Salomon has opened a Performance Center next to its existing Design Center in the French city of Annecy. The 820-square-meter facility is open – by appointment only – to skiers on the World Cup and regional racing circuits. In the words of Véronique Rémy, head of marketing, the move is intended to “reconnect Salomon with the world of racing” after the estrangement of the past few years. The Performance Center's selection covers both Alpine and Nordic skiing, there is a staff on hand for advice, and customization services are available. Included are a showroom of 160 sq.m., a shop of 150 sq.m. for ski adjustments, and another shop of 60 sq.m. for shoe adjustments. The center will be dividing up business with retailers. According to Nicolas Bernard, head of sales for Southern Europe at Salomon Winter Sports, “stores operating in the racing market will always take precedence in relations with clubs.” Salomon has recently brought its purchasing policy for stores in line with what it is already offering directly to a number of clubs. It deems this measure necessary in light of the few French stores that deal in racing equipment. By Bernard's estimate, 10 to 15 deal in Alpine racing and five in Nordic. To prepare for the winter season, Salomon has also recruited Thomas Fanara, a former World Cup racer, and Jean Mazzoli, current head of R&D for racing equipment. It has hired Sébastien Bollard to lead the women's World Cup team and the former professional skier David Simoncelli to lead the men's team.

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