Bainbridge International has been appointed as the exclusive distributor of Zhik branded apparel for the UK and Ireland.
Zhik is one of the world’s leading marine apparel companies and their high performing product can be found in all areas of the marine world, from Optimists to the top SailGP teams, and ocean sailors to rowers and foilers.
Bainbridge International is a leading distributor of marine products in the UK. The Bainbridge Team will take over the distribution role during September and will have product in stock to fulfil dealer orders through the rest of 2024, whilst working with Zhik to ensure product for Spring 2025 is on order and will be ready to ship.
Tristan Hutt, who has been managing the Zhik brand in the UK, will join Bainbridge as Brand and Sales Manager, whilst also retaining a role with Zhik International, focused on product development. This unique relationship between Bainbridge and Zhik will deliver the best product and the highest levels of service to UK dealers and consumers.
Mat Belcher, CEO of Zhik, said from Zhik’s Sydney HQ: “As our brand continues to grow around the world the opportunity to work with Bainbridge as our exclusive distributor in the UK and Ireland will bring more focus to an important market. I’ve known Laurence Mead through Etchells sailing for several years, and we are excited about growing our brand in the UK and Ireland with the Bainbridge team. Being able to maintain Tristan as part of our joint team is also good news for stability and growth going forward.”
Laurence Mead, chairman of Bainbridge International UK, said: “The leisure marine market is changing quite quickly and at Bainbridge we’re focused on delivering great product into the market, where we can work with UK retailers to develop the brand on a step-by-step basis. Zhik has industry leading product as well as a very strong brand name, particularly with young sailors, and we are looking forward to working with Mat and his team as exclusive distributors. We will focus on customer service with stock held in our warehouse just off the M27 near Southampton Airport.”
