Tim Francis, Account Manager and Regional Trainer for Grangers, underlined the growing importance of educating retail staff and outdoor professionals on the latest waterproofing trends during Outdoor and Social 2025.
Grangers, a specialist in outdoor clothing and footwear aftercare since 1937, brought its innovative product range to the March event, held at Newfold Farm in Edale, in the heart of the Peak District. Over three days, the event brought together retailers, brands, and industry experts for practical training, hands-on product experiences, and insightful networking opportunities — all in the outdoor environments these products are built for.
“It’s a fantastic concept,” said Francis. “It was really nice to see all the brands turning up, to see lots of people getting out into the hills as well.”
Grangers used the opportunity to showcase its latest technical and environmentally friendly innovations, highlighting not just performance but also sustainability. The company engaged directly with retail staff to share insights into their product success, brand heritage, and commitment to the outdoor market.
“We had a great response from people coming in,” said Francis. “We told them about the background of Grangers, our values, and how to sell into the outdoor market. In terms of customer base, I think it’s been really valuable.”
Grangers has made its aftercare system straightforward and accessible, helping consumers easily understand their products through a simple colour-coding system: green, orange, and blue — each indicating a different function within the care process.
But Francis was particularly keen to highlight Grangers’ eco-conscious approach.
“In terms of teaching people about our product range, we’re really seeing an important change in the industry now,” he explained. “Waterproofing is moving over to PFC-free solutions. It’s important to teach staff about Bluesign and the changes. We’ve been Bluesign partners for the last 18 years. So, for us, it’s about maintaining consistency and ensuring people know where our technology stands today.”
Beyond the training sessions and product demos, Francis also appreciated the social side of the event:
“It was great to get around and see friends from other brands — just to mingle and make the connections that you need to make.”
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