ClickZ Winter Sports Newsletter - 12.18.2024

PLUS: FIS's $421M investment talks & luxury boards drop

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Welcome to ClickZ Winter Sports, the essential newsletter for professionals in winter sports e-commerce. This will be our final edition of 2024, so on behalf of the entire ClickZ team, we wanted to wish you a Happy Christmas. We will be back in the new year with insights to help drive your eCommerce strategy forward.

Top Reads 🌟

The Ski Industry Climate Summit, held at ISPO Munich, showcased the escalating commitment to sustainability, drawing over 180 professionals. The gathering, organized by Atomic, saw participants stress the urgency of climate action through collaboration and innovation. The summit’s brisk pace highlighted key areas: recycling, circular economy, and data standardization.

Industry leaders recognized the necessity of partnerships with third-party recyclers and the integration of sustainable business models to ensure economic viability. The focus on life cycle assessments (LCA) and data-sharing protocols emphasized the need for transparency and comparability, crucial for marketing professionals aiming to align with sustainability trends.

The summit discussions on regulatory preparedness and decarbonizing the value chain were particularly impactful. With evolving environmental legislation, proactive advocacy emerged as a shared responsibility. The emphasis on renewable energy procurement and logistics decarbonization highlighted strategic opportunities for marketers to leverage sustainability as a competitive advantage.

The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) has firmly denied allegations of rejecting a $421 million investment proposal from CVC Capital Partners. This claim, circulated by media outlets, was based on a letter signed by FIS Council members, National Ski Associations, and athletes, including Mikaela Shiffrin. The letter urged FIS to consider CVC’s offer, which involved a 20% stake in FIS commercial rights, valued at $2.1 billion.

However, FIS clarified that the proposal was not dismissed but lacked essential details like valuation and strategic planning.

FIS ongoing centralization of media rights with Infront was cited as a potential conflict, but the federation insists the CVC offer was unrelated. Instead, it was an investment proposal for a joint venture to manage commercial rights. FIS emphasized its financial stability and commitment to transparency, stating it would engage a financial advisor if additional capital is needed.

The centralization plan, approved by the FIS Council, faces opposition, notably from the German Ski Federation, which won a legal challenge against it. This highlights the tension between FIS strategic ambitions and national associations interests.

Product Launches You May Have Missed 🍪

Dainese D-air Ski 2 Jacket will disrupt ski safety for the better with its advanced airbag system, certified for three activations. Featuring user-replaceable technology, it ensures quick returns to the slopes. As FIS mandates airbags for high-speed events, Dainese leads with innovative protection, enhancing performance and safety for athletes and enthusiasts alike.

SCOTT Sports partners with Recco Technology to integrate life-saving features into their helmets, enhancing safety and efficiency in outdoor activities. This collaboration aligns with SCOTT’s innovative legacy, offering MIPS collision protection and Recco search technology, thus expanding their market reach and strategic value in the outdoor gear industry.

Völkl collaborates with designer Filip Pagowski to launch a limited edition ski collection, blending art and performance. The collection features unique designs for Racetiger, Peregrine, and Blaze models, available exclusively online and at select retailers. This partnership highlights innovative design strategies, appealing to fashion-forward skiing enthusiasts.

Whitespace introduces the Icona 157, a limited edition snowboard designed for advanced riders seeking top performance. With only 100 boards available, it features cutting-edge technology like 3D Contour Channels and Carbon X45 Ultra Dense Weave fiberglass, offering unmatched speed, precision, and eco-friendly design.

Influencer Corner 📣

Performance Pulse 📈

Performance marketing in 2025 will focus on strategic use of AI, first-party data, and personalized engagement to enhance customer loyalty and efficiency. As costs rise and effectiveness declines, marketers must prioritize creativity and strategic value. Agencies face pressure to adapt, while skills in strategy and technology become increasingly vital.

TikTok ads require strategic optimization for success. Key steps include defining objectives, refining audience targeting, enhancing ad creativity, and utilizing automated bidding. Additionally, adjusting ad placements, retargeting, and leveraging advanced features are crucial. Continuous testing and alignment with TikTok trends ensure maximum ad performance and brand visibility.

Influencer Partnerships

Crocs ➡️ Influencer Marketing Manager

📍 Broomfield, CO

Marketing & Communications

Fospha ➡️ Partnerships Executive

📍 Austin, TX, USA

Affiliate Marketing

Macy’s ➡️Director, Affiliate Marketing

📍 New York, USA

❄️ Feedback Slalom

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