I recently caught up with Jonas Malka Online Marketing Manager at Sports Zone Elite, USA. Sports Zone Elite has a great range of NB product at some of the most competitive prices anywhere online. . Check out the interview below to see what he had to say about NB and the history and future of Sports Zone Elite.
Sports Zone Elite started
as The Sports Zone in 1985. Today we have grown to 30 stores, all located in
the DC-Maryland-Virginia area. The Sports Zone Elite concept was introduced in
the marketplace in 2006 and online since about a year now. You can find most of
our products available on sportszoneelite.com.
What makes us unique is
we actually want to make a difference. In the first place as a retail company
with our customer, we are training our teams to deliver the best customer
service possible by offering our knowledge in the urban fashion and treat them
the best we can. We are also making a difference with the way we are treating
our teams, Sports Zone Elite is a real family and a lot of people working now
in our stores or in our office are actually sons/daughters of previous
employees who only know too much how important it is to feel free and to love
the place you work at in order to give the best of yourself. That’s why we are
being elite. Finally, Sports Zone Elite is organizing or sponsoring a lot of
events to try to promote upcoming talents in different area (music, sports,
arts), or to help the ones who need it (charity, coat drives…) or just to offer
some fun sometimes (free fitness, Zumba class).
In the end, what makes us
unique is we will always do our best to #BeElite
 |
| Sports Zone 10 years ago |
How long have you been stocking NB and how
is it selling?
We have been carrying New
Balance since the very begining--Washington DC is well known for the New
Balance brand, from the NB740 (James Worthy) to the Iconic NB1300. Our brick
& mortar customer know we are offering them the best deals, we are trying
to convey that reputation online, now that we are able to sell them on our
website.
What does New Balance as a brand mean to
you?
New Balance means
stability--the New Balance brand, just like us, has really with stood the test
of time. New Balance has really
become part of the Sneaker culture.
What do you think sets New Balance apart
from other brands?
The brand once has really
done a great job of staying true to who they are.
What is your favourite new balance release
from the last year or so?
The New Balance 2001, it
is actually great running shoes. And the design is great if you just want to
wear with some casual clothes.
What is the best selling NB model at your
store?
The New Balance 990 has
always been our best sellers in stores for all genders: men, women and kids.
Online, the 998 has been selling so great that we quickly had to order more
pairs to New Balance.
More of the same but
maybe with some cool color ups and enhancements here and there
How important is promoting yourselves on
social media to your business?
Social media is very
important as it helps us stay in constant and direct contact with our
customers. That contact helps us to understand their need and to adapt our
strategy to deliver them the best service.
Any last comments?
Just would like to say
how much we appreciate being part of the Online community not only as a sneaker
store but as an organization that believes in its community and is part of its
development through engaging/interacting with anyone showing interest in what
we’re doing.
Also thank you for your
time and support!!
