The 2019-2020 season came to an unexpected end due to the coronavirus pandemic spreading worldwide. We spoke to MDV SPORTS JAPAN, the importer and distributor of Marker, Dalbello, and Volkl skis, to find out what happened.
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INDEX
- Summary Current status of MDV JAPAN
- The state of brands during the COVID-19 pandemic
- MDV JAPAN, 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
Regarding production, MDV is considered one of the overseas brands that was least affected. They are doing their best to ensure that products reach users reliably, and product development appears to be proceeding smoothly at this time. The photos above show scenes from the Marker, Volkl, and Dalbello factories.
Samples are expected to be supplied as scheduled. They also believe there will be no problems arranging the products needed for this winter's test rides and providing equipment to riders.
Because MDV operates as a global brand, Japan is constantly exchanging information with MDV headquarters, distributors in various countries, and business partners to keep the situation updated.
For example, they have learned that ski resorts in the Southern Hemisphere have opened and the retail market is recovering, albeit with restrictions, and that there have been moves to reopen glacier ski resorts in Europe from the end of May. Based on these factors, they are making predictions not only for one country but on a global scale to see whether the market will recover faster than expected.
Furthermore, social media has had the added benefit of making it easier than ever to stay informed about the activities of promoters around the world (riders, alpine racers, etc.) and MDV staff in each country, allowing for updates on their well-being, training progress, and other current situations to be shared more easily than ever before.
MDV SPORTS JAPAN, domestic activities
Against this backdrop, MDV SPORTS JAPAN has been preparing to promptly import products and prepare samples for its business partners in anticipation of the exhibitions that began in various locations in June. Currently, it appears that products are being delivered to each store without any problems.
In addition, for users eagerly awaiting the arrival of the winter season, product information is being disseminated as much as possible online with the cooperation of riders and athletes from various sports. This has also created a new system that allows users to access in-depth and detailed information even if they cannot visit a store.