The 2019-20 season came to an unexpected end due to the global spread of the coronavirus. We spoke to MDV SPORTS JAPAN, which imports and sells Marker, Dalbello, and Völkl skis, to find out how things are going.
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INDEX
- Summary Current status of MDV JAPAN
- The state of brands during the COVID-19 pandemic
- MDV JAPAN and domestic activities
Summary Current status of MDV SPORTS JAPAN
Marker bindings, Dalbello ski boots, and Völkl skis are three brands based in Germany and Italy that have enthusiasts all over the world. MDV SPORTS JAPAN imports and sells these products. So, what is the current situation?
- As in previous years, we had been actively planning events such as test rides and competitions, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we had to make major changes to all of these plans
- In terms of staff activities, they have been forced to refrain from business trips to various locations and visits to clients, and instead take reduced working hours, work from home, or even take leave
- The new products being supplied this fall are expected to arrive without any problems
- Product development for the 2021-2022 season is progressing smoothly, with samples expected to be ready by winter
- Now that the request for self-restraint has been lifted, early order events are being held with restrictions in stores across the country
- In the future, we plan to continuously provide the latest information on new products, contracted athletes, events, and more in a timely manner through our website, various social media platforms, magazines, and other media
The state of brands during the COVID-19 pandemic
In terms of production, MDV is one of the international brands least affected. They are doing their best to ensure products reach users, and product development appears to be progressing smoothly at this time. The photos above show scenes from the Marker, Völkl, and Dalbello factories.
Samples and other supplies are expected to be delivered as scheduled. They are confident that there will be no problems arranging the products needed for this winter's test ride events and providing equipment to riders.
Because MDV operates globally, Japan is constantly exchanging information and updating the situation with MDV headquarters, distributors around the world, and business partners.
For example, ski resorts in the Southern Hemisphere have opened, and the retail market is recovering, albeit with restrictions, and there are signs that glacier ski resorts in Europe are planning to reopen at the end of May. Taking these factors into consideration, we are making future predictions, not just for a single country but on a global scale, to see whether the market will recover faster than expected.
Another side effect is that social media makes it possible to learn about the activities of promoters (riders, alpine racers, etc.) around the world and MDV staff in each country, making it easier than ever to check on each other's safety, report on training progress, and so on.
MDV SPORTS JAPAN, domestic activities
With this in mind, MDV SPORTS JAPAN has been preparing to import products and provide samples to its business partners in order to be able to respond quickly to the exhibitions that began in various locations in June. Products are currently being delivered to each store without any problems.
Furthermore, with the cooperation of riders and athletes, product information is being posted online as much as possible for users eagerly awaiting the arrival of the winter season. This has also had the effect of creating a new system that allows users to access in-depth information even if they cannot visit a store.