Round table – The French Action Sports market: physical distribution, retail, and new business models

Speakers : Cyril ARNAUD , Philippe CAZEAUX , Jean-Christophe CHETAIL , Jean Louis RODRIGUES , Frédéric TAIN

After an unprecedented post-Covid boom, the Action Sports market in France is currently experiencing a marked slowdown. Persistent inflation, lack of budget visibility, a tense geopolitical context, and international constraints are redefining the balance. Faced with these challenges, the French surfing and Action Sports industry must find new ways to maintain its competitiveness, explore new economic models, and prepare for the future.

This round table discussion will address the evolution of the distribution of surf products and brands in France over the past thirty years, focusing on physical sales channels (excluding e-commerce). The speakers will be:

• Cyril Arnaud, Tamarindo Surf Shop, Île d’Oléron
• Jean-Christophe Chetail, Co-owner & General Manager, Oxbow
• Philippe Cazeaux, Retail Manager, Rip Curl
• Jean-Louis Rodrigues, President of EuroSIMA
• Moderator: Frédéric Tain

 

Objective: to provide a clear overview of the models that have shaped the market, understand how they have changed, and identify the keys to trust, engagement, and growth for the years to come.

An unfiltered discussion to take stock of the French market, explore its weaknesses and strengths, and collectively reflect on avenues for resilience and innovation in the years to come.

To open the event, Jean-Louis Rodrigues, President of EuroSIMA and expert consultant on the action sports and retail market, will deliver a 10-minute keynote speech to set the scene and explain the rationale behind this round table discussion.