Nylon and polyester fiber major Liri Group has operated the retail brand "GoHiking" for over a year, completing the integration of its textile industry across upstream, midstream, and downstream. Currently, "GoHiking" has 8 stores across Taiwan, with plans to expand to 20 stores by the end of 2012, offering a full range of outdoor product services.
In addition to its two major polyester and nylon raw material production businesses—Liri (1444) and Lipo (1447)—the Liri Group acquired the operating rights to the outdoor functional gear retail brand "GoHiking" at the end of 2010, establishing it as a leading outdoor eco-functional concept brand. This move achieves an integrated operation from upstream raw material manufacturing, to midstream processing and product development, and down to physical retail channels.
"GoHiking" currently has 8 branches across Taiwan, 7 of which are in the north, and 1 located in a showroom at Kaohsiung's E-DA World Mall. This year, the brand is expanding at a rate of one store per month, aiming to reach 20 stores by the end of 2012. As of January, a new counter will open in the mall beneath the Taichung Regent Hotel, with two more stores opening in Taipei in March—one near Tianmu SOGO Department Store and Carrefour, and another in Taipei’s Section 2, Xinyi Road, within the prime outdoor gear retail district.
Lih Bao Long Deputy General Manager Lü ?? stated that "GoHiking" targets three age groups: 20 to 34, 35 to 50, and 50 to 71. In addition to its own brand "Verno," the store also represents the French ski brand "Fusalp" and the American casual bag brand "Overland."
Lü ?? pointed out that "GoHiking" positions itself in the market as offering both professional and flexible brand services, providing customers with suitable gear. By simply explaining their activity and destination, customers can rely on store staff to select the right equipment from various brands—eliminating concerns about purchasing the wrong items and ensuring they don’t miss out on outdoor enjoyment, thus achieving the goal of a one-stop full-service experience.
