ISPO

Doing the Same Thing Over and Over is Over! ➡️ https://lnkd.in/dpWpY-GR The retail industry is facing a transformation unlike anything seen before. With projected growth from $27.155 trillion in 2022 to $40.735 trillion by 2030, the opportunities are immense—but so are the challenges. For brands to thrive, conventional strategies must give way to innovation that redefines the consumer experience. The Retail Renaissance is driven by five key trends: Reinventing Offline Experiences: Experiential retail is critical, as seen with brands like Bründl Sports creating immersive stores that feel like destinations. Physical retail is no longer optional; it’s an opportunity to build connections. Breaking Down Silos: The time of isolated D2C and wholesale channels is over. Collaboration and shared data between retailers and brands are necessary to streamline the customer journey and optimize sales. Hyper-Personalization: Going beyond basic recommendations, brands must dive deep into understanding consumer desires. From customizable products to tailored experiences, the future belongs to those who make personalization meaningful. Specialization: The "Absolute Concept" focuses on niche expertise. Success isn’t about being everything to everyone—it’s about excelling in a specific category and fostering loyal communities, as exemplified by Sport 2000’s Absolute Run stores. Investing in the Human Element: Sales staff are more than product experts; they’re ambassadors for your brand. Their expertise, passion, and ability to create long-lasting connections will determine your success. To succeed, brands must evolve into dynamic ecosystems—balancing innovation, collaboration, and personalization to meet the needs of today’s fast-evolving customers. Which of these trends do you see as the biggest game-changer for your brand’s success? Eoin Comerford Roger Hurni #RetailTransformation #FutureOfRetail #CustomerExperience #ISPO #RetailInnovation

The synergy between sports and fashion is redefining both industries. Our partnership with CIFF · Copenhagen International Fashion Fair highlights this evolution, bringing together leading brands. From Munich to Copenhagen, the exchange of ideas, trends, and innovations continues to strengthen the connection between sports and fashion. #ISPO #CIFF #FashionandSports

What Andre Agassi's Story Can Teach the Sports Industry ➡️ https://lnkd.in/dCPtZkKp The world of sports is constantly changing, but certain principles remain timeless. Andre Agassi, a Grand Slam champion known for his remarkable comebacks, offers life lessons that extend beyond tennis—touching on business strategy, innovation, and self-development. Agassi's story is a powerful example of resilience—rebuilding after setbacks by focusing on steady, daily improvement rather than fixating solely on the end goal. His consistent work ethic enabled him to build an extraordinary career, while his authenticity allowed fans to relate to him and ensured that he stayed true to himself, even during his most difficult moments. Agassi’s lessons remind sports brands of the importance of embracing challenges, fostering innovation beyond the court, and creating meaningful impact. Success is not just about performance—it’s about purpose. His post-tennis commitment to education and philanthropy exemplifies how individual success can evolve into positive contributions for society. Technology is changing the sports experience for both athletes and fans. Brands should seize this innovation to inspire, connect, and grow. But beyond the technological advancements, long-term success depends on igniting passion, building resilience, and fostering authenticity. Which of Agassi’s lessons do you believe the sports industry must prioritize to drive future success? #ISPO #SportsBusiness #Innovation #Resilience #AthleteInsights

Thinking Outside the Box: How The Sports Industry Can Benefit from the Automotive Industry ➡️ https://lnkd.in/dzrTdasA By looking outside your own sector, you can uncover hidden potential, tap into new customer segments, and stay at the forefront of industry advancements. What can sports brands learn from automotive design? A lot more than you might think. Performance, speed, sustainability—these are the pillars that drive both industries forward. From Formula 1’s aerodynamic mastery to Polestar’s climate-neutral innovations, automotive breakthroughs are shaping the future of sports. Florian Auger, designer, sums it up best: “Cross-industry inspiration is the key to driving meaningful innovation.” The connection between sports and automotive design is built on shared expertise in materials, aerodynamics, and engineering. And the results are game-changing. Lightweight, high-performance materials Carbon fiber—originally developed for race cars—now dominates elite sports equipment, from bicycles to helmets. Renault Group’s collaboration with Orbea to create titanium-coated carbon bike frames is a prime example of automotive-grade technology reshaping sports. Aerodynamic innovations for maximum speed Formula 1 has pioneered aerodynamics for decades. Now, those same principles are optimizing everything from ski suits to cycling helmets. Wind tunnel testing, once exclusive to automotive engineering, is now a staple in elite sports training. Data-driven performance and AI-powered insights Telemetry systems that revolutionized motorsports are now tracking athlete performance in real time. AI, used by brands like Polestar to optimize vehicle efficiency, is helping sports brands fine-tune training programs and even prevent injuries. Sustainability at the core The push for eco-friendly design is transforming both industries. Francois Farion, Design Director of Innovation, Sustainability & CMF Processes at Renault Group, highlights how car manufacturing techniques like Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) are being adapted to create sustainable sports gear. Komal Singh, Color & Material Design Expert at Polestar, predicts that monomaterials and circular solutions will define the next decade of design—in both electric vehicles and sports equipment. These insights prove that innovation doesn’t happen in silos. Collaboration between sports and automotive brands accelerates breakthroughs, from high-performance footwear to new safety gear inspired by automotive crash technology. #ISPO #SportsInnovation #AutomotiveDesign #PerformanceGear #SustainableTech

Sportstech Trends: What the Future Holds for Brands and the Industry ➡️ https://lnkd.in/d7K3SCem The sports technology market is developing quickly, with a host of exciting opportunities for brands. From AI-enabled talent identification and training to smart stadium experiences, these trends are changing the world of sports. With worldwide growth ongoing, big players such as Amazon and Apple are transforming the spectator experience with real-time, immersive, AI-driven content. Fitness technology is spearheading the change as wearables and AI applications enhance athlete performance and injury prevention. It looks like sportstech is seeing super trends emerging in North America and Europe, with the Middle East also investing heavily. Mergers and acquisitions are reaching new heights, demonstrating the long-term potential of the sector. There's so much happening in sportstech—what are you most excited to leverage for your brand’s growth? Let’s discuss in the comments! #Sportstech #Innovation #FutureofSports

We Asked Three Investors: What Trends Are Attracting HealthTech Investors Right Now? ➡️ https://lnkd.in/dsVRXR9a Dr. Lucas Mittelmeier (Heal Capital), highlights how regulatory shifts can unlock massive market potential. He points out that changes like the integration of private providers into state healthcare systems (such as the NHS in England) can create opportunities for large budgets to flow into previously underserved sectors. While mental and women’s health dominate start-up trends, their low returns have made investors wary. Yet, AI-driven automation in healthcare is gaining traction, with tools that simplify tasks like doctor’s reports or shift planning showing real promise. So, what does this mean for your business? Understanding the regulatory landscape can help you identify new opportunities in an ever-evolving market. Want to read more? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive insights: https://lnkd.in/dN6UiVVZ #HealthTech #RegulatoryChanges #AIinHealthcare #ISPO #MentalHealth

Are Bio-Based Materials Reshaping the Industry? ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gd-fK8pQ The global crisis of plastics and climate is forcing the industry to look for more sustainable solutions. Bio-based materials and natural fibers are not just an option anymore; they are the best way we can do our little part in minimizing the impact on the environment and catapulting our success. Pioneering players across the industry are already proving that sustainability and performance go hand in hand. Regenerative wool programs such as ZQRX are improving biodiversity and soil health while producing high-quality fibers. Innovations in plant-based chemistry are set to replace fossil fuel-based materials with alternative low carbon, high performance ones. Bio-based accelerators are helping to help struggling startups create scalable industrial-ready solutions. This transformation is not merely a tick-in-the-box for regulatory compliance; it is both about future-proofing supply chains, reducing emissions, and about keeping ourselves relevant in a landscape where environmentalism is no longer a niche but market hammering for most. What is your brand doing to adapt? Are you trying out bio-based alternatives? GreenroomVoice #FutureOfTextiles #Sustainability #RegenerativeFibers #ISPO

The Future of Fashion and Sportswear: Learning from the Challengers ➡️ https://lnkd.in/dHCFKGjN The sports industry is currently outperforming fashion, with the sportswear market growing faster than the broader fashion market for the first time. According to "The State of Fashion 2025" by BoF and McKinsey & Company, this growth is driven by the increasing integration of sportswear into fashion and a rising global focus on health and wellness. Key insights from the study include the rise of challenger brands like HOKA, On, and Vuori, which are rapidly gaining market share, and the importance of innovation, especially in running shoes. These brands are successfully tapping into niche markets and leveraging collaborations with up-and-coming athletes and cultural icons. As established brands shift focus toward direct-to-consumer models, there is growing competition in retail spaces. The study advises brands to continue investing in product innovation, clear communication, and strategic partnerships to drive future growth. Diversifying product lines and entering new categories are also essential strategies for maintaining momentum. For managers in the sports industry, balancing direct engagement through DTC channels with retail distribution is key for maximizing reach and profitability. The future is optimistic for those willing to adapt and innovate. #SportswearTrends #Fashion2025 #BrandGrowth #ISPO

What YKK’s Repairability Focus Means for Your Brand ➡️ https://lnkd.in/dSAbRnZU YKK's Revived Renewal Series is making steps forward for sustainability in the outdoor industry by championing repair over replacement. Ever since the first threads were sown in these textiles, one of the greatest of the industry's challenges has been textile waste reduction; YKK states that with this system, much longer product life can be achieved. Revived Replacement Elements for VISLON® zippers allow for the replacement of one individual damaged part instead of having to replace the entire zipper, saving time and resources. Revived Replacement Slider is a non-tool solution for size 3 coil zippers. Retailers and consumers can conduct quick and easy repairs outside of the factory via this slider. Likewise, YKK's approach of repair over replacement holds in Superior Union standards since the EU's 2024 Right to Repair Directive will require the development of accessible repairs to increase product lifecycles. In this way, YKK offers lead support for circular economies, where durability and sustainability do not have to conflict with each other. On top of repair shops, mesh socks, do-it-yourself repair kits serve as the apex for the innovations offered by YKK; restoring broken gear has just become easier—a smarter and environmentally conscious alternative to replacement. This turns the game completely for the outdoor industry to establish innovation and sustainability allied to perfection. #Sustainability #Repairability #OutdoorIndustry #Textiles #ISPO #YKK

Why Investing in Young Talents Benefits Your Business ➡️ https://lnkd.in/djkRuCSM Young talents are the lifeblood of the sports industry that will build the future. At ISPO Munich, 50 young minds from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands gathered to acquire first-hand experiences and pave the way for future strategies. Aiding young talent is the basic support toward envisioning the innovations that shall, in the long run, hopefully steer our vision toward future growth. These 'youngsters' can actually bring fresh thinking ethnic-sustainable approaches, stand-alone skills, and a new approach to business which actually can keep ahead of the competition. Whereas a new vision opens new doors for creative product development as well as thoughtful business strategies and sustainable practices, their insights and energy can unlock fresh opportunities for you. Their teachings will carve a culture of innovation and improvement in the future and build a bridge toward connecting upcoming generations of consumers. It's time to take advantage of this potential. How could your company benefit from young talents? #InvestInYoungTalents #FutureOfSports #Innovation #Sustainability #BusinessGrowth #ISPO #NextGeneration