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Gaastra is ready to conquer the UK

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By FashionUnited

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Fashion

The nautical lifestyle brand GAASTRA continues with its international expansion and is now crossing the ocean to enter and conquer the UK & Ireland markets. Gaastra made its successful debut in the UK during the MODA fashion fair in Birmingham last week. Being present in already more than 20 countries, the UK market is the next logical step.

STEP BY STEP
For years the GAASTRA brand has been well established in the Benelux, Germany and France and, step by step, GAASTRA is realising major growth. Over the years, the brand has already expanded to other markets, including France, Italy and Spain. Recently, Russia, Croatia, Slovakia, Turkey and Scandinavia have also been added to this list. GAASTRA also recently opened a store in Newport (famous for the America’s Cup Race) in order to explore the American market. The UK and the Irish markets are the next logical steps.


PERFECT TIMING AND CONDITION
The timing to now take on the UK and Ireland is perfect. CEO Oliver Frielingsdorf says: “We have all the ingredients in place to move forward and accelerate, not only as far as the products we offer are concernd but also in relation to our infrastructure, logistics, and the back-office.” The connection with water is important within the GAASTRA market expansion strategy. “A brand like ours that is so deeply interwoven with sailing is naturally easier to sell in true water–based countries or cities.”

“The character and situation in the UK and Irish markets form a perfect fit for GAASTRA”, says UK agent Jason Lynch. Because they are islands, we can be sure that outdoor water activities ring true to the healthy lifestyle which is growing in popularity year by year. The UK & Irish markets are now open to a lifestyle brand with true heritage and a fresh offering of high-end sailing technology combined with exceptional fashion.

SUCCESSFUL LAUNCH AT MODA
During MODA, Gaastra presented its Spring Summer 2016 collection and was well accepted by the public. “You could clearly tell that the public was intrigued by the brand, its products and the quality”, said Jason Lynch. In order to proceed, the strategy is to introduce the GAASTRA brand to the high profile volume accounts that will place GAASTRA alongside the appropriate brand agencies.

AIM TOP OF THE SECTOR
Strategic clients who have been contacted and with whom GAASTRA is in discussion are: House of Fraser, Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, Liberty of London, NEXT, Shop Direct Brown Thomas in Dublin, John Lewis, ASOS, Flannels, Tessutti, HOOPERS, Ellis Brigham, Snow & Rock, Arnotts also in Dublin, Harrods, Cotswold and Blacks. These are at the top of their sector and have the existing customer base that would relate and empathise with the GAASTRA heritage, quality and profile.

GAASTRA’s goal over the next couple of years is to establish a high credibility with the sought after retailers and establish a reputation for professional function and commercial design with a reputable following, alongside quality independents in strategic locations.

ABOUT GAASTRA
Gaastra is the international nautical lifestyle brand featuring performance and casual collections for men, women and children. The brand, founded in 1897, started as an innovative sailmaker in Sneek and has grown to become a brand with international appeal. Gaastra is a partner of international sailing events such as Les Voiles de Saint Barth and sponsor of such professional sailing teams as the Quantum Racing Team and Team Brunel in the Volvo Ocean Race. At the national level, Gaastra also has a wonderful partnership; the brand is a sponsor of the National Maritime Museum in Amsterdam. Gaastra is part of the McGregor Fashion Group BV.

For more info and images, please contact:
Joke Ploeg – Branding & PR
E: joke.ploeg @ gaastra.nl
T: +31 (0)20 5038600
M: +31 (0)6 10346824
W: gaastrastore.com
Collection: http://gaastra.prezly.com/gaastra-springsummer-2016-collection

UK Agent:
Jason Lynch.
Label Lab Group Ltd.
The Old Truman Brewery.
91, Brick Lane,
London.
W16QL
Mobile : 0044 7833 775641

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