SwimOutlet.com, the web’s most popular swim shop, has partnered with the sport’s national governing body, USA Swimming, to become the exclusive Official Online Store of USA Swimming.
Launching in January 2015 at shop.usaswimming.org and SwimOutlet.com/USASwimming, the new USA Swimming store will leverage SwimOutlet.com’s award-winning service levels, 24/7 phone customer support, live chat assistance, free shipping on orders of $49 or more, and no-hassle returns.
“Swimming is so much more than just a sport. It’s a lifestyle, so we want to promote that culture in lifestyle apparel, where swimming families will proudly showcase their association outside the pool deck,” said Matt Farrell, CMO of USA Swimming. “Partnering with the leading online aquatics retailer is the best way to bring that fresh look to our product assortment, market the sport in innovative ways and creatively bring Arena, Speedo and TYR lifestyle apparel to life.”
The agreement runs beyond the 2016 Rio Games and into 2017.
“We’re pleased to have the opportunity to develop a USA Swimming brand store within our site and become the exclusive Online Store of USA Swimming over the next few years,” said Alexander Sienkiewicz, CMO of Spiraledge, the parent company of SwimOutlet.com. “We have an enthusiastic customer base, industry-leading customer service and already feature a great selection of USA Swimming partner gear from Arena, Speedo and TYR. We look forward to providing a great retail experience around the USA Swimming brand.”
The USA Swimming Official Store on SwimOutlet.com will introduce a new assortment of graphic tees and hoodies for teens and parents. Along with licensed-USA Swimming gear and accessories, it will also carry performance, fitness and lifestyle product from USA Swimming partners.
The two entities will also work on co-promotions around the retail store including digital and social cross-promotions, print ads, sales initiatives and on-site activation at key events. SwimOutlet.com will feature USA Swimming promotions in select shipments and promote USA Swimming events and the USA Swimming National Team during the year on its website.
“It’s a natural synergy to have the leading retailer in the aquatics category and the most-successful NGB in the country working together as retail partners,” said Rob Penner, VP, Sports Marketing & PR at SwimOutlet.com. “With the 2015 World Championships on tap next year and the sprint to Rio already underway, this is a great time to be working with USA Swimming on building the best possible shopping experience for their members and fans.”
For more information, visit www.swimoutlet.com/usaswimming, Facebook.com/swimoutlet or twitter @swimoutlet – or go to swimoutlet.com/USASwimming for product info.
Swim Industry News is courtesy of SwimOutlet.com, a SwimSwam partner.
Speedo et al have put their products in places like Costco and Amazon for years, so they have contributed to the lowered expectations of their products and fueled the race to the bottom in prices.
Disappointing for the mom and pop swim shops. But on the good side we might finally get good designs from USA Swimming wear.
USA Swimming turns its back on the small shops that have supported countless teams over the years for a few dollars. Can’t see how they (mom and pop swim shops) can afford to be the showroom for Swimoutlet.com – disappointing USA Swimming. Will be interesting to see how Speedo, Tyr, and Arena will handle the further commoditization of their everyday products.