Golf’s oldest electric trolley brand, PowaKaddy, is celebrating a significant increase in sales for the first half of 2014, following the launch of the innovative, feature-packed Freeway range.
Since their introduction to much acclaim from the trade and golf media, the FW7, FW5 and FW3 models have propelled PowaKaddy to a 25 per cent surge in year-on-year units sold, indicating the ever-growing popularity of the brand among consumers.
This position is supported by results from a recent, conclusive HowDidiDo survey of the UK trolley market, which revealed the Kent-based manufacturer is still the most recognisable name in electric trolleys.
Delighted by the company’s performance over the course of the year, PowaKaddy Chairman, John deGraft-Johnson, said: “Our sales for 2014 so far, as well as the findings from HowDidiDo’s consumer survey, confirm that PowaKaddy remains the brand of choice among golfers in the UK.
“With the quality of the new FW range, both in terms of manufacturing tolerances and the innovative technologies that it incorporates, we were always confident that it would be warmly received by the golfing public and retailers, alike.
“We are in the fortunate position to be part of an ever-growing market, with more golfers than ever beginning to realise the performance benefits of electric trolley use. Helping to prevent injury and reduce the chances of fatigue, the electric trolley is becoming an essential piece of equipment for every golfer.”
On and off-course retailers have been vocal in their support of the cutting-edge 2014 Freeway range. Since hitting shop floors nationwide at the beginning of April, PowaKaddy’s manufacturing team has been working around the clock to satisfy high demand.
Such has been the positive reception that many of the country’s most important account holders have already spoken of how impressed they have been by the new range.
Ian Martin, Senior Retail Consultant at the TGI Golf Partnership, said:“The FW range has been extremely well received by both retailers and consumers. Sell-through has been excellent for our partners, with the products flying off the shelves, which is testament to the confidence the consumer has in the product.
“Soft goods sales are still as popular as ever and, with the high faith in the brand, things are only going to get better for PowaKaddy.”
James Toase, Direct Golf Purchasing and Sales Director, was equally impressed. He said: “Direct Golf has been a stockist and partner of PowaKaddy for many years. The new 2014 range has been the best we have ranged in this category based on quality, performance, demand and product choice to cover consumer budgets.”
Meanwhile, Medway Golf Centre Managing Director, Paul Street, commented: “The FW series has been brilliantly designed. It’s great for retailers because, with four interchangeable battery options across the range, you can offer customers a choice of twelve model variants just by stocking the three frames.
“Lithium sales are certainly growing as customers recognise the operational benefits of fast charging and the longer term cost benefit.”
The proven benefits of electric trolley use among golfers of all ages and abilities is further evidenced in PowaKaddy’s role as Official Trolley Supplier to England Golf through which each member of the men’s and women’s squads was recently presented with an FW7 model for use while competing.
Speaking in support of the long-standing partnership, England Golf Performance Manager and former Walker Cup stalwart Nigel Edwards said: “It is vitally important that players conserve as much energy as possible during their rounds and these trolleys will help them do that.
“The fitness benefits while playing 36 holes of competitive golf a day can give them a real edge. I am delighted that PowaKaddy is continuing to support us.”
PowaKaddy www.powakaddy.com