New Zealand Ski Season, Gear Trends, & How a Specialty Retailer Curates Their Products

New Zealand Ski Season, Gear Trends, & How a Specialty Retailer Curates Their Products

Author: BLISTER July 12, 2024 Duration: 47:48

How has the ski / snowboard season in the southern hemisphere been this year? To find out, we caught up with Benji Knight and Darren Grimmett from Outside Sports in New Zealand; we also cover the gear trends they’re noticing in their area, and then they peel back the curtain on how, exactly, a local shop curates the collection of gear they offer — often picked from thousands of options — for their specific location and customers.

RELATED LINKS:

Our Blister Recommended Shop: Outside Sports

A Guide to Skiing in New Zealand, Ep.260

Blister Recommended Shops

BLISTER+: Become a Member

TOPICS & TIMES

Season Update (6:14)

How do you Pick Products?? (7:23)

Supplier Relationships & Brand Loyalty (12:24)

Athlete & Customer Relationships (15:04)

Bringing on a New Brand (19:04)

Sizing (20:42)

Hardgoods vs. Softgoods (26:53)

Evolution of the Industry (28:59)

NZ Gear Trends (33:42)

Season Outlook (41:45)

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For anyone who has ever stood in a shop debating the merits of a new jacket or stared at a trail map while thinking about their skis, GEAR:30 is that conversation. This BLISTER podcast goes far beyond basic specs and marketing claims, offering a nuanced, often technical look at the equipment that defines our time outside. The discussion is driven by the people who live with these products: our own reviewers who are putting gear through its paces in real conditions, the designers who obsess over materials and intent, and the athletes whose livelihoods depend on performance. We also check in with the seasoned folks from our network of recommended shops, who see what works and what doesn’t after a season of hard use. Episodes dig into specific items, broader trends in innovation, and the sometimes-surprising realities of long-term testing. It’s a deep, authentic resource for anyone who appreciates the intersection of sports, design, and technology, and who believes the right tool can transform an experience. Tune in for honest, detailed talk that treats outdoor gear with the seriousness and curiosity it deserves.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

GEAR:30
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