PADDLER 32
THE MOVE TO D2C
PADDLER 32
HAVE YOU PREVIOUSLY HAD A CLOSE RELATIONSHIP WITH HOU CANOES ?
Yes , absolutely . Hou Canoes is a brand we ’ ve admired for years , and our close relationship has been built on a shared ethos of innovation and a passion for paddling . It ’ s a natural fit for the Square Circle Group , and we ’ re excited to bring them even closer into the fold .
THE MOVE TO D2C
SO SILVERBIRCH / HOU CANOES WILL SELL DIRECTLY TO YOUR CONSUMERS . HOW WILL THAT WORK , AND WHAT WILL BE THE BENEFITS ?
Selling directly to consumers allows us to offer a more tailored and transparent experience . We ’ ll be able to connect more personally with paddlers , better understand their needs , and provide enhanced support – whether that ’ s through repair workshops , bespoke orders , or personalised advice . It also ensures that our customers receive the highest quality products at competitive prices , with the assurance that they ’ re backed by the team that knows them best .
PLEASE TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT SQUARE CIRCLE GROUP AND WHAT IT HOPES TO ACHIEVE .
Square Circle Group is built on a foundation of craftsmanship , innovation , and a deep respect for the paddling community . Our mission is simple : to create the best possible products , support the paddling community , and ensure our industry thrives in a sustainable way . We ’ re not just a group of brands – we ’ re paddlers ourselves , and we want to lead by example , demonstrating that it ’ s possible to balance business success with community values and environmental responsibility .
CURRENTLY , SQUARE CIRCLE GROUP INCORPORATES SILVERBIRCH CANOES , HOU CANOES , TOOTEGA SIT-ON-TOPS , SPADE KAYAKS , AND VERANO INFLATABLES . ARE YOU OPEN TO INVITING MORE PADDLING MANUFACTURERS TO THE GROUP ?
Our focus is on quality over quantity . We ’ re always open to collaborating with like-minded brands that align with our values – those committed to innovation , craftsmanship , and sustainability . However , we need to maintain a strong focus on the brands we currently have , ensuring they receive the attention and resources they need to thrive .
HOW WILL SELLING DIRECTLY TO CONSUMERS AFFECT YOUR DEALER NETWORK ?
We have always passionately believed in the value of a strong dealer network . Dealers have played a crucial role in introducing paddlers to the sport and providing local knowledge . However , from our perspective , the external pressures on this model have made it increasingly difficult to sustain .
Despite diversifying our portfolio with additional brands , the volume of trade sales has dropped to an unsustainably low level . For us , the current model requires margins that are no longer viable when competing in a market disrupted by the influx of lowcost , lower-quality products . Transitioning to a directto-consumer approach ensures that we can deliver the same high-quality products and customer service paddlers expect while adapting to the changing marketplace .
We understand that paddlers might have concerns about this change , such as access to spare parts , expert advice , or repairs . This is precisely why we ’ ve structured our new approach to directly address these needs . For example , our dedicated spares and accessory support is more efficient than what many retailers can offer , and our repair workshops ensure local , expert care for your equipment . Additionally , paddlers will now have direct access to the people who make the products , meaning more informed advice and faster solutions .
HAVE YOU PREVIOUSLY HAD A CLOSE WORKING RELATIONSHIP WITH HOU CANOES ?
Yes , absolutely . Hou Canoes is a brand we ’ ve admired for years , and our close relationship has been built on a shared ethos of innovation and a passion for paddling . It ’ s a natural fit for the Square Circle
“ Group , and we ’ re excited to bring them even closer into the fold .