Women are savvy, emotional and loyal shoppers. It’s an advantage to know this when marketing products to women who are going to research before they buy, spend wisely, and not only stick with a product or company once they find something they love, but also recommend it to their friends.
No one knows this better than Skirt Sports, a Boulder, Colorado company founded by professional triathlete, Nicole DeBoom. “Women own the majority of the purchasing power in he United States,” she said, citing statistics that women are responsible for buying more than 80% of household goods.
Skirt Sports was founded on the premise that “women should never have to sacrifice their femininity for performance.” Skirt Sports’ active wear for women includes sexy and colorful skirts, fitted tops in florals and pinks, as well as jackets, pants, and dresses.
“Skirt Sports has the advantage in that it is a company of women athletes creating product for active women,” she said. “This core authenticity is why women see us as the experts. We speak to them as if we are good friends, and we keep their needs in mind as we develop product. Though the technical details of how the product works are important to women, it is the emotional connection that creates brand loyalists.”
While there is plenty of networking among athletes—amateur, professional and weekend—the best way to create that connection is using social media. Skirt Sports strives to have two-way communication with customers, not just blasts of information on products.
“Women want to be seen as unique individuals and they want to develop an emotional attachment to the brands they support,” Mrs. DeBoom said. “Two-way communication continues to foster this emotional attachment. Skirt Sports places utmost importance on great customer service and we regularly reach out to our customers through social media and corporate blogs to ensure that they feel they have a voice in the brand.”
As in any relationship, women have feelings and want to know that someone is listening to them. As Mrs. DeBoom explains it, it sounds a lot like dating: find a good mate, make sure you both want to commit, and know that this person/product brings out your best side.
“Women research their options before making a purchase and they want their dollars spent to feel like a long term investment,” she said. “They want solid, reputable brands that keep up their active lifestyles. Skirt Sports markets fitness as a lifestyle, and our products help women feel good about themselves and achieve their goals.”