To serve the multi- billion dollar sports and leisure products export sector, Global Sources (NASDAQ:GSOL) ( http://www.globalsources.com/ ) plans to launch its Sports & Leisure B2B website in October, a monthly sourcing magazine in November, and a Sports & Leisure pavilion at the October 2007 China Sourcing Fair in Hong Kong.
Global Sources' Chairman and CEO, Merle A. Hinrichs, said: "Our business strategy is to help suppliers best achieve their export promotion objectives through specialized online, print and trade show media.
"Global Sources' integrated online, print and trade shows help exporters generate sales leads, promote their brand, differentiate from their competitors, and meet buyers face-to-face to negotiate and receive orders. Only by using all three media together can exporters achieve these crucial steps in effective B2B export promotion.
"For example, online is very effective for lead generation, but weak for branding. Print remains the undisputed medium for differentiation, while trade shows are the most effective way to bring buyers and suppliers together, in-person, for ordering."
Strong Growth of Multi-Billion Dollar Sports and Leisure Products Exports
Hinrichs said: "This sector is strong and growing. Made in China sports products account for 65 percent of global demand, according to the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry. China Customs statistics show that China's exports of sports products were $10.9 billion in 2006, up 14 percent from 2005.
"The time is perfect for specialized Sports & Leisure media. We aim to build on our 36 years' expertise serving this sector through our Gifts & Home Products magazine, over a decade on the web through our Global Sources Online website, and face-to-face events for four years at our China Sourcing Fair: Gifts & Home Products."
One Global Sources advertiser, Hi Mark International's Chairman, Lane C. Yang, said: "We've been using Global Sources to reach buyers around the globe for more than 30 years. We expect these more focused channels to enhance our communication with precisely the buyers we want to sell to."
One sports and leisure product buyer, Head Of General Merchandise for Target Australia, Mitch Geall, said: "Our broad retailer base means we require accurate information that allows us to quickly target the best suppliers and products."
The Sports & Leisure online marketplace is scheduled to be available through Global Sources Online ( http://www.globalsources.com/ ) from October. Buyers may pre-register for the Sports & Leisure pavilion of the China Sourcing Fair: Gifts & Home Products at http://www.chinasourcingfair.com/ .
