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STRATEGIC INITIATIVES FOR RETAILERS

Amber’s qualifying performance was faultless, and the final was nail-biting. That last very controversial clay has caused questions too amongst the industry. Daniel Piva has already spoken to Luciano Rossi, President of the ISSF, backing Amber’s call to have VR for LA 2028.

Sian Melrose, GMK’s marketing manager, commented: “Amber came to GMK just days before flying out to France, she had her DT11 and spare trigger inspected by Malcolm Grendon, our head gunsmith, to triple check everything was okay. I had the pleasure to meet Amber and chat about how she was feeling. She was genuinely excited and confident and just couldn’t wait to show the world how good she was. When the final came onto the BBC I was on the edge of my seat along with the rest of the nation. One thing struck me more than anything when the judges made their controversial decision, it was the way she handled that decision with dignity and class. She congratulated her opponent and celebrated in the moment a true sportswoman and an amazing ambassador not only for Beretta but for the whole of shooting sports.”

So, how do GMK and Beretta ride this wave of success? “Beretta was an official partner of the ISSF House in Châteauroux, and we expect this relationship to grow further,” continues Sian. “The Olympic disciplines have always been a huge driving force for Beretta’s engineering and technology. The success in Paris has confirmed that their efforts have not been in vain, and they will be looking to push the envelope further. Over the coming months, you will see POS in DT11 stockists reminding consumers in-store of the Olympic success. There is also an effort to educate and clarify just how versatile the DT11 range is, covering all shooting disciplines from competitive clays to the field. Dealers will be encouraged, with the help of GMK, to visit Beretta in Gardone to fully understand the build process, the options available and to bring their customers for a personalised fit and Beretta experience,” says Sian. “One thing is for certain: the DT11 is the base for success and is not disappearing any time soon. Even though the SL2 has been launched with its Steelium Pro X barrels, sleek styling and superb handling, the athlete line -up in LA 2028 will still feature the DT11.”

Point of sale campaigns: Retailers can create dynamic in-store displays highlighting the victorious models used in the Olympics. Exclusive sections showcasing the DT11, decorated with imagery of Olympic winners and real testimonials can create a compelling buyer journey from aspiration to action.

Educational engagements: Leveraging the detailed craftsmanship and technological superiority of Beretta shotguns can serve as an educational tool for retailers. Workshops or seminars explaining the features that make these models Olympic-worthy could captivate shooting enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Celebrity endorsements and appearances: Arranging store visits or signing sessions with Olympic medallists like Nathan Hales and Amber Rutter can draw crowds and media attention, giving retailers a considerable boost in foot traffic and potential sales.

Exclusive merchandise and limited editions: Offering limited-edition models or Olympic-themed accessories could tap into the collectors’ market, adding a premium tier to the shopping experience.

Virtual reality and interactive experiences: In light of the controversial moment in the Women’s Skeet final and the proposed introduction of VR technology in future competitions, retailers could introduce VR setups in stores allowing customers to experience simulated Olympic shooting scenarios.

Promotions and partnerships: Collaborative efforts with brands like Beretta could include exclusive promotions or loyalty rewards for customers purchasing Olympic model firearms, further incentivising sales while reinforcing the connection between Olympic success and product quality.

Storytelling through content: Creating content that narrates the journey of Olympic shooters, the engineering behind their choice of equipment and how this translates into the superior performance of products available in-store can resonate deeply with a target audience that values authenticity and quality.

We’d love to hear how your company is leveraging the Olympics to drive sales. Please send your thoughts to editorial@fieldsportspress.com