Kathmandu In London - Launch Draws The Crowds

MEDIA RELEASE

3 December 2003
London launch draws the crowds

Ex-pat Kiwis and Australians were quick to seek the comforts of home when outdoor clothing and equipment retailer Kathmandu opened in London last Thursday.

Marketing manager Mark Williamson reports steady trade in the first few days, with many Kiwi and Australians seeking out the familiar brand.

"We were expecting Kiwis and Australians to be interested and they were. It was a great start and we are confident that the London venture will meet our expectations," Mr Williamson says.

The new store, at 1 Berners Street, just off Oxford Street, is also targeting the growing outdoor pursuits and travel markets in the UK.

"The store carries an extensive range of Kathmandu products. It caters for travellers especially, recognising the passion for travel of Kiwis, Australians and Londoners. And there is also a range of our traditional tramping and camping products," says Mr Williamson.

The store is run by Kiwis Trish McGregor (Manager) and Kevin Cook (Assistant Manager). Trish has moved to London from Hamilton, where she worked for Kathmandu. The UK Operations Manager is Ross Havenaar, who was running Kathmandu's Victoria Street store in Auckland.

Kathmandu's head office is in Christchurch, and the company has 33 stores in Australia and New Zealand stretching from Perth to Invercargill.

The store in London is the first to open outside Australasia in the 16-year history of the company.

ENDS

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