Talk about kicking off the 2012 retailing season in style. The 4th Annual Mathews Retailer Business Show held December 5, 6, and 7, at the Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, attracted hundreds of retailers and manufacturers looking to do some serious archery business.
Several members of team Archery Business were on hand for the show that is held exclusively for Mathews retailers, Lost Camo licensees, and Mathews TV sponsors—and highlights all the latest Mathews and Mission bows and Lost Camo licensed products.
“This was the best Mathews Retailer Show I’ve seen,” said Lee Hetherington, vice president of Consumer Publishing for Grand View Media, publisher of Archery Business. “I especially liked the fact exhibitors were moved to the larger Dome area, which allowed for more booth space and improved the ‘trade show feel’ of the venue. Also, there was lots of positive buzz from attending dealers, the aisles were packed, and the exhibiting manufacturers we talked to seemed very happy with their sales.”
Another benefit of the show is the opportunity for attendees to “test drive” the latest Mathews bows—among them the much-anticipated Mathews Heli-m that did not disappoint.
“It’s one of the quietest-shooting bows I’ve ever shot,” said Archery Business Publisher Jared Pfeifer, of the 30-inch axle-to-axle bow that weighs just 3.5 pounds and delivers speeds up to 332 fps. “The draw cycle was smooth and you couldn’t hardly feel it go off. And you’ve got to love the name. The Heli-m is noticeably lighter than any Mathews bow I’ve shot.”
The Mathews camp was also pleased with the turnout and performance of the show.
“It was our biggest and best show yet and really accomplished our goal of getting licensees and Mathews retailers ahead of the competition for 2012,” said Keith Jennings, Mathews director of licensing.
According to Mathews, more than 400 authorized Mathews retailers attended the event, up from 352 in 2010. They got to see all the latest gear from 150 Lost Camo licensees and other vendors, a total that handily eclipsed the 106 vendors in 2010.
For more on Mathews see www.mathewsinc.com
