Bridgestone Golf is making headline news with its industry-changing Bridgestone Challenge ball-fitting program www.bridgestonegolf.com/en/fitting and enjoying dramatic market share gains in the US market stimulated by its innovative B330 Series of balls. Recent Datatech figures for February 2009 saw the brand increase it’s combined On and Off Course shares substantially
• Volume up to 13.3%, an increase of 3.7% versus Feb 2008
• Value up to 13.1% an increase of 5.2% versus Feb 2008
Source: Datatech February 2009
The brand is certainly bucking the trend as one of only 2 brands to show growth, furthermore inventory ratio is at 79.9% which clearly shows that the stock is moving off retailers shelves quickly, the key to success for any high volume consumer product.
The success story is not only limited to the US. In the UK Bridgestone Golf, amidst a major growth phase, has reported that sales for the 1st Quarter of 2009 were up a staggering 507% on the same period 2008 and exceeded the 2009 planned target by 25%.
Steve Kettlewell of Bridgestone Golf UK commented, “We all know trading conditions are challenging so to show sales growth versus the previous year and then to actually exceed an ambitious 2009 plan is an outstanding performance. Our sales team has really taken the initiative to drive our distribution forward utilising the fantastic B330 series of balls.”
The B330 Series
Three new Tour level balls as a direct result of data garnered through its ball-fitting sessions.
• B330-RX – Designed for swing speeds between 85-105 mph, the new B330-RX is the softest multilayer ball on the market, and the first TOUR performance ball designed specifically for low handicap amateurs.
• B330-S – Optimised for players with swing speeds ranging from 103-115 mph, and will appeal to players who value a softer feel.
• Tour B330 – Designed for swing speeds of 112+ mph and will appeal to players who appreciate a slightly firmer feel.
The 2008 B330 family of balls carry a suggested SSP of £44 per dozen.
The company, whose headquarters are in Tokyo, started making golf balls in 1935 and over the intervening 70 years has built a strong reputation for manufacturing premium golf balls, clubs and accessories under the Precept and Bridgestone brand names.
Bridgestone is represented on a world stage by a number of internationally famed golfers including, Stuart Appleby, Fred Couples, Nick Price, Charles Howell III and Brandt Snedeker.
Bridgestone www.bridgestonegolf.com
Precept www.preceptgolf.com