Source: National Sporting Goods Association
Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Famer Joachim Schröder Passes Away at Age 65
MOUNT PROSPECT, IL (November 19, 2015) – The National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA) was informed today that Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame member Joachim Schröder passed away on November 10. Schröder, 65, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2006.
Schröder, retired since 2002 from a 28-year career at German sporting goods giant Karstadt Sports, was the first European sporting goods retailer to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Schroeder joined the company in 1974 as a store assistant, and by 1977 had become a buyer in the head office. In 1981, he was head buyer of sporting goods equipment and became Director for sports and toys in 1991. He made his first trip to the United States in 1982 to visit the NSGA show in Chicago and made more than 100 trips to the U.S. to conduct business.
He embraced American marketing of brands as a first mover in Germany. As an example of marketing American brands in Germany, he sponsored a $1 million shot during a pre-season NBA basketball game; sponsored a par 3 competition with Tiger Woods and nine other top golfers from the roof of the Karstadt Sporthouse in Hamburg across the street to the next building; and he brought innovative American brands like Nike, Reebok, New Balance, Columbia, Eastpak, Callaway, Titleist and others to Germany.
Joachim developed the Karstadt Sporthouse Concept, which were stores ranging in size from 20,000 to 70,000 square feet. He also developed the Runners Point Chainstore concept, similar to Foot Locker.
At the time of his retirement, Karstadt was the leading sporting goods retailer in Germany.
He is survived by wife Angelika and daughter Stella. The funeral will be held Friday, November 20 at the cemetery Chapel in Tostedt. Donations may be made to Doctors without Borders in Joachim Schröder’s name.
About the National Sporting Goods Association
The National Sporting Goods Association has served as the leading voice for the sporting goods industry since 1929. NSGA’s mission is to support its members’ efforts to grow their business and to advocate on their behalf. The Association develops industry research and publications, while also providing discounted services and hosting the annual NSGA Management Conference & Team Dealer Summit. For more information about membership or NSGA’s products and services, please visit www.nsga.org.
Contact:
Katie Nemec
Director of Marketing & Communications
[email protected]
(800) 815-5422, ext. 1070
