Foremost Golf has announced that Mizuno, ECCO, ProQuip and Callaway Apparel have been included on its list of Elite Marketing Programme (EMP) suppliers for the first time.
The addition of four of the most respected companies in the golf industry comes on the back of Datatech releasing independent research indicating that Foremost’s EMP professionals out-performed their on-course and off-course competitors in the majority of key product categories during the first half of 2014.
The majority of EMP professionals also saw turnover and profits soar during a period when many of those competitors were struggling in difficult market conditions.
“We are delighted to welcome Callaway Apparel, ECCO, Mizuno and ProQuip as new EMP Suppliers and feel sure they will help our members build on our success during the first half of 2014,” said Foremost Company Director Andy Martin.
“All four are golf industry heavyweights and are acknowledged as innovators in their respective areas of expertise.”
Mizuno is recognised as one of the most innovative companies in the hardware sector with its unique DNA and fitting solutions and is also extending its previous ties with Foremost, by becoming one of the group’s official EMP Suppliers.
“We are delighted to extend our previous agreement with Foremost by joining its list of EMP Suppliers and believe that it will give us even greater access to some of the best golf retail establishments within the UK and Ireland,” said Rob Jackson, Head of UK and Nordic Golf at Mizuno.
ECCO becomes an official EMP Supplier after a successful period as one of Foremost’s Approved Suppliers.
The acclaimed Danish footwear company manufactures some of the finest hand-crafted, high-tech and stylish shoes found in the golf market and it has received considerable acclaim for its Hybrid ranges.
“It is with great pleasure and excitement that ECCO has strengthened its relationship with Foremost by becoming one of its official EMP Suppliers,” said Jack Cleary, ECCO UK Sales Manager
“Since pioneering the spikeless golf shoe phenomenon back in 2010 ECCO has gone from strength to strength and we are confident we can build on that success now we are working more closely with one of the most entrepreneurial groups in the golf business.”
“Foremost’s EMP professionals have earned a deserved reputation for their business acumen and a solid working relationship with them can only be good for our business moving forwards.”
The inclusion of ProQuip on the list of Foremost’s EMP Suppliers give its members the opportunity to work more closely with one of the most popular and innovative brands in the rainwear sector.
“This is an important announcement for ProQuip because it strengthens our relationship with a group of retailers at the top of their game who stand to benefit from ProQuip’s ability to deliver product excellence and innovation at great value price points,” said Russell Brooks, General Manager of ProQuip.
“ProQuip’s profile is riding high at present following our successful work as the Preferred Supplier of weatherwear to the 2014 European Ryder Cup Team and we feel that Foremost members will benefit strongly from our heightened brand awareness among UK golfers.”
Callaway Apparel sign up as EMP Suppliers at a time when Callaway hardware has become one of the best-selling ranges in the programme.
“Callaway hardware has a very strong working relationship with Foremost EMP members and we believe we can develop that relationship further now that Callaway Apparel has also become an official EMP Supplier,”said Helen Willsmer, Callaway Apparel’s European Sales Manager.
“We will be providing fantastic offers unique to Foremost EMP pros and look forward to working together for the benefit of both parties.”
Golf professionals can get more information about Foremost by contacting Matt Lacey on 01753 218896 or email matthew.lacey@foremostgolf.com