Events Clothing opens first European office and showroom

by Kate Gordon-Smith on 30 Apr 2012
Events Clothing, the superyacht crew uniform and marine apparel specialists, will open their first European showroom in Palma de Mallorca, Spain in May this year.

Events Clothing director Owen Rutter says he’s formed a new strategic alliance with Evolution Yacht Agents, which sees the two businesses operate side-by-side from the same premises at Avd. Gabriel Roca, 46 (Paseo Maritimo) close to Palma’s busy superyacht marina district.

'A partnership already exists between Events and Evolution. Since late 2009 Evolution has sold our product range, offering crew uniforms, both stock and custom-made, to clients from their Palma and Barcelona offices,' says Rutter from Event Clothings’ Auckland, New Zealand base.

'Our new strategic alliance offers benefits to both companies and all our clients. Evolution is well-established in Palma and this new office creates a fresh new profile for their well-regarded superyacht concierge services. Our showroom is part of their new street-front offices in an easily accessible location just across from the Club de Mar marina complex.'

For Events Clothing, the move to open a showroom in Europe offers clients greater access to the company’s off-the-rack clothing ranges and custom-designed products.

'The Palma showroom will showcase all our current crew uniforms and marine apparel,' says Rutter. 'Clients will be able to try on samples in any size and discuss embroidery and screen printing requirements with their Events account manager.'

Working with the team from Evolution, Rutter has ensured key elements are in place to foster the success of the new venture in Palma.

'Jacs Campbell is the first key ingredient. Born in the UK, Jacs has been with Events Clothing for 18 months and with several years’ experience working on superyachts, she is an ideal person to head our new venture. Jacs herself is keen to take on more responsibility and I’m confident she will quickly become our ‘go to’ person for European clients and resellers.

'The other factor is our recent investment in moving all our computer systems to a cloud-based service. This means Jacs can work in real-time with European clients, immediately accessing custom designs, specifications and quotations to ensure a truly seamless service. With global distribution improving all the time, it is easier and more cost effective to move product around the world. So with the full New Zealand office at her disposal, Jacs will be well placed to offer clients a fantastic level of service in Palma.'

Events Clothing works also with a number of other companies in Europe and Rutter expects the new Palma showroom will enhance the wider awareness of the Events’ apparel ranges and therefore their other reseller partnerships.

'In the past we have worked with commission agents, part-time sales people and agencies with varying degrees of success,' Rutter adds. 'We have explored the options thoroughly before deciding on this strategic alliance, working with an independent consultant for New Zealand Trade and Enterprise to establish clear goals for the Palma business.

'This relationship with Evolution now creates a true stepping stone for what we wish to achieve in growing our European business. Palma is the ideal location to establish this office as it’s a central hub for yachts entering and exiting the Mediterranean.'