Defender first quarter sales up 26.5 percent
WATERFORD, Conn. – Defender Industries’ first quarter sales increased 26.5 percent over the same period in 2005, due in part to jumps in outboard motor and inflatable boat sales, the company reported in a statement yesterday.
March sales were up 25.8 percent, which included record sales during the first half of Defender’s four-day 10th Annual Warehouse Sale.
Inflatable boats and outboard motors led the major product categories with a 54 percent increase for the first quarter, Defender reported.
“Customers know we are experts in the inflatable boat business and trust us to provide all the detailed information needed to ensure selection of products suited to their intended use,” explained Vice President Stephan Lance. “Boaters have also responded very positively to the newly introduced Genesis line of inflatables by Walker Bay. Well over 500 inflatable boats, outboard motors, and kayaks were sold during the four-day warehouse sale alone.”
Most of Defender’s twenty primary product categories posted significant double-digit gains, with maintenance (including paint, epoxies, cleaners, etc.) and electrical showing the next largest increases. Al Knupp, executive director, credits Defender’s staff.
“Our crew is focused on continuing to make incremental improvements and daily progress towards our goal of getting the details right and exceeding customer expectations one customer at a time,” he said. “Experienced boaters appreciate immediate availability of the brands they trust, and newer boaters take advantage of our staff’s 1,000-plus years of boating experience to help them make the appropriate selections for their projects.
“April is already off to an incredibly strong start with the three largest shipping days in Defender’s 68-year history. 2006 will undoubtedly be another record year for Defender,” Knupp added.
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