McHugh Heading Retailer and Consumer Education and Outreach Initiative
(LONDONDERRY, New Hampshire) – Renowned Danish shoemaker ECCO has hired industry veteran Mike McHugh as Technical Field Representative overseeing the company’s innovative Tech Van, clinic and demo day initiatives created to enhance consumer and retail awareness.
With more than 12 years golf retail and merchandising experience, McHugh will work closely with ECCO corporate staff and sales representatives to increase sales through various grassroots promotions. He will also help educate staff at key retailers, focusing on the features, advantages and benefits of ECCO’s premium materials, “Freedom Fit” system and unique, Direct-Injection manufacturing process.
“Mike’s extensive industry knowledge makes him a perfect fit for this position,” says C.B. Tuite, General Sales Manager, ECCO USA Golf Division. “His familiarity with retail operations coupled with his ability to engage and energize consumers is a highly effective combination for furthering sales and outreach. By understanding the needs of golf professionals and floor staff, he can work closely with them to provide product training clinics and generate excitement for the brand.”
A seasoned professional with numerous accolades to his credit, McHugh most recently worked as an associate with Dick Sporting Goods. He also held positions with TaylorMade-adidas Golf, Pro Golf Discount and Trilogy Golf Club (Redmond, WA). He holds a Bachelor of Science in agribusiness from Arizona State University.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to draw upon my previous experience and create strong relationships with ECCO’s great retail partners,” says McHugh. “There is no question that ECCO is the industry leader in comfort, style and performance, and I’m proud to deliver that message to both consumers and key accounts.”
ECCO is preferred by international Tour stars Fred Couples, Colin Montgomerie, Aaron Baddeley, Stuart Appleby, Thomas Bjorn, Arjun Atwal, Thongchai Jaidee, John Bickerton, Steven Jeppesen, Juli Inkster, Carin Koch, Gwladys Nocera, Pat Hurst, Sophie Gustafson, Laura Davies, Meena Lee, Candie Kung, Linda Wessberg, Wendy Ward and others.
Showcasing advanced technologies alongside an unmatched combination of out-of-the-box comfort, high-grade leathers and attention to detail, each shoe in the golf collection passes through more than 225 sets of highly-skilled hands during a production process exclusively executed at ECCO-owned factories. This labor-intensive manufacturing guarantees the brand’s golf shoes help players excel under the most demanding conditions.
All ECCO designs blend a network of built-in technologies to create the ideal platform for the perfect swing. Principal among these is a direct-injected, PU-constructed midsole/outsole. Made from a process unique to ECCO in the golf industry, this:
• Creates a one-piece shoe construction
• Ensures unrivaled durability, flexibility, lightness and weather resistance
• Provides a superior level of cushioning and comfort that does not break down over time, unlike commonly-used materials such as air, rubber and EVA foam
Additional performance features of the golf collection include:
• Ultra-soft, high-grade leathers with hydrophobic treatments for superb weather-resistance
• Internal stabilizer to reduce torque and create ideal swing stability
• Double-layer insole with cushion that absorbs heel force to reduce stress on the knees, hips and back
• Internal Air-Circulation System to maintain a fresh, dry and cool foot environment
• Dynamic Energy Return System that provides a trampoline effect during foot-strike and follow-through to reduce fatigue and restore energy with each step
• Green-friendly outsole designs featuring molded traction bars combined with Stinger cleats from Champ and the Q-Lok insert system to provide ideal traction and grip
About ECCO
The only major shoe manufacturer to own and manage the entire value chain from cow to consumer, ECCO is a global leader in city, casual and sport shoes for men, women and children. In 2007, the Danish company sold almost 17 million pairs, achieving net revenues of ?756 million.
Founded in 1963 by Karl Toosbuy, ECCO has nearly 15,000 employees, direct subsidiaries in Europe, the Far East and North America, and partners worldwide. ECCO shoes are sold in more than 3,000 shops globally, including 687 mono-brand (ECCO exclusive) stores.
Following the rules of good craftsmanship to deliver genuine freedom of movement and comfort to consumers, ECCO’s aim has never been to be the biggest, but always to be the best.
ECCO USA is based in Londonderry, New Hampshire. For more information: visit www.eccousa.com, 800.886.3226.
Contact:
David Griffith
Buffalo Communications
703.891.3391
dgriffith@billycaspergolf.com
www.buffalocommunications.com
