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With extensive export markets across Europe, fishing footwear maker Dry Walker has revealed its priority export market in the coming years.
The Polish brand’s Marcin Deuter told Angling International of his burning ambition. “It is my dream to establish Dry Walker in the US market and we are actively looking for retailers and distributors in a market that is huge and full of potential.”
Deuter admits that his efforts to get a foothold in the market have been met with frustration despite exhibiting at ICAST – the world’s largest fishing tackle trade show – and the Shot Show in Las Vegas in the past. He also set up a warehouse in the States and filled it with a container full of product in 2020. “I still have a quarter of that unsold,” he added.
Undeterred, Deuter believes that Dry Walker has something to offer the US market. He explained: “Most fishing footwear worn by anglers in the US is heavy and cumbersome. Ours is lightweight and comfortable EVA and that would be a revelation for fishermen. It is something different that I believe anglers would embrace.”
Dry Walker has just completed a successful first-ever Angling International LIVE show in Budapest from where it returned with new customers from Serbia, Moldova, Macedonia, Hungary, the UK, Bulgaria, Germany and Croatia. “After attending the show in Hungary last year we knew what to expect and were delighted to add new accounts in the region following fruitful meetings.”
Deuter added that Dry Walker has strong export markets across Europe, but is still keen to strengthen its coverage in Austria, France, Belgium, Sweden, Spain, Portugal and Italy.
Dry Walker produces footwear for all markets, but fishing represents one of its largest sectors, accounting for 40% of its business with long rain boots from the Xtrack Ultra range among its best-sellers.
One of the company’s strengths is its use of EVA in the construction of its footwear. Deuter explained: “In the past PVC boots were in demand, but they were not comfortable or suited to walking. Since Dry Walker introduced EVA our customers have relished our light, warm and comfortable footwear.”
Deuter added that Dry Walker continues to grow its sales, recording an increase in revenue of around 35% in the last year. “We are really optimistic for the 12 months ahead. Our cooperations with customers are stronger and we have met new business partners in the last year so expect 2024/2025 to be even better.”
A new strand to the business has been added in the last year – OEM – and Deuter says it has got off to an encouraging start. “Our brand will always be a priority for us, but providing private label boots for a new customer segment is also becoming more important.
“We are able to design an exclusive line of boots for companies with their logos and are happy to discuss individual requirements.”
T: +48 512 308903
kontakt@drywalker.com
www.drywalker.pl
