SANTA ROSA, Calif. (September 22, 2008)- Buff® Headwear, innovator of the popular, versatile and multifunctional headwear, returns to Interbike in 2008 after a four year hiatus. By doing so, the company plans to expand its highly relevant product offerings to a collection of independent bicycle dealers (IBDs) with more leading-edge technology and cyclist-friendly designs.
“Over the past four years Buff® has grown significantly to enable a smooth return to Interbike in 2008 and we are beyond excited to participate once again,” said Shirley Choi Brunetti, general manager, United States.
Buff® Headwear has always resonated well with cyclists because of its design and its microfiber fabric. Now, Buff® is even more versatile and authentic to cyclists and IBDs with new designs, technology and programs that cater to facilitating the needs of IBDs.
At Interbike 2008, Buff® Headwear will unveil a product line specific to the needs of cyclists, including the following enhancements:
· The High UV Protection Buff® protects against 95-percent of damaging UV rays and is made of Coolmax® Extreme fabric that evaporates perspiration exceptionally fast. $23.
· The Insect Shield UV Buff® includes all the features of the UV Buff® mentioned above, plus an odorless Insect Shield® that lasts over 70 washes and contains the active ingredient, permethrin. Permethrin is a human-made version of a natural insect repellent found in certain chrysanthemum plants, such as the African Daisy. Permethrin reduces the need to apply topical repellents and is safe to wear by anyone, including infants, pregnant and nursing women and people of all ages. Available January 2009. $27.
· The Reflective Buff® is the same as the Original Buff® made from 100-percent high-tech microfiber that is extremely breathable in the summer and keeps the heat in during the winter. It is complete with two 3M Scotchlite® vertical retro-reflective stripes that provide added visibility protection in low light conditions. $21.
· The Cyclone Buff® includes all the features of an Original Buff®, plus a Gore Windstopper® panel for optimum protection against extreme cold conditions and wind chill. $38.
· The new Polygiene® technology will be an added element to every Buff® starting January 2009. Polygiene is an eco-friendly treatment that keeps garments fresh and odorless with silver ions that release themselves deep into the fabric as more moisture, heat and bacteria become present.
Buffs® are very versatile and can be worn in a variety of different ways. In colder climates, a Buff® makes a perfect beanie to keep out the cold and fits comfortably under any bike helmet. On the other hand, in warmer climates, a Buff® can be worn as a sweatband under any helmet to wick away perspiration. In addition, Buffs® can be worn in a Saharan desert-style to keep the sun off of the back of your neck while riding.
Beyond offering a versatile and multifunctional product authentic to cyclists, Buff® Headwear also presents a strong value proposition to IBDs. Buff® boasts quick inventory turnovers because most consumers will buy more than one model or pattern at one time, especially recession-conscious consumers. Additionally, Buff® offers high profit margins of 50-percent or more. A free point-of-sale (POS) merchandizing kit will be supplied to IBDs with the first order to guarantee a successful opening launch, which includes: a counter or floor display based on order, mannequin head, “How to Wear a Buff®” DVD, posters and stickers.
Additionally, Buff® is offering a show special for all new dealers, which entails a 5-percent discount off of the entire order and free ground shipping. The initial order must be written at Interbike 2008 to qualify.
Buff Headwear is booth number 4063 at Interbike 2008.
About Buff® Headwear
Original Buff® is based outside of Barcelona, Spain, and opened a U.S. sales office in early 2003. Popular for more than a decade in Europe and used since the show’s inception on CBS’s Survivor television series, Buff® Headwear is distributed in more than 42 countries. Buff® performance headwear is all about versatilities and simplicity – one garment serves many functions. Among other uses, a Buff® can be worn as a hat, neck gaiter, balaclava, bandana, scarf, hair band, helmet liner, headband, pirate-style cap or as a sun, wind or dust screen. Designed to offer technical performance and protection from the elements during a wide range of outdoor activities and sports, Buff® Headwear is available in hundreds of styles and designs. For more information on the entire line of Buff® performance headwear, call 707.569.9009 or visit the Buff website.