Please bear with us..........

So its about to start, we are about to implement new stock control software and we are going to need our retail partners to please bear with us as we go through the process. The outcome will definitely be worth it but there are going to be some glitches and hurdles that need over coming.

We are about to implement Quickbooks Enterprise Edition with Advanced Inventory. This will allow us to manage stocks at multiple locations. Its going to significantly change our whole logistics operation and the end result will be a huge increase in the customer service we provide and the efficiency with which we can manage stock and supply.

Steve, who has just joined us, will be responsible for managing the implementation process. I'm sure anyone who has been involved with similar projects will wish him good luck and their sympathies.

Also our admin team is going to expand and I'll shortly let you know the person who will be coming in to assist Steve in implementation and then running our new admin systems.

We are going to need to make some changes to the some of the processes we currently have. In some areas we will lose some flexibility because we will need to fit our processes into the confines of the software's processes. The upshot of this though will be much more robust and efficient systems resulting in vastly improved logistics, stock information and availability on our part and much better stock availability our retailers shop floor. This is a good thing for everyone involved including retail customers, shop staff, retail management and our selves.

Guida and myself will be working with our retail partners to ensure our systems supply the information they need and to help manage the changes to our systems that will be required.

So please bear with us as we go through this process

Ian

Staff Changes at Global Climbing Towers

Morning all,

Well today we'll be having a shorter than normal office day because this afternoon we are all going out for a meal. The reason is today we are saying good bye to Jean and saying welcome to Steve.

Jean has been running our admin for just under a year and she's coped pretty damn well. I'll miss her cheerfulness and Irish lilt. She's moving into high finance thats a bit closer to home and less hours (hmmmm, sounds like a good idea!!)

Taking up the admin reigns will be Steve. He's coming from a real estate office and bringing a Welsh accent to the team.

Steve's going to have his hands full as we move to implementing the new sales and stock control system, but thats my next blog post to write!

So good luck to both Jean and Steve on their new ventures and the challenges they'll bring

Ian

Articles in March 2011 Outdoor UAE Magazine

In the March Edition of the Outdoor UAE Magazine we have several articles. We are very supportive of this magazine as its currently the only specialist outdoor press in the UAE. Check out www.outdooruae.com for lots more information

First we have the Silva ADC Pro featured

click on here to download pdf

There is a article on how to choose a harness with information and images from Singing Rock

click here to download pdf

There is also report about the recent rescue in Wadi Ghalilah written by Pete and using my photos

click here to download pdf

I have 2 small articles in there too, one Gaffa Tape Top Tip and one about the plastic bottle environmental disaster happening on all beaches around the world

click here to go to my blog post for more info

click here to go to my blog post for more information

Enjoy

Ian

Feelfree press coverage in this months Explore Magazine

Feelfree kayaks are features in an article about Um Al Qwuain kayaking and turtles in this months Explore magazine.

My blog has more of the story

Click on the images for larger versions

Clothing groups warn on cotton surge impact

We are getting word back from our suppliers that the recent poor cotton harvest and the resulting hike in commodity prices for cotton is having repercussions throughout the industry.

Many cotton manufactures have been looking at man made material substitutes for cotton as a way of controlling prices but this has resulted in the prices of polyester and nylon fibres being driven up too. As the majority of the outdoor industry uses man made fibres in its products across the board, not just clothing think EVERYTHING including rucsacs, harnesses and ropes just for starters, manufacturers are already seeing the effects

White heat: everything from socks to
evening dresses is likely to be affected

At a recent meeting with one of our rope suppliers stories of Chinese suppliers changing the prices of goods even after they had been shipped were told such is the fast moving nature of the market right now. This makes for an incredibly difficult business environment for every one.

Here is an article from www.FT.com talking about the worldwide effects currently being felt http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/b2664d96-3799-11e0-b91a-00144feabdc0.html#ixzz1FzMPyT2k

"US clothing companies are warning of a jolt in consumer prices in the latter half of this year, affecting everything from socks to evening dresses, as the soaring cost of cotton ends a prolonged spell of price deflation in the sector.

Some US clothing brands have started passing on an initial wave of price increases in their spring collections, after last year’s initial escalation in cotton prices.

But the groups say they expect far sharper rises later this year as the surge in commodity prices moves through the production process and into stores.

Cotton hit a record high on Friday, topping $1.90 a pound amid a shortage of the fibre.

The cost of the commodity has risen 150 per cent since the start of 2010.

Efforts by manufacturers to reduce costs by switching to cheaper alternative materials have also led to sharp price increases in polyester and other synthetic fibres.

Wesley Card, chief executive of Jones Group, whose brands include Nine West and Anne Klein, told the Financial Times that after single-digit percentage price rises in some areas in the spring, consumers would be looking at “price increases pretty much across the board” by the end of the year, with percentage rises as high as double digits.

“It’s going to be relatively broad-based because it affects all denim, no matter what price point, all items including cotton and footwear as well,” he said.

Mike Ullman, chief executive of JC Penney, the mid-range department store, has said the company avoided price increases this spring but faces challenges in the autumn.

“If the cotton price is going to be double what it was a year ago, it will obviously affect retail prices,” he told the FT.

Executives say the clothing industry is as yet unsure about how consumers will react to price rises, after becoming accustomed to prices that have fallen steadily during the past decade due to the emergence of low-cost overseas production and the rise of China.

John Anderson, chief executive of Levi Strauss, said last week that it was too early to calculate the impact because “the consumer hasn’t had a chance to respond to those [prices] yet.”

Mr Card at Jones Group said price increases could vary from as little as $2 on a pair of low-cost jeans at a discounter to $15 on an $80 jacket at a department store.

“It is hard to see where the price elasticity is going to meet resistance at this point,” he said.

At JC Penney, Mr Ullman said that the higher margin on the group’s large private-label clothing business would give it more flexibility in introducing price increases and that the retailer expected to seek to reduce the impact on basic clothing.

“We obviously have key price points that we want to maintain to give customers the very sharp value that they’re used to,” he said.

“We think we have more flexibility in fashion than we do in basics.”

Roger Farah, president of Polo Ralph Lauren, warned this month that the price rise would be a challenge for its high-end brands, which he expected to lead to “a responsible adjustment that reflects the reality of cost of goods increases”.

He said: “Until we get to the [autumn] ... we won’t know whether the end consumer understands and accepts what will be an overall increase for most product categories.”

Fun fun fun :-S

Martin Kaymer, #1 ranked golf player in the world is wearing a UV Buff

Martin Kaymer, #1 ranked golf player in the world, was wearing the UV Buff during the World Golf Championship Accenture match this weekend in Arizona. Temperature was unusually cold so someone bought him a Buff headwear to wear and he's been wearing the Black Fly design two days in a row. Show has been televised live on NBC and is the fashion buzz about what Martin is wearing. It's another potential market. Up until now, most golfers didn't think it was cool to wear one.

http://www.sandbox8.com/2011/02/27/to-buff-or-not-to-buff-martin-kaymers-neckwear/

http://progolftalk.nbcsports.com/2011/02/27/martin-kaymer-in-the-buff-no-really/

http://sports.yahoo.com/golf/pga/news?slug=pgatour_com-round_5_world_golf_championships_accenture_match_play_2011

We are now the regional distributor of Buff and you'll be seeing Buff products appearing in stores over the next few weeks as deliveries arrive.
If you would like information on stocking Buff products in your stores or how to have your own customised design produced (very easy and cost effective) or information on stocking any of our other brands then please do not hesitate to contact usIan

Kit I love: LifeVenture Thermal Mug

The blog has been dull with (all be it) important information on counterfeit kit and product recalls. I thought I'd post something on a lighter note.

Every now and then I come across bits of kit I really like love. This morning I was driving to work after a great early morning kayak surf session with Lee supping fresh hot coffee and felt the need to tell you about it because the mug I was drinking out of made it possible. Its these bits of kit that just make your life perfect for a moment.

Yes I know I shouldn't take photos while driving and drinking coffee at the same time, blah blah. (Knee driving is a crucial technique and one I've practiced a lot!)

Anyway, get one of the mugs, their great

Currently retailing for 75aed here in the UAE and available from Go Sports stores at Mirdiff City Centre, Mall of the Emirates and Ibn Batuta Mall. In a couple of months time there will be other places they are available too (watch this space for info)

Ian

Important Safety Notice: DMM Dragon Cam size 4 and 5 Recall (inc Update)

Last night (15th Feb 2011) DMM received information from a U.S retailer regarding size 5 (Blue) Dragon Cams. They have found cracks on the aluminium axle boss on 2 of the Dragon Cam size 5s they have in stock. This boss is a turned part similar to the original Dragon 6 that we recalled on the 22nd July 2010.

For the safety of all of our customers we are issuing an immediate recall for all Dragon Cams size 4 and 5 with turned axle bosses (see images below). At present there is no evidence that suggests the size 4 Dragon Cams are affected. However, we feel it appropriate to include them in the recall due to similarities in construction. 

What you should do
If in possession of a cam as shown on the left in the pictures above, please discontinue use immediately and follow the steps below:
1. Fill in the form below and click Create Returns Form. (Information on Serial Numbers)
2. Print out the generated form. You will also receive a confirmation email with your reference number.
3. Both the printed form and the Dragon Cams need to be sent together to us at the DMM address on the form. There are 3 ways of doing this:

• Directly to us;
• back to the retailer where the Dragon cam was purchased;
• or to your national distributor

If you are a retailer or distributor, please quarantine all affected stock immediately and follow your standard returns procedure.

What we will do

• We promise to deal with the situation as quickly and efficiently as we can.
• All units will be reassembled with a new hot forged aluminium axle boss and returned to you.

Our first and foremost priority is the safety of the climbing community. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your continued understanding and support.

More information will follow after further investigation.

The DMM team

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Dragon 4 & 5 Recall Update 24/02/2011

A quick update to keep you all up to speed with developments at DMM, and how we are dealing with the Recall.

Since last Thursday we have been working 24 hours a day in the factory to ensure a rapid turnaround time. We have now started the re-works on the returned cams and they have been re-certified to the CE standards.

We've also being working on an easier and more efficient online system to process the returns. This will allow us to both accurately track each unit through the re-work procedure, and also keep customers informed on progress via email updates. The online returns system can be accessed here.

Thank you for your understanding, and apologies for any inconvenience.

The DMM Team