Columbia Sportswear Expands Global Digital Marketing Footprint to Include 24 Localized E-Commerce Sites Spanning 12 Countries
PORTLAND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Columbia Sportswear Company (NASDAQ:COLM), a global leader in the active outdoor apparel and footwear industries, today announces the expansion of its global digital marketing footprint with the recent launch of new Columbia and SOREL-branded e-commerce sites in Canada and eight European countries.
When combined with existing sites in the U.S., Korea and Japan, the latest additions in Canada, UK, France, Spain, Germany, Italy, Austria, Belgium and The Netherlands, round out an expansive digital presence consisting of 24 localized e-commerce sites spanning 12 countries. In addition, the company provides centralized support for non-e-commerce Columbia-brand sites in 28 other countries and SOREL-brand sites in 20 other countries.
Tim Boyle, president and chief executive officer, notes: “Great brands take responsibility for creating brand-enhancing consumer experiences at every touch-point. Columbia’s strategic investment in building a global, multi-brand online presence reflects our commitment to the digital space as a powerful marketing platform that allows us to consistently tell our brand and innovation stories in simple, engaging ways. These sites represent a significant ongoing investment in our brands that we believe will help drive consumer demand and loyalty for the benefit of our wholesale partners.”
The sites are designed to strengthen the emotional connection consumers have to each brand by providing easy access to information about products, technologies and innovations, as well as engaging marketing content. Consumers’ ability to research, learn and connect will drive demand and influence purchasing decisions both online and with brick-and-mortar retail partners. Those same retail partners also benefit from access to an extensive library of digital assets for use on their own sites and in marketing media, creating value across the board.
Each e-commerce site features local merchandising, pricing, currency, fulfillment, payment methods and languages. And because the localized e-commerce sites are built on a single global technology platform, the process of creating sites that reflect consistent global branding has been streamlined. Paul Zaengle, vice president of e-commerce, notes, “We are able to leverage robust feature sets and user experiences, including global product ratings and reviews, a global dealer locator, rich product imagery, 360-degree footwear viewing, and informative product videos. Behind the scenes, a single technology platform means more efficient operations and system maintenance, and the ability to leverage technology upgrades across all sites.”
Each of the company’s e-commerce and branded marketing sites is accessible from:
About Columbia Sportswear Company
Columbia Sportswear Company is a global leader in the design, sourcing, marketing and distribution of active outdoor apparel, footwear, accessories and equipment. Founded in 1938 in Portland, Oregon, Columbia products are sold in more than 100 countries and have earned an international reputation for innovation, quality and performance. Columbia products feature innovative technologies and designs that protect outdoor enthusiasts from the elements, increase comfort, and make outdoor activities more enjoyable. In addition to the Columbia brand, Columbia Sportswear Company also owns outdoor brands Mountain Hardwear®, SOREL®, Montrail®, and Pacific Trail®. To learn more, please visit the company's websites at www.columbia.com , www.mountainhardwear.com, www.sorel.com, and www.montrail.com.
Media:
Columbia Sportswear PR
Scott Trepanier, 503-985-4183
strepanier@columbia.com
or
SOREL
PR
Dinusha Welliver, 503-985-4237
dwelliver@sorel.com
or
Investors:
Columbia
Sportswear Investor Relations & Corporate Communications
Ron
Parham, 503-985-4584
rparham@columbia.com
Source: Columbia Sportswear Company
Released October 12, 2011