Portland-based clothing brand Showers Pass is opening a sales office in the United Kingdom next month.
Based in South Shields, Tyne and Wear, the Showers Pass U.K. headquarters will open for business May 16 and will introduce the company's full product line to the U.K.
"We've been building a strong, loyal and fast growing following of online customers in Europe for a number of years now," said Showers Pass CEO Kyle Ranson. "But it's time to really put the rubber to the road in the U.K. and bring our brand and full range of performance jackets, pants, gloves and other accessories to cyclists and active outdoor enthusiasts who don't like to let the weather stop them."
Originally from South Shields, Ranson will continue to manage Showers Pass business in the United States, while his brother, Fraser Ranson, joins the company as head of U.K. operations.
The company is also developing retailer support programs, and staff training for U.K. retailers.
"It doesn't matter whether you live in the North of England or the Pacific Northwest of the United States," said Fraser Ranson, Managing Director, Showers Pass UK. "Rain, sleet, snow and mud are there to slow you down and get in the way of your ride. We've spent years finding the fabrics, technology and treatments to shortcut that and tested them on the roads and mountains of Portland, Oregon. We're thrilled to launch in the UK and it's going to be an incredible sales year for Showers Pass."
