SEATTLE, Jan. 20, 2022 – evo, the outdoor retail and experiences brand, today announced
Rhythm Japan, a world-class retail, rental, and experiences company, and
Oyuki, the winter essentials brand, will join the evo community. Specifically, evo will become the parent company, owning 100% of the Japanese business, with the existing Rhythm Japan shareholders becoming part owners of evo.
The agreement celebrates two like-minded brands built on aligned values and strategic synergies and will mark evo’s entry in the APAC market. Rhythm has deep roots and a breadth of experience in the mountain-based equipment rental space, which will be a major asset as evo looks to continue to elevate and expand its own rental offerings in North America.
Rhythm sets a high bar when it comes to mountain-based equipment rentals. evo will draw on that expertise to continue to elevate and expand our evo rental offering in North America. At the same time, Rhythm will leverage evo’s 20-year track record in ecommerce to build up a robust digital offering in Japan, and eventually other Asian countries as well.
Rhythm CEO Matt Hampton and Founder Mick Klima launched the Japanese company in 2005 with a goal to increase accessibility to gear required to ride the area’s unique snow conditions. The group now has 7 store locations in Niseko, Hakuba, and Furano in Japan and has grown its offerings while staying true to its roots through community involvement. Rhythm and Oyuki will continue to operate under the same name and management teams to ensure a seamless transition for consumers, and Hampton will continue to lead Rhythm Japan, and join the evo enterprise leadership team as Managing Director, APAC Region.
“When we started Rhythm Japan in 2005 a core value was, and still is, to be limitless. This partnership with evo is testament to that,” said Hampton. “I see many similarities between the businesses including a focus on community and a commitment to making lives better through epic experiences. Each business has strengths that will complement each other and make our shared future better. For example, with evo’s insights, we can’t wait to increase Rhythm’s digital offerings in Asia. Reciprocally, as leaders in the rental market, we will be using our knowledge to assist evo in taking the rental arm of their business to the next level.”
Already known by many for igniting an adventurous spirit, evo aims to meet customers in the most iconic mountain locations around the globe. Bringing Rhythm in will help further that mission, allowing broader reach to the community and the ability to offer the best mountain brands and curate experiences across epic adventure locations in the U.S. West, Canada’s Sea-to-Sky Corridor, and – now – Japan.
“The first time I set foot in a Rhythm location, I felt something different, something special. Years later, I met Matt and some of the Rhythm team and we quickly became close friends. I had a strong inclination that we’d end up working together given our shared foundation when it comes to core values, culture and commitment to making communities stronger. evo and Rhythm are kindred spirits, and we are grateful to have the opportunity to join forces with the Rhythm family,” said Bryce Phillips, Founder and CEO of evo.
In addition to expanding services and markets, the partnership creates a halo effect for the high-quality brands carried at both Rhythm and evo, offering vendors a truly global, omnichannel retail partner committed to elevating products and brands.
About evo
evo is an outdoor company whose purpose is to make life better by building community and igniting the adventurous spirit that lives within us all. evo is focused on providing unique experiences across its network of stores, evo.com, two All Together Skateparks, lodging and travel businesses, which are centered on sport, culture, the outdoors, and human connection.
evo uses its success in these areas to support non-profit organizations dedicated to getting underserved kids outdoors.
There are
9 stores in the U.S. and Canada. In January 2022 Rhythm Japan, the leading retail, rental, and experience company located in Japan’s mountain resorts became part of evo.
In partnership with a group of complementary businesses, evo just opened a 100,000 square foot
campus in Salt Lake City, Utah. Campus Salt Lake includes an evo store, All Together Skatepark, Salt Lake Bouldering Project, Level 9 Sports, and evo’s first evo Hotel.
evo now offers lodging at Journeyman Lodge in Whistler, and evo Hotel in Salt Lake. evo also runs an indoor skatepark, called
All Together Skatepark, in Salt Lake and Seattle.
About Rhythm Japan
Established in Niseko in 2005 by two Australian businessmen and snow experts, Rhythm Japan is the region’s leading snowsports retailer. With seven stores spanning across Niseko, Hakuba and Furano, including the largest resort-based snowsports store in Japan, Rhythm Base HQ.
Rhythm provides unparalleled access to leading winter sports brands plus the full suite of services including custom boot fitting, equipment tuning, premium rental, lessons and guiding plus online shopping and the best coffee in the mountains at their in-store cafes.
Rhythm's core mission is to provide visitors and the local community with everything they need to live their ultimate mountain experience. Rhythm's team of dedicated mountain specialists live and breathe the snow-life, and seek to instill the same passion in all of their customers.
Check out Rhythm Japan at
www.rhythmjapan.com and sign up for the newsletter. Follow Rhythm Japan on
Facebook, and follow Rhythm Japan on
Instagram.
Contact Info
Martina Corona
Backbone Media
[email protected]
970-510-9206