Fiori Press Release
Contact:
Pat Rodden, Fiori
503.248.4764
Fiori creates new Ground Control Product Line for Yakima
PORTLAND, Ore.
June 12, 2006
Fiori’s research and design teams identified a strong need for storing and organizing outdoor gear and have created an entirely new product line for Yakima to fill that need with great potential for growth. Fiori built upon Yakima’s already successful model of offering a rack that is customized for each customer and brought that model into the home. What was once a pile of gear in the corner can now be a well organized staging station for all of one’s outdoor activities. What is so exciting and compelling about this product line is that is allows people to get to their activities faster, easier, and more frequently. The Ground Control system can hold up to 4 bikes, 8 pairs of skis, 3 boats, 3 car top boxes, lots of surfboards, boots, poles, paddles, and much, much more.
Consumers can completely customize the Ground Control to fit all kinds of spaces, including hard to reach corners. When the snow melts, Ground Control accommodates cycles, kayaks, tents, virtually any type of outdoor gear and accessories. Garages are crowded, living spaces are congested, and until now, there has not been a product on the market that is so easy to install and improves the gear management process. For consumers, this is a home run. For retailers, this fresh product approach is a clear revenue enhancement tool and a new opportunity for growing their winter sports business. For Yakima, it is a natural, positive extension to their brand.
The base system is comprised of varying horizontal and vertical round tube lengths made of aluminum, to allow for a variety of configurations including the ability to build round corners, providing complete wall space flexibility. The universal knuckle is designed for either vertical or horizontal structure attachments. Consumers can easily mount Yakima rack accessories directly to the system. Consumers may also purchase universal mounting accessories for a customized set-up. In addition to these features, the system is scaleable and easy to clean.
“Our entry into this new category reaffirms our commitment to the outdoor consumer,” said Amy Buckalter, senior vice president of global sales and marketing. “ Yakima is all about creating products that seamlessly connect people to their passions. Our instincts and initial reactions from our retail partners tell us we are right on target. Our competitors stop serving customers in the driveway. Ground Control enables retailers to go way beyond that and into their homes. In addition, this breakout product is a great cross selling opportunity, connecting the purchase to the season or use cycle. In the end, it is about increasing the bottom line for our partners, and elevating Yakima once again as the choice for active outdoor participants.”
About Yakima
Yakima is a world leader in the design and manufacture of destination hardware for a wide range of vehicles. Yakima’s products include vehicle racks for bikes, boats, ski equipment and gear, in addition to a line of cargo boxes for a variety of needs. Yakima Products is headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon. For more information, visit www.yakima.com.
About Fiori
Founded in 1994, Fiori is an award-winning contextual research and design company. Fiori applies a unique, context-driven approach, where the study of real people in the real world inspires and guides the development of products, services and communications. Fiori has two Pacific Northwest offices, with research and design in Portland, Oregon, and business development and operations management in Seattle, Washington. Fiori’s clients include the Fortune 500 and companies on their way there. Clients include Bioject, Dagger, Intel, HP, LSI Logic, Precor, Samsung and Yakima. Fiori has been recognized with over 20 international awards including awards from Business Week, Metropolis Magazine, Germany’s Red Dot, Japan’s Good Design, Chicago Athenaeum and CES Innovation. For more information, visit http://www.fioriinc.com.
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