GREAT GRAPHICS, BOLD COLORS & VALUE PRICED
UTILITARIAN + RE-GEN COLLECTION ECO-Friendly TOO
WORDS. IMAGES Judith Ecochard
Outdoor Retailer Tradeshow, Salt lake City, UTAH
Words, Images Judith Ecochard
Brand extension is a way of life for any company on the grow…but tricky to pull off without alienating core customers and convincing buyers that the biz is better than what’s all ready out there.
We thought of this as we entered the jam-packed DAKINE booth at the recent OR tradeshow.
As windsurfers- Dakine is a known to us---. Now company has reached beyond its watery core and serves up gear for the skate/surf/ski/boarders…as well as the urban crowds that are haulers all day long -via mass transit.
We like the highly functional and very affordable carriers we saw… pumped up with edgy graphics, and smartly kitted out with features suggested by the pros that know.
There was no way we had time for the entire line…but zeroed in on what caught our eye and feedback from retailers at the show.
PLAID rules ---and Dakine’s luggage pieces done up in this pattern, come in bold color combos. The overhead, wheeled duffels, and rollers with retractable handles, replaceable urethane wheels and split or U-shaped opening for easy access and have an MSRP of $110-$200.
Ski and board eco-friendly bags in the Re-Gen line are made of 100% recycled PET fabrics (plastic bottles) and are PVC free. ($45-$135)
Functional is fabulous…as most packs have board and ski carry systems, boot bags with easy access, “Street” carriers with padded laptop sleeves and multiple in/exterior pockets …and packs with mesh side pockets and fleece lined sunglass pockets.
Prints we thought 'trend on' include nature inspired graphics,
bright solid colors, neutral tones with fluorescent colored trims, and small checked patterns.
And for pro designed bags…loved the Leanne Pelosi collection
INFO: DAKINE