At the Sports Business Center in Leusden, adventure comes to life with a range of leading outdoor brands. This is where you'll discover the essence of outdoor inspiration and gear.
The same goes for Rab and Lowe Alpine. Recently, we visited the Equip Benelux showroom at the Sports Business Center in Leusden, where the Rab and Lowe Alpine brands are represented. We were warmly welcomed by Patrick Baars, Marketing Coordinator for Western Europe. During our visit, we received an inspiring insight into the latest developments and products. Patrick took the time to give us a tour and introduced us to the world of Rab and Lowe Alpine.
But first, an introduction...
Introduction
Meet Patrick Baars, the driving force behind marketing activities at Equip Benelux. Since 2023, Patrick has been working as the Marketing Coordinator at Equip Benelux, leveraging his extensive experience in the world of outdoor adventures, climbing, mountaineering, and trail running.
We’re also excited to introduce the rest of the team, some of whom you can already see in the photo at the top of this article.
From the left to the right:
Patrick Baars (Marketing), Bas Ursum (Sales), Claudia Anbeek (Customer Service), Ragnar Broekhoven (Sales), Saskia Bongaerts (Service Centre), Suzanne Klabbers (Service Centre), Jantiene Spijker (Service Centre), and Equip Outdoor Technologies' new CEO, Richard Leedham.
Photo credits: Gerard Ritter (Country Manager Benelux, Eastern Europe, France & Spain).
A few colleagues are not in the photo but are nonetheless vital members of our team: Lisa Scheenaard (Service Centre) and Andrea Hankey (Financial Administrator).
Equip Benelux is a leading distributor of high-quality outdoor and sports equipment in the Benelux region. The brands Rab (founded in 1981) and Lowe Alpine (founded in 1967) are renowned for their commitment to innovation, quality, and functionality.
Rab and Lowe Alpine offer a comprehensive range of premium outdoor products, from technical apparel to backpacks and gear for mountaineering, trekking, and hiking. Their products are crafted with meticulous attention to detail, durability, and performance, making them a favorite among both professional adventurers and recreational outdoor enthusiasts.
Sustainability
Both Rab and Lowe Alpine are committed to sustainability in their production processes. Both brands take pride in their Fair Wear certification, which reflects their dedication to fair working conditions and social responsibility.
Additionally, they place great importance on animal welfare, particularly in products with down insulation. Both brands are certified by trusted organizations that ensure the traceability of down and verify that it comes from responsible sources.
Did you know that you can drop off your down products, from any brand, at the Rab Service Center in Leusden? There, it is sorted, cleaned, and given a second life.
Transparency
A notable aspect is the transparency that Rab and Lowe Alpine offer to their customers. With a QR code on each item, consumers can view the product’s "material facts," allowing them to access detailed information about how and where the product was made. This approach to transparency not only fosters consumer trust but also encourages responsible shopping and product use.
Rab Service Center
The Rab Service Center is a unique addition to the SBC in Leusden. It offers specialized maintenance and repairs for Rab and Lowe Alpine products. From patching tears to replacing zippers and cleaning down, the team is ready to get your gear back in top condition. With their expertise and careful approach, a product with proper repairs can often last longer, eliminating the need for replacement. If a product cannot be repaired, it undergoes an upcycling process to give it a second life.
Innovations
Rab has undergone some exciting developments and innovations recently. The latest collection stands out with vibrant and eye-catching colors, offering a fresh twist on the traditional neutral earth tones of outdoor clothing. Additionally, Rab's women's clothing line has become more stylish, allowing the brand to better align with the latest fashion trends.
In addition, Rab has expanded its target audience, moving beyond professional mountaineers to include a broader range of hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
In short, Rab is now open to anyone who loves nature and the outdoors.
Patrick, thank you for your hospitality and enthusiasm during our visit. We wish the team continued success in their mission to support adventurers in the outdoor world!
Would you like more information about Rab / Lowe Alpine?
Feel free to reach out to Patrick at patrick.baars@equipuk.com
