Ashworth has become the first global golf apparel brand to make a move into the new, but fast growing, Russian market. Both the Ashworth and Callaway Golf apparel ranges will shortly be available in GOLF PROFI, a new store just a stone’s throw from The Kremlin.
It has also been agreed that Ashworth will be the official clothing suppliers to the various teams representing the Russian Golf Federation during 2004. Additionally, through this single account, they will provide the logo merchandise garments to the Moscow City Club, a 9-hole course situated in the heart of the foreign embassy district of Moscow.
In Russia there are only 3,000 listed golfers and only two golf courses: The Moscow City Club and The Moscow Country Club. Progress is being made however, with two courses under construction, including one in St.Petersburg. The Russian Golf Federation is now affiliated to the sport’s parent organisations in Europe. This will allow Russia to send teams to compete in various events such as the European Team Championships at senior, youth and junior levels.
Speaking about the partnership with Ashworth, Alexander Ilyin, a partner in Potius plc that runs GOLF PROFI, commented, “We are delighted to open our new shop close to The Kremlin and we are especially delighted that we have a partnership with Ashworth Europe for both the Ashworth and Callaway golf apparel brands.
“When I visited their European showroom in London recently they made it clear how important it was for both these brands to be represented on a global basis and I am delighted to be offering such well known and successful brands of clothing to our new golfing public in Moscow”
Grahame Jenkins, senior European director at Ashworth, said, “Golf in Russia is growing in popularity and Ashworth is delighted to be part of that growth. We look forward to working with Alex and the team to introduce both the Ashworth and Callaway Golf apparel ranges to Russia.
“We are experiencing rapid growth across Europe with both brands, and not only in established markets such as France, Spain and Germany but in these new emerging markets of Eastern Europe, in Russia, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia.”
Ashworth www.ashworthinc.com
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