Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - ⁠https://dtcnews.link/signup⁠ Today we're digging into the DTC vault to one of this year's most listened to episodes with Niclas Bornling on the power of story telling in footwear. Hello and welcome to the DTC Podcast, I’m Eric Dyck. Today, we’re excited to have an incredible guest, Niclas, who has masterfully woven the art of storytelling into the fabric of branding, transforming iconic brands like Salomon, New Era, Keen, Houdini and currently Craft Sportwear, a trail running brand cashing in on the newish wave of niche purpose sportswear, headlined by billion dollar brands On running, and Hoka. In this episode, we delve into the pivotal moments of brand evolution and the power of a compelling narrative in shaping a brand's journey. We'll explore the intersection of brand identity and performance marketing, and the crucial role of storytelling in creating an authentic and engaging brand experience. The Eureka Moment: where niclas realized everything is a story, and how it revolutionized his approach at Salomon and Houdini. Crafting Iconic Brands: Learn how Niclas helped transform these outdoor brands into cultural icons, blending innovation with captivating stories. Future of Branding and why you should never call what you make CONTENT, instead focusing on the fusion of brand story telling and strategic marketing. Niclas also pitches me on changing the name of this podcast to Direct to User, reflecting his philosophy and approach while working with brands like Houdini, where the focus is on viewing customers not just as consumers but as users who actively engage with the product. I'll take it under consideration, but I already have the hat...sooo Join us as we uncover these insightful perspectives with Niclas, offering valuable lessons for brand builders and marketers alike. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Niclas Bornling and the Art of Storytelling in Branding 00:02:00 - The Evolution of Brand Identity at Salomon and the Outdoor Industry 00:14:20 - Breaking Into the Running Shoe Market: Insights from Craft Sportswear 00:33:10 - The Rise of Challenger Brands in Running Footwear: Hoka and On's Success 00:47:30 - Direct Response Marketing Strategies in Sports Apparel Hashtags: #BrandStorytelling #RunningShoes #DTCMarketing #SportsApparel #CraftSportswear #InnovationInSports #AthleteBranding #MarketingStrategies Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - ⁠https://dtcnews.link/signup⁠ Advertise on DTC - ⁠https://dtcnews.link/advertise⁠ Work with Pilothouse - ⁠https://dtcnews.link/pilothouse⁠ Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletter Watch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video