Oberalp Group CEO Christoph Engl on Salewa's climbing gyms and expansion plans
Oberalp Group, an Italian outdoor sportswear company based in Bolzano, owns brands including Salewa, Wild Country, and Evolv. CEO Christoph Engl discusses the company's strategy in an interview with Monocle. Salewa, founded in Munich in 1935 and part of Oberalp since 1990, continues to produce innovative gear. Oberalp is expanding into climbing gyms under the Salewa Cube brand, with plans to open about 10 spaces in key Italian cities by 2027, including Varese and Como. The company also operates over 100 shops in Europe, 60% franchises, and has a multi-label concept called Mountain Shop. Engl notes that Oberalp receives acquisition offers monthly but is selective. For Salewa's 90th anniversary, the company created an audio file called 'Pure Mountain' to be opened in 10 years.
Key facts
- Oberalp Group is based in Bolzano, Italy.
- Owns brands Salewa, Wild Country, Evolv, Dynafit, Lamunt.
- Salewa founded in Munich in 1935, part of Oberalp since 1990.
- CEO Christoph Engl interviewed by Monocle.
- Salewa Cube climbing gym franchise: first gym built 15 years ago at HQ, now 100,000 visitors/year.
- Plans to open climbing gyms in Varese and Como, and about 10 in key Italian cities by 2027.
- Over 100 Salewa shops in Europe, 60% franchises, 40% company-owned.
- Mountain Shop is a multi-label retail concept.
- Oberalp receives 2-3 acquisition offers per month.
- For 90th anniversary, Salewa created 'Pure Mountain' audio file to be opened in 10 years.
Entities
Institutions
- Oberalp Group
- Salewa
- Wild Country
- Evolv
- Dynafit
- Lamunt
- Monocle
- Salewa Cube
- Mountain Shop
Locations
- Bolzano
- Italy
- Munich
- Germany
- Dolomites
- Los Angeles
- Varese
- Como
- Finale Ligure
- Cortina
- Chamonix
Sources
- Monocle —