VASQUE is to promote outdoor activities and encourage more people to participate in outdoor sports.
Q: Finally, I’d like to ask, given the rapid development of e-commerce in China and the rise of O2O sales channels, what measures will the VASQUE brand take?
A: Currently, our customer channels are specialized outdoor stores, where we sell products to physical retail locations. Our own policy is to protect these outdoor stores and avoid them being impacted by online channels as much as possible. Over time, we will gradually move into online sales, but at present this idea is not yet mature, so in terms of e-commerce channels, we are still adopting a conservative strategic approach.
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