Afternoon Highlight (05/09/11/153/461) Adidas to step up presence in Malaysia

Adidas to step up presence in Malaysia
PETALING JAYA: Adidas (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, part of Germany-based Adidas Group, may open more stores in Malaysia and increase its product line to improve its share in the sporting goods market.
Its country manager, Ng Chee Loon, said in an interview with Business Times that Adidas is evaluating retail opportunities as consumers become more brand loyalists.
Ng said while the company will be selective in opening new stores, it will invest to make the existing outlets more efficient and display new products.
Adidas Group is the parent of adidas, Reebok and TaylorMade Golf. It is the world's second largest maker of athletic footwear, apparel and equipment by sales after Nike.
In Malaysia, the dominant leaders in the sporting goods industry are Nike and Reebok.
Adidas Malaysia was incorporated in 1995. The popular brands under the adidas label are Y-3, SLVR, Porsche Design Sport and Neo.
The company currently operates 40 standalone outlets and has presence in more than 350 stores that carry multi-brand names.
Ng said the jump in world-class international sporting events being hosted here such as the visits of English Premier League clubs Liverpool and Chelsea and the F1 Malaysian Grand Prix has benefited the company.
"As a result, we see strong potential here for future growth as more people take up sports and a liking to the adidas brand. We will continue to participate in sports events and sponsorships," he said.
Ng said competition will become more intense as retailers across the board fight for consumers' money.
"Consumers will be picky on what they spend as prices of goods continue to rise. Retailers in all sectors will become my competitors as we fight for a portion of their spending money," he said.
To grow the company, Ng said, Adidas will strengthen its retail presence through owned stores, franchises and "Shop in Shop" with wholesale accounts.
"We will also invest in the quality of our people to improve productivity and provide better services."People are important in this business.
They are our key assets," Ng said.

Source : New Straits Times
Date : 5 September 2011
Afternoon Highlight (05/09/11/153/461)