Photo: Marcel Hilger
2019: How awesome was that?!
Fortunately, we are our own editors and responsible for the wording of our content. Therefore, we'll stick with the sensational headline, as it pretty much sums up our year. Besides some structural changes, there were many premieres, new products, designs, and expansions. The speed of events occasionally put us under pressure, but as Hunters, we're quite familiar with speed and look back on the last 12 months with complete satisfaction. A review, by no means exhaustive:
“Sock game always on point!”
The praise, which included the crucial follow-up: "I have no complaints whatsoever," came from none other than rising star Freddy Funk at the beginning of the year. That's certainly a welcome way to start a new year as a startup, six months after market entry. Especially when the first major color expansion of the year is already in the pipeline, or rather, on its way from Italy to Hamburg.
And so, on January 22nd, we were able to present four new models that perfectly reflect what we set out to achieve when we founded the company: maximum functionality, quality, and performance on the one hand, and style for every occasion on the other. A healthy dose of lifestyle has always been in our veins, and with the new Stripes and Arrows models, we've been able to bridge that gap. A dark base sock, cool colors, consistent quality. Fortunately, they were and continue to be well-received by you.
Photo: Andrea Heinsohn
Pooling resources: INCYLENCE X TCC
In February, we finally moved into our own office. For the first time in ages, the living room was recognizable as such again, and—we readily admit it—we were filled with pride. Onward to new endeavors and the next big thing we'd been preparing for a long time!
On March 11th, we announced our collaboration with Triathlon Crew Cologne . A few weeks and samples have passed since Nick first approached us with the idea of a custom sock. It was clear from the start that we would tackle this project together. TCC and INCYLENCE – a perfect match! After a few adjustments and optimizations, we were all happy with the TCC SIGNATURE sock , which briefly pushed us to our logistical limits. But as we said: we can handle speed!
Run, Boy, Run: The development continues!
On April 29th, not only was a third of the team at a training camp in Mallorca, but we were also able to simultaneously present our next innovation, which is 100% based on feedback from our runners and was communicated with German-Mallorcan precision. INCYLENCE RUNNING was the result of months of development work and numerous tests with internal and external guinea pigs, after we had already heard the numerous requests the previous year for a) thicker and more cushioned socks and b) shorter socks. No sooner said than done: A new material (Microlon®) is being used, and despite the shorter sock height, we can still incorporate our INCYLENCE DNA into the short socks. At the same time, the Daniela Bleymehl collection is getting a new addition, a shorter model that would go on to win European races later in the season.
Germany, our summer fairytale
Hamburg, June 2019. The high-speed weeks are underway! We quickly presented our gift cards as a gift idea for stylish friends, and BAM: off to the expo at the Hella Hamburg Half Marathon. We brought along the new triathlon collection with three designs, each available in two colors: Curls, Reversed, and Triangles. Besides getting a first impression of the new models, the weekend was mainly dominated by the heatwave. Luckily, our socks are breathable... A little marketing spiel is allowed, of course. 😉
The following Wednesday, we'll be taking our booth to our partner Trionik Multisport for the trade fair at the ITU Hamburg, and then it's off to the motorway towards the triathlon mecca of Roth. And what can we say except: HOW AWESOME WAS THAT?!?
Together with Pushing Limits , the Triathlon Crew Cologne, and Aerobee, we shared a trade fair appearance that gave the word "madness" a whole new meaning. Record-breakingly long live podcasts, a get-together with the entire triathlon scene, countless great conversations with you all, and a race day full of emotion. Thank you Pushing Limits, thank you TCC, thank you Roth, thank you Hunter. That was awesome!
With a considerable delay: INCYLENCE CAP REVERSED
We already had them with us in Roth and received fantastic feedback. The fact that the Cap Reversed Coral only made its way to our online shop a month later was due to one simple reason: we couldn't get it done any faster. So, the cat's out of the bag. To compensate – and we hope this is sufficient apology – we immediately created and ordered a new color – and again, with a delay, added it to the shop: The Cap Reversed Cyan saw the light of day (in the public eye) in November. But there was a good reason for the delay...
KONA CALLING!
...because first on the agenda was an exciting trip halfway around the world, with Kailua-Kona as the destination. Alex not only had a suitcase full of (some new) socks, but also a master plan, plenty of crazy ideas, and a packed schedule. After photoshoots with Daniela Bleymehl (thanks Isaak Papadopoulos), Maurice Clavel , Nils Frommhold (thanks Dominik Berchtold), Andi Boecherer , Maja Stage Nielsen , Daniel Bakkegard , Franz Löschke , Philipp Herber, and Josh Lunn , it was clear not only that we were launching a new Kona sock, but also that Marcel Hilger really knows what he's doing. Many thanks for the great photos and the relaxed work, Marcel! See you soon...
Photo: Marcel Hilger
Back to Kona: We were able to present two specials the day after the Ironman Hawaii. Our now sold-out Levels Kona , and the Dani Ohana , the latest model for our athlete Dani Bleymehl, who finished 9th at the World Championships the day before. Mahalo!
Photo: Marcel Hilger
New colors for winter
Back to cold Germany and time to get started on the next plans. Just yesterday we were in Kona, now we're getting new winter colors. It's hard to keep up, even for us, but it's worth every effort. We're still completely satisfied with the new colors and thrilled with the fantastic response! Only a few questions remain hotly debated: Which sock is cooler for cycling? Thin or thick for triathlons? Our pros show us the way: Anything goes!
Time to breathe? Not a chance! Christmas is just around the corner, and this year we want to celebrate a premiere and give our Hunters a Christmas present. But hold on: first, Black Friday... Not a complete clearance sale, but exclusive discounts and deals have been prepared, spread throughout the day in 3-hour segments. "30% off everything" has never really been our thing...
And now: The INCYLENCE Christmas Box . We not only wanted to say THANK YOU with a small discount, but also bring a stylish and high-quality box to people. The thought of our boxes under Christmas trees thrilled and motivated us. We're also pleased with the result, and we're already certain: there will be even more in 2020!
Christmas. Take a deep breath. Recharge your batteries!
We've experienced a lot and given it our all. And more importantly: we're happy with ourselves, our work, and our products. We've stayed true to ourselves, overcome challenges, and set the course for the future. We're not focused on immediate profit at any cost, but continue to prioritize issues like sustainability and environmental awareness. 2020 holds a lot in store for us. Some things are already set in stone, others are still up in the air. But we'll be able to announce the next bit of news in just a few days, and we can't stop grinning as we write this. We're certain: 2020 will be even more vibrant, even faster, even more exciting, even more awesome!
At this point, we would like to thank you! For your loyalty, support, feedback in all directions, and shared moments. We will continue to take you along on our journey, keep you involved, and hopefully continue to delight you with new products and designs. Happy New Year! HUNT INCYLENCE
Photo: Marcel Hilger