With bold colors and high quality standards, the Swiss sports tailor Zimtstern has managed to secure a piece of the bikewear market in a short space of time. And after the first year, the women's collection already accounts for 40 percent of sales. Sales have risen accordingly. "Zimtstern is already established in the women's winter sports segment - and also has a lot of know-how in terms of suitable cuts," says CEO Thomas Meyer.

The entry into team sponsorship with Gates Nicolai was also a complete success for Zimtstern: "The team's riders have ridden to some great successes, and the striking outfits have made it into many media - also thanks to the team's collaboration with good photographers such as Hoshi Yoshida. The Gehrig sisters also ensure that our products appear in many pictures," says Thomas Triet, Head of Product Management. But because a rolling stone gathers no moss, Zimtstern already has more far-reaching plans.

"We have already established ourselves in the gravity segment. For 2013, we want to significantly expand the trail collection once again. The pieces are now cut closer to the body and therefore more functional, and with the Sanitized treatment against bacteria and odours we have another bonus," explains Triet. And Meyer adds: "The quantities are larger in this area, so we want to continue to grow there. The women's collection should also grow to 50 percent of sales, and the freeride collection has become even more practical, for example thanks to the patch breast pocket with zipper."

After Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Italy, expansion into new markets is also on the agenda. The focus of interest is England, although the challenge, according to Meyer and Triet, is not to end up with aggressively priced mail order companies such as Chain Reaction or Wiggle.

www.zimstern.com