New York, New York—Fairway & Greene and EP Pro – the apparel industry’s No. 1-ranked men’s and women’s golf brands, respectively, have again been named the Association of Golf Merchandisers’ top apparel vendors for men and women, respectively, for the fifth straight year in the AGM’s annual Member Survey.
The prestigious survey—which this year featured the highest number of AGM member responses ever—is designed to greatly assist the highly respected organization in gathering important industry statistics and determining the needs of its members for future educational initiatives.
Fairway & Greene and EP Pro are owned by Summit Golf Brands—the golf industry’s leading golf-focused apparel group and a division of Montreal-based Northbridge Equity Partners, a private equity firm specializing in brand-based consumer products businesses.
"This is a tremendous honor for both Fairway & Greene and EP Pro,"
says Gill Broome, President of Northbridge Equity Partners. "The fact that we have received this honor for five consecutive years is proof positive that what we’re doing is not only working, but is greatly appreciated by our customers."
Fairway & Greene and EP Pro have made consistent efforts and contributions to the green-grass and resort golf channels over the years, and earning five straight AGM Member Survey honors validates each company’s hard work. Both companies’ continued solid sales growth underscores how they are meeting and exceeding the needs and expectations of the golf industry and consumers alike.
"Being named the top apparel vendor for men even once is really a special honor, but to receive that accolade for five straight years is absolutely unparalleled," says Fairway & Greene President Todd Martin. "Receiving this award continues to validate our product quality, customer service and exclusive dedication to the green-grass channel. It also continues to strengthen our resolve to be the best we can be in serving our customers."
Fairway & Greene and EP Pro are proud of their strong vendor/partner relationships, and Summit Brands plays a key supporting role in its efforts to continually elevate the sport and serve its customer base.
"To be chosen once by the Association of Golf Merchandisers as the top ladies resource was an honor—to have this award presented to EP Pro for an unprecedented fifth consecutive year isâ?¦humbling," says Larry Mathe, President and CEO of EP Pro. "A great many people at EP Pro put their hearts and souls into developing a product that our customers will be proud to put into their shops. This recognition means a great deal to them. EP Pro is but one of many successful and talented ladies apparel companies. We are thankful the AGM has selected us from this great group of competitors."
Summit Golf Brands was developed to provide the golf market with the best brands and customer service in the industry and to become a strong operating partner with each and every individual PGA professional.
Fairway & Greene is one of the dominant players in the high-end golf apparel market. Each item is fashioned from the finest pure-finish fabrics, long since abandoned by other makes due to rarity and cost, and each hand tailored with a care and quality that is uniquely Fairway & Greene. With an unparalleled emphasis on product quality and customer service, Fairway & Greene is specifically positioned to help PGA Professionals enhance their golf shop merchandise offerings.
EP Pro, the New York City-based premier women’s golf apparel company founded in 1993, has been a leader in the green grass, resort and off course specialty store categories of the industry for more than 10 years, delivering a product line where function meets styling.
The AGM is a professional association of golf-related vendors and professional vendors located worldwide. Its mission is to educate golf retail buyers, merchandisers and golf professionals, elevate the golf merchandising profession and enhance communication between golf buyers and vendor partners.
Contact:
Mary Beth Lacy at 760-346-6942 or email mb@mblacy.com
