ASB MAGAZINE: Matuse Wetsuits is proud to announce their partnership with Chris Burke of The Design Collective agency for the management and distribution into the Oceania territories of Australia, New Zealand & Indonesia. Chris came on board as an ambassador in 2018 with the partnership closely following.
“I have been a long-time fan of the unique offering and branding of Matuse and started working with Matuse in late 2018 by re-establishing a distribution base of key retail partners whilst we re-introduced Matuse to the local markets,
“As most retailers are aware Matuse had a great market presence previously in Oceania and the feedback, interest and support from retailers has been really welcoming and positive, particularly regarding our competitively priced #1 selling Dante range,
“Retailers are stoked to have access to Matuse again and through our ambassador program we are focussed on supporting local and international surfers we feel fit the brand & vice versa,” said Chris Burke.
Chris has also been working on wetsuit development programs, managing external global territories of South Africa, UK/Ireland, Japan and South America and expanding the ambassador program by recently introducing Josh Kerr to the family.
Current Oceania retail partners include;
- Surfstitch
- Powerlinez
- Aloha Manly Style
- Soul Board Store
- Sunburnt Mess
- Drifter – All stores Bali
- Maverick Surf – NZ
Additional stockists 2020 winter onwards;
- Keel Surf Supply
- Finbox
- Yahoo Surfboards + more
Matuse is expanding its apparel program with a global launch due early 2020 of new categories including shirting, shorts & bottoms to compliment the current technical based offering of tee’s, sweats & board shorts.
Chris confirmed Matuse is currently finalising an NSW based distribution centre to service Oceania retailers from March onwards.
About Matuse;
Matuse is a Californian based independent brand that entered the wetsuit market 14 years ago by introducing the 1st limestone based neoprene as a viable alternative, creating the environmental niche that strives within the wetsuit market today. Matuse Wetsuits are well recognised as high quality & exceptionally long lasting suits and it’s not uncommon for suits to have a 3 to 6 year life span, further increasing their environmental credentials
About The Design Collective
Perth based The Design Collective is a brand development & distribution agency focussed on introducing unique brands into Oceania & Australian brands to global markets. Founder Chris Burke has extensive long term experience in the surf retail, wholesale & manufacturing markets through previous retail ownership, brand building, previous & current ambassadorial roles.
The current brand family includes;
- Matuse Wetsuits, Apparel & Accessories (US)
- Royal Aquamarine Sunglasses (AUS) – Agency owned In house brand
- Cast MC Helmets (Italy)
- Sunski Shades (US)
- Album Surf (US) – Chris introduced Album into AUS in 2019 & helped establish their QLD manufacturing base
ENDS
