p10,12 Trade talk 8/15/08 12:42 PM Page 12
TRADE TALK - Sports Retail
SGB
Sports and Outdoor
www.sgb-sports.com
quickly reimbursed with a ‘fistfull of dollars’ (his expenses
having been donated by kind father-in-law), he easily
conformed to the oft-quoted instruction to ‘have a nice
day’, meeting the Wilson-ites, and gaining a great
impression of the company. Back in the UK, and a
meeting with the redoubtable Alan Bond (only recently
retired after 40 years service with Wilson) and the rest is
history.
Although Nigel ‘works to live rather than living to
work’ he is very much a live worker and has that all-too-
rare ability to enjoy making a living. His decision to stay
‘on the road’ rather than oversee others is sometimes
questioned by colleagues. But why mend something that,
far from showing signs of breaking, seems to be stronger
as the years go by? As we talked, I could not resist
comparing him to the ‘factor’ element in the latest range
of rackets about which he enthused with almost as much
pride and delight as he does about the latest addition to
his family, first grandson Joshua born in June to his
daughter Kerry. He takes immense pride in his family. Son
Nathan manages no less than five Crown Golf Clubs,
while younger daughter Carly is the third of his offspring
to have degrees, and is set to make her mark in film
editing and media.‘Factor’, explains the latest racket
catalogue, by definition represents anything that actively
contributes to the production of a result. For ‘anything’
substitute ‘anyone’ and that surely justifies the
comparison. The photo accompanying this ‘Jack meets…’
conjures up the amazing changes that rackets have footwear collection. The original 1987 Pro Staff tennis with his local fire brigade, an activity that could easily fill
undergone over the years both in material and size. shoe, durable but stiff, would not get a look-in these days another column. He does enjoy fishing and the chance it
Contrary to what many may believe, today’s top rackets other than as a retro street cred model. And just to gives him to completely ‘switch off’ although it is difficult
undergo much work by hand despite the technical emphasise that ‘Jack meets…’ is truly unbiased and non- to imagine a switched-off Nigel. His holidays to far-flung
advances used in their manufacture. The laying of hands advertorial, I do wish that what is otherwise a superbly places often include quietly and modestly helping those in
took on a new concept as I learned about modern produced footwear and apparel catalogue had not printed need, doing practical work such as providing a roof for a
methods applied in racket construction and even today the txt in black on a deep red background – or maybe I school for children in Africa.
the identical matching of any two rackets is far from should see my optician. He would be the last to suggest that retailers on whom
simple. Wilson now comes under the Amer umbrella and is in Nigel calls are indeed lucky. He does admit that his likes in
Racket count at Wimbledon in his early days was a good company with Atomic and Salomon Skis. Wilson the trade are a dying breed due to the expense of every
tedious task and one which meant moving swiftly from golf clubs were used by two-times British champion call, but there he may be wrong. The phrase ‘out of the
court to court to see how many and which Wilson rackets Padraig Harrington. Their inventory of balls is surely ashes’ comes to mind. The day may yet come again when
were being used and which were in the hands of winners. without parallel. The official NFL ball, for which Wilson those who have thought it most economical to neglect the
Today it is a task performed by ingenious software and have had the licence since 1941, one of the longest-held importance of regular personal contact with their
this year Wilson scored high on the charts, notably among licences in sporting history (although surely Slazenger has customers may think again. Life has a habit of going
the winners. Undoubtedly even the best rackets can never an even longer claim with its Wimbledon tennis ball through circles, after all even supermarkets now deliver to
replace the tenacity and skill of the player but equally sponsorship) may present retailers with some sales our homes.
certain is that the (K) Factor representing the four opportunities with the forthcoming four Wembley NFL As Nigel and I shook hands at the front door, I felt a
proprietary Wilson technologies about which Nigel’s games starting in October, when New Orleans Saints will distinct sense of something missing. As I put head to
enthusiasm seemed boundless, played a significant part in play San Diego Chargers. Anyone doubting the potential pillow that night, I realised what was wrong. Sorry, Nigel,
many victories, as Serena, Venus or Roger will surely should ponder over the ticket sales – enough tickets could no order, this time.
testify. But what does all this mean for the independent? have been sold to fill Wembley Stadium seven times. The
Can he compete with the ‘big boys’ when it comes to first 40,000 tickets went in just 72 hours. The last time
selling? Has Wilson followed certain other popular brands American Football ‘made it’ in the UK a few retailers
by offering unbeatable terms to them? Nigel quoted Alan scooped the jackpot with new sales. I am sure that SGB
Jack welcomes your comments and is always glad to
Bond with this priceless comment to those who demand will have more to say on the subject in due course. Wilson
discuss your ideas, problems and concerns, either
such treatment: “We don’t mind going to bed with you certainly have the balls (ranging from fun to functional)
person to person, or in print.
but we do not want to be raped!” I was convinced that and Nigel will surely be taking the orders.
If there is anyone you would like him to meet or any
Wilson has reason to hold its head up high when it comes Perhaps Nigel’s success with an American company can
product to write about please contact
to marketing ethics and credibility. These days, there is partly be explained by his shared sense of enthusiasm and The Editor or Jack (writeawayjack@aol.com).
much much more to Wilson than rackets and racket what I can best describe as ‘go-gettedness’ and even if my
His articles do not necessarily reflect the views of
sports. After one or two not overly successful attempts to spell checker will not accept it, so be it.
the publishers and are not ‘advertorials’. They are
launch clothing, this time they would seem to have You will probably have gathered that Nigel’s life is not
not seen prior to publication by any person or firm to
scored. The new spring 2009 ranges created in-house with centred solely on Wilson or even his much-loved family;
whom they may refer.
new designers, have been well received, as has the he has only recently been 'retired’ from voluntary service
12 AUGUST 2008
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