It is the first time for the English outdoor brand Karrimor to attends Asia Outdoor 2009 in Nanjing, Jiangsu province. The followiing is the interview with Neil Kennedy, General Manager of Karrimor.

8264: Could you please introduce Karrimor to the Chinese outdoor fans, please?

Mr Neil: Karrimor was founded in England in 1946, it produced the bike packs at beginning. Since last 90′s, it expands the production line, and begins producing the outdoor clothing, shoes and accessories. 30 years ago, Karrimor enters the Asia outdoor market, especially Japan and South Korea. 

8264: Is it first time for Karrimor attends Asia Outdoor?

Mr Neil: It is the first time for Karrimor to attend Asia Outdoor, which is to develop better in the future, mainly show the backpacks, clothing and shoes. Lots of people think Karrimor produce backpacks, but we also product outdoor clothing, shoes and accessories.

8264: How long has Karrimor entered China Outdoor Market? Why Karrimor changes the agent in China?

Mr Neil: Karrimor enters the China outdoor market for 8 years, now we change the agent, Jamost Sporting Goods (Shenzhen) Ltd is our agent in China. The backpacks and shoes are in different agents, which is not fit Karrimor development. Now, we draw back the previous agents and distributors. We need the rich experience and has the network around China, in this way, Karrimore can develop better in the future. Therefore, we cooperate with Jamost to develop Karrimor in China.  

8264: What about Karrimor development at present? The financial crisis is affected on Karrimor development?

Mr Neil: As to the present Karrimor development, I want to say 2 thing: The one is the financial crisis is not affected on Karrimor development, but grows especially in Europe. The other one is the whole outdoor industry keeps growing in Europe, and the sales also grows. 

8264:You attend Europe Outdoor 2009? What about your opinion of Europe Outdoor?

Mr Neil: The Europe Outdoor is the most important and largest outdoor fair in Europe, it attracts lots of visitors from lots of countries. It is a good platform to show the society, business and new products.

8264: It is your first time to attend Asia Outdoor? What about your opinion of Asia Outdoor?

Mr Neil: It is my first time to attend Asia Outdoor. It is smaller than Europe Outdoor and I see lots of Chinese outdoor brands. I think China outdoor industy focus on the product development.

More Asia Outdoor 2009 information, please visit http://www.8264.com/topic/1263.html

The following is the Karrimor booth at Asia Outdoor 2009: