The future of Outdoor Retailing – Interview With Frederic Hufkens

Published by Mountainblog on 10/07/2016.

Rapid changes in both technology and consumer preference have altered so many of the established concepts of retail that it is time for the industry to re-look at what is possible and work together to identify opportunities for the future. With a wealth of experience across a wide spectrum of retail, as well as experience at the helm of the hugely successful A.S.Adventure Group (Bever, A.S.Adventure, Cotswold & Snow & Rock), Frédéric Hufkens offers invaluable knowledge, expertise and insight.

Started in 1995 as small family-owned operation in Belgium, A.S.Adventure now stocks over 50,000 products, including kit for travel and camping, cycling and running, ski and snowboard, beachwear and gadgets. Frédéric was brought on board in 2007 to overhaul the corporate structure of the business and breathe new life into the company.

Interviews: Jessica Ceotto
Video editing: Andrea Monticelli.

Founded in 2003, the European Outdoor Group is the trade organisation that represents and promotes the outdoor industry in Europe, underpinned by three core principles: Doing business in the right way; protecting nature; and encouraging participation in outdoor activities. The EOG now has a membership of over 100 brands, retailers, technology brands, national associations, and other organisations from the wider value chain.

Led by an executive team and board, the association uses the power of collaboration to work with its membership, the sector and other partners, on projects that address some of the major topics that face all of business. Pre-competitive cooperation in areas that include events like the European Outdoor Summit, market insights and data, CSR and sustainability, and public affairs, benefits the whole outdoor sector and gives it a loud and influential voice in the political and public domain.

> Find out more about the EOG here

The Summit is an initiative of the European Outdoor Group (EOG), the association set up to represent the common interests of the European outdoor industry.

As a pan-European organisation the EOG is uniquely placed to support the Summit, which will be held in alternate years in different countries. The national outdoor groups representing these countries will organise each Summit, allowing each event to assume its own identity, content and experience, but with the Summit remaining open to all.

www.europeanoutdoorsummit.com