Winter Sports Merchandising Group

Mission Statement

Our mission is to be the leading specialty retailer buying organization in North America. WSR is committed to providing both buying opportunities and value in an ethical manner; facilitating information exchange between owners; acting progressively in creating a healthier specialty retail community; and providing business-related services to our stockholders and preferred suppliers. WSR believes in a diverse business environment and in taking on the challenges of climate change and its threat to our industry.

Winter Sports Retailers (WSR) is a collective of the best specialty retailers in the U.S. Since our humble beginning in March, 1965 as the Ski Specialists Guild, and incorporating in 1971 as SWSR, we have been the leading marketing, purchasing, and merchandising group in the specialty winter sports industries. WSR is owned and directed by specialty sports retailers for specialty sports retailers.

We share a passion for the lifestyles we embrace and engage in every working day, giving WSR a unique insight into the marketplace that you just can’t get anywhere else. Our business leaders partner with industry leaders to sustain and grow specialty retailers’ businesses in our focus categories.

The WSR community

115+ independently owned but like-minded retail businesses throughout the U.S., from New England to Alaska — including city and resort locations
300+ retail storefronts
Purchasing programs with 160+ major suppliers in our industries

Buying Committees & Business Support

Buying committees consisting of key WSR owners and buyers assist management in communicating the needs of our members to our business partners (suppliers). The needs of the stores are determined by analysis of historic buying patterns as well as written and verbal information gathering. These needs are communicated to our suppliers through face-to-face meetings and/or by written request.

Program Development & Communication

While group collaboration is encouraged in order to generate the most cost-effective programs, our retailers maintain their individuality by being able to select the programs and brands that work best for their stores.

FAQs

WSR is a retailer-owned buying group that represents the snow sports, outdoor lifestyle, and casual furniture industries. Our extensive merchandising experience can assist in the growth and cost savings of your business.

WSR retailers are highly respected in specialty sports, including ski, snowboard, outdoor, bike, watersports, and casual furniture industries. WSR’s collective of small businesses whose owners have a passion for sports and retailing. For a complete list of our current retailer members, click here.

WSR suppliers are among the best companies with the strongest brands in our industries. For a complete list of our preferred suppliers, click here.

WSR provides significant cost-saving advantages for our retailers and suppliers. As a WSR retailer, you have access to our suppliers’ programs and exclusive offers, enabling you to save money. Additionally, WSR works to outsource much of your workload, from invoice reconciliation to negotiating added savings on your behalf as a high-level buyer.

Partnering with WSR as a supplier allows you to benefit from centralized invoicing, credit review, and security, ultimately impacting your bottom line. WSR ensures uninterrupted cash flow by paying invoices for members on time.

The Winter Sports Market (WSM) is an annual event combining WSR’s annual stockholder meeting with a buying marketplace and intelligence sharing. For nearly 30 years, our retailers and suppliers come together to share industry knowledge, market information, and product trends. WSM gives our preferred suppliers the opportunity to deliver their unique brand message directly to the owners and buyers of some of the best shops in the country. A special highlight of WSM is the Hot Buy, a special opportunity when suppliers offer even deeper discounts on key products that add to your profitability. This is THE buying event on the calendar and both WSR buyers and WSR Preferred Suppliers consider it a “must attend” event.

To become a member or supplier or exclusive retailer of WSR, please contact us at (720) 645-1049, or contact us online.

Team

Meet the management team behind WSR—whose combined wisdom, expertise, and years in the industry make us who we are.

Gary Fleming

President

TBD

Tyler Lockard

Vendor Services

435-655-1326

Nancy Toscano

CFO

585-742-1010 ext. 28

Chuck Camerlin

Member Services

TBD

Kara Wedmore

Director of Apparel

206-226-9706

Kim Gillespie

Director of Finance

TBD

Cate Scullion

Member Services Coordinator

TBD

Board of Directors

Our stockholders/members elect a seven-member Board of Directors to three-year rotating terms. It is the board’s responsibility to give direction to management and look out for the interests of all stockholders/members.

Officers

Chairman of the Board

Parker Rice

Equipe Sport, VT

Vice Chairman

Wayne Pilla

Ski Haus/NOTB, NH/MA

Secretary/Treasurer

Jason Cole

Cole Sport, UT

Directors

Brett Williams Williams

Ski & Patio, IL

Greg Whitehouse

California Ski Co, CA

Brad Nelson

Hi Tempo Sports, MN

Sustainability

We believe it is everyone’s responsibility to help protect our environment. Through our technology initiatives and e-commerce platform, we are improving communications and reducing the need for paper. Please join us in those efforts to support a sustainable environment and a lasting legacy.