PORTLAND, OR (BRAIN)—Showers Pass, known for its wind and waterproof cycling garments, recently consolidated product development and warehousing under one roof. The company has moved into a 6,000-square-foot building just outside of downtown Portland.
Showers Pass also recently added Kyle Ranson to head the company as co-president alongside current president and owner Ed Dalton. Ranson comes to the company from the high-tech sector, where he previously managed InFocus, a-half-a-billion-dollar public company.
Showers Pass’ technical jackets and vests, which enable cyclists to stay warm, dry and clean, have had a strong following in the Pacific Northwest, where rainy and cold weather can be the norm. But Ranson said the company wants to emulate that following in other parts of the country.
This fall it will launch a new hybrid collection of urban-meets-technical wear. The line, which has been in development for over a year, was previewed during an event to commemorate the opening of the new digs, June 13.
Ranson said the line targets average commuters who want to ride to work and walk straight into the office. “We’re targeting folks who drive Suburbans who want to look respectable in the office. We think that presents a tremendous opportunity,” he said.
With rising gas prices, many Americans are beginning to ride their bikes more often for short trips instead of driving, and that’s something Shower’s Pass co-president Ed Dalton is banking on.
“Cycling is one way to beat high gas prices,” he said. “We believe that by providing great cycling apparel we are helping more folks ride more often, and we’re proud of that.”
The new line will be shown at Interbike and begin shipping in September.
—Lynette Carpiet
