K-Way shows off their latest winter ranges

Published by www.sportstrader.co.za

K-Way recently introduced the latest technologies and designs in their new winter apparel, footwear and equipment ranges to the media at their factory in Ottery. These ranges are exclusively available at Cape Union Mart stores.

K-Way factory general manager Bobby Fairlamb (right) was on site answering any questions guests had.

Shuaib Smith, Cape Union Mart outdoor footwear buyer, explained the ins and outs of their latest footwear range.

The K-Way Kili and Ridge boots, which have Vibram outsoles, waterproof/breathable membranes and a European style, were the highlights of the footwear segment. These products were developed with the technical know-how from internal designers as well as international partners and took into consideration the types of mountains we have in South Africa, said Cape Union Mart footwear buyer Shuaib Smith.

These hiking boots are designed to conquer mountains such as Kilimanjaro, where you would normally need three different pairs of shoes to get you through the various terrain and climatic conditions. They have combined many different technologies and created a value end product that can encounter all these types of terrains and climatic conditions. These boots are aimed at real hiking, comfort and functionality, he said. Although the products have been in the making for at least a year, the programme is still in its foetal stages and he foresees design and material changes in the coming months, until they get the product they really want.

Ryan Weideman, Cape Union Mart’s outdoor apparel buyer, explaining the benefits of the K-Way Expedition range.

The K-Way apparel segment has three themed ranges, including the Expedition Series, which covers top-end shell jackets and softshells for men and women. “The range is all about designing credible top-end product that people aspire to,” said Cape Union Mart apparel buyer Ryan Weideman.

Their Fash-Tech range features technical jackets with a fashion element, which are suited to a variety of activities such as hiking, travelling, skiing or snowboarding, etc. The Down range with down jackets and vests for men, women and children are made of 100% genuine quality goose or duck down, which ensures optimal functionality, he explained. Some of the ladies’ jackets in the range have removable hood trims and hoods, and are available in a tonal black with a black logo as they find women are not really interested in the brand showing on their clothing as much as men.

Paul Frier, Cape Union Mart's outdoor equipment buyer had one on one chats with guests.

The equipment segment showcased the brand’s down and Primaloft Eco sleeping bags, self-inflating mats, 25-85l backpack and Nerolite 2-person tent as well as accessories like trekking poles and travel towels.

Their Lite 400 sleeping bag has an inner and outer made of 100% ripstop nylon and uses a goose down filling, which makes it more durable than its synthetic counterparts, said Cape Union Mart equipment buyer Paul Frier. The Extreme Lite 500 features a smart diamond pattern, which prevents any tears in the fabric from spreading. It combines lightweight with performance and is ideal for explorers and adventure racers. The goose down filled Extreme 900 is designed for use in high altitude conditions and is lighter, warmer and longer lasting than bags with synthetic filling. The Chamonix 850 Eco is suited to wilderness hiking, summer or autumn camping, and hutted trails. It uses PrimaLoft Eco, which is an earth-friendly insulation material, which offers the same performance and comfort as other less eco-friendly materials.

Their self-inflating mats are ideal to use on outdoor adventures because they are lightweight (610-820g), self-inflating in seconds and quick-closing.

The Nerolite 2-person tent has a good power to weight ratio, weighing only 2.9kgs, but is able to withstand all kinds of wind abuse.

Their Trek towels are made up of micro-fiber suede, a combination of polyester and polyamide, which dries up to four times faster and are up to six times lighter than conventional towels.

Almost every segment had informative displays to familiarise guests with the products on display.

After they talked the talk, K-Way factory’s general manager Bobby Fairlamb and design manger Jolyon Pike, walked the walk with invited guests by introducing everyone to the processes and people involved in manufacturing their K-Way clothing.

Fairlamb demonstrates their method of testing sealed seams.

A glance at the production process at the K-Way factory.

K-Way design manager Jolyon Pike (second from right) showing guests some of their different styles in production.

Stevie Hector explaining how they ensure the removal of cold spots from garments.

K-Way follows a motto of efficiency and implements environmental awareness and waste reduction wherever possible.

New summer range from The Italian canvas brand

Published by www.sportstrader.co.za

The iconic Italian footwear brand, Superga, recently held several launch events to showcase their new Spring Summer collection for 2015. Sports Trader attended the Cape Town launch together with Cape Town-based retailers.

Associating the brand with other sough-after Italian icons, Superga held the Cape Town event in the Lamborghini show room and offered guests drinks from the Peroni stable.

Their new collection features footwear chosen by 5FM’s Poppy Ntshongwana, who is the face of Superga locally. “We approached Poppy because she embodies so many of the values Superga, as a brand, holds important. She is elegant, chic and grounded, but she is also fashion-forward, edgy and a tad cheeky when she needs to be. She has so naturally become a part of the Superga family and I believe that only happens when something is just right,” Katy Ward, Marketing Manager at Superga, explained to Elle magazine why they chose Ntshongwana.

The 2015 Cape Town Cycle Tour Lifecycle Expo

This year, despite a shortened race due to raging fires and lower visitor numbers at the Cape Town Cycle Tour Lifecycle Expo, which took place 5-7 March at the Goodhope Centre in Cape Town, exhibitors we spoke to were happy with the visitor interest.

The  Cape Town Cycle Tour Lifecycle Expo had 67 000 visitors from 5-7 March.

“This has been the first year that we have sold from our stand and we had a good return,” says Evert Ferreira from Brand ID, local distributor of Skins.

The show venue was buzzing with visitors on day two of the event.

“We were fortunate enough to have specials and sales were up”, says Chris Willemse Junior from Chris Willemse Cycles.  

Customers queued to purchase at Chris Willemse Cycles. 

Cyclists flocked toward the Expo offerings from retailers like Chris Willemse Cycles, Cape Union Mart and Sportsmans Warehouse, which offered products at discounted prices. 

Customers were very interested in Cape Union Mart's specials.

Sportsmans Warehouse sported a new stand design for the first time in 15 years and won an award for the best retail store, use of space, interactive-ness and stand presentation. Cape Union Mart gave visitors 15% off selected merchandise at their stand.

Sportsmans Warehouse's stand had an all new look.

There were 159 exhibitors with 369 stands this year, which are 20 more than last year and a new record for the show.

Customers checked out the bicycles on offer from Two Wheels Trading.

The 2015 Expo attracted 67 000 visitors, compared to approximately 80 000 in 2014. This could be due to the shortening of the Cape Town Cycle Tour from 109 km to 47 km because the original route was affected by the fires that devastated large parts of Cape Town in the days preceding the race.

This year cyclists were asked to wear red as a “Show You Care Solidarity Ride” in support of the brave men and women who risked their lives to put out the fires that took place the week before the event on the Southern Peninsula.

Buff offered visitors a wide variety of options.