MEDIA RELEASE 05 November 2008
Camping - the alternative for Aussie families in the economic downturn
Outdoor adventure retailer Anaconda is experiencing strong sales growth despite
the economic downturn and opening five new stores before Christmas. Sales have
increased by over 20% since the middle of this year.
CEO Toby Darvall puts it down to customers choosing the economical option of
taking the family camping instead of on an expensive holiday overseas or even in
Australia.
"There is so much gloom and doom around about families having to cut back on
life's luxuries and while many other tourism operators and retailers are
announcing declining sales, we are actually experiencing growth," said Darvall.
"Anecdotally our customers are telling us they can still afford some outdoor
gear for camping, fishing, hiking, cycling and other outdoor activities but
don't want to fork out for airfares and expensive holidays.
"Our sales from the camping department has grown from representing less than $7
million from July to November last year to now reaching over $12 million for the
same period. Camping has simply become the ideal, cost-effective and fun holiday
to bring families together.
"We can set up a family with a basic camping pack for around $500 which is much
more affordable and environmentally friendly than a trip overseas. For a week's
holiday with the kids, that's only $71 per night – much cheaper than any other
option. We also rent kayaks and bikes for customers who want to trial products
or don't want to own the equipment.
"In tough times, people will get back to basics. Most of us loved camping with
the family when we were kids – expensive overseas holidays and fancy hotels were
just not an option," added Darvall.
Anaconda was founded in November 2004 by Toby Darvall, after selling his share
in a camping and army surplus wholesale business he co-founded 13 years
previously. He was formerly a business reporter at Melbourne's popular daily,
The Age.
The concept behind the stores is based on Anaconda's belief that Australians
want to be entertained and have fun while they are shopping. Therefore, pieces
of equipment such as climbing gear, tents, gas lanterns and stoves can all be
tested in-store. Climbing pinnacles for indoor rock climbing are also in all
Anaconda stores to give customers the feel of the 'real experience'.
Anaconda currently has 13 stores – two in NSW, four in Queensland, three in
Victoria, two in WA, one in SA and one in Tasmania with expansion plans
throughout Australia in the near future. Five new stores located in NSW,
Victoria and Queensland will open this year.
Each store occupies 3,000 square metres and offers over 35,000 products for
camping, fishing, climbing, cycling and kayaking from such famous brands as The
North Face, Columbia, Coleman, Spinifex, Mojiko, Merrell, Garmin, Fluid Bikes,
Edelrid and Denali.
For customers who haven't decided to invest in the equipment and want to trial
it first, Anaconda not only sells products but also rents a range of them out.
Anaconda is giving its customers the chance to win a Renault Koleos valued at
$47,000. The competition closes on 31 December 2008 and all Anaconda Adventure
Club members are entered into the draw when they make a purchase of $100 or more
at Anaconda and present their card.
Anaconda can be contacted on 1300 669 137 or by visiting
www.anaconda.com.au.
Released for Anaconda by Dennis Rutzou Public Relations (www.drpr.com.au)
For further information please call Nicola Rutzou or Kim Larochelle on (02) 9413
4244.
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