Irish golf clothing brand, Kartel, today announced details of its ambitious expansion plans in the American golf apparel market. The new strategy will see a dedicated sales team supply the brand’s luxury and technical golf clothing ranges to 500 select green grass retail shops and golf specialty stores throughout the U.S. To service the U.S. market, Kartel will maintain sales and marketing offices in New York, as well as offices for distribution, customer service, finance and embroidery in Florida. The U.S. salesforce will begin showing the 2012 collections in July, with initial resort driven collections available in November of this year.
Over the past 65 years, the Kartel name has become synonymous with premium quality and outstanding customer service. The Kartel golf collection can be found in the finest clubs and resorts in 24 countries worldwide. Renowned for their European styling, fashionable use of color and superior fabrications, the 2012 Men’s and Ladies Kartel fashion collections will also be infused with innovative technology and functionality. In addition to these extensive seasonal collections, Kartel will also offer its retailers an extensive ‘always in-stock’ programme of key styles, available 365 days a year.
Kartel’s product fit is considered “relaxed” which will accommodate a broad segment of U.S. consumers. The company has also specifically tailored its price structure to the U.S. market, enabling the brand to provide unparalleled value for customers, as well as above average margins for retailers. The company also plans to continually support its retail partners through exciting marketing initiatives focused on stimulating in-store sales.
Kartel also announced today that it has appointed Mike Obzud as its Director of U.S. Sales to head up its ambitious expansion plans in the American golf apparel market. Mike is one of the most talented and respected leaders in the U.S. golf apparel industry, and brings 25 years of expertise to the Kartel brand.
Commenting on the announcement, Karl Swan, Kartel’s Managing Director said, “We are very excited to officially launch the Kartel brand in the American market. Our strategy is to target areas where golf is becoming increasingly popular and we have ambitious and robust plans to become the apparel brand of choice for American golfers.”
“I am delighted with the appointment of Mike Obzud as Kartel’s Director of U.S. Sales in the U.S. Expanding our retail footprint through strategic distribution channels is central to our long-term growth and I am confident that our talented U.S. sales team will help us to successfully implement our aggressive new strategy in the U.S. market,” he added.
About Kartel:
The Kartel brand was established in 1985 and is part of a family owned Irish business based in Dublin. The company story began in 1947 when a young tailor, John Swan, set up a small clothing company. Initially, the company was a gentleman’s outfitter specialising in suits, jackets and trousers. Over a period of more than 60 years the company has extended their collection into a broad offer of men’s and ladies golfing, business and casual jeanswear collections.
For over a quarter of a century, the Kartel brand has been synonymous with providing superior styling and quality in the golf apparel market. Kartel is extremely proud to be at the heart of the game of golf at all levels and currently distributes its premium golf clothing collection in 24 countries worldwide. Kartel’s sponsorship of three time major winner, Padraig Harrington is now in its fifteenth year and LPGA star Christina Kim has also sported the iconic brand at major tour events.
Visit www.kartel.ie for more information.
Contact:
Mr. Mike Obzud
914.764.0841
mobzud@aol.com
