Bound to buy Brooks
<p>The Brooks, a running shoe company based in Bothell, Washington, is holding their national sales convention at the Coeur d'Alene Resort.</p>
COEUR d'ALENE — You can't buy it yet, but "Pure Project" was unveiled this week in Coeur d'Alene.
It's light, it's comfortable, and stylish. If you're a runner and you want to feel the road under your feet, this one's for you.
"That's something we're all really excited about," Chelsea Scherschel, sales coordinator for Brooks Sports Inc., said of the new Pure Project line.
The company that produces running shoes, apparel and accessories showed off its new line planned for launch in spring 2012.
Brooks representatives, both nationally and internationally, are meeting at The Coeur d'Alene Resort through Friday to hear about sales programs and the newest products they'll be offering to retailers.
While here, they'll get in a little golfing - and running, of course.
"They'll go out right after the sales meeting and start selling," Scherschel said Wednesday.
She displayed top Brooks running shoes like the GTS 12, the Trance 11 and the Glycerin that will be available next year.
"We specialize in the specialty running market," said AJ Hiester, administrative assistant.
Brooks, based in Bothell, Wash., reported strong sales in 2010.
According to a January press release, it increased its 2010 overall brand sales revenue by 19 percent, and domestic revenue saw a 23-percent jump from 2009, while Brooks' international business pulled in an annual revenue increase in excess of 11 percent.
Other highlights for Brooks in 2010:
n Brooks was crowned "Vendor of the Year" by Independent Running Retailer Association members based on criteria including product consistency, customer service excellence, and retailer profitability.
n The Brooks Ghost 3 - the newest update of the brand's popular neutral running shoe - took home the preeminent "2010 International Editor's Choice" award by Runner's World. Domestic sales of Brooks' shoes in the neutral category - the largest running shoe category - increased 46 percent in 2010.
Some owners of smaller, independent running shoe stores don't have the time or manpower to know about the latest and greatest from Brooks, so the company takes steps to be sure they find out.
Shoes that are light, with a little less cushioning than a traditional trainer, are expected to sell well. It's a reason Brooks developed the "Pure Project."
"It's a big movement right now," Scherschel said.
Hiester said there is a segment of the running population that wants what's referred to as the minimalist shoe.
"There are people that would rather feel the road a little more," Hiester said. "Those shoes will answer that need."