helsinki athletica
How To Launch The Best-Selling Sport Training Shorts
"Just getting stuck in and testing what you can is the best way to learn."
Who are you and what do you do?
I'm Matt, the Marketing & Operations Manager at Helsinki Athletica.
What is Helsinki Athletica?
We are an Australian based activewear brand that focuses on creating high quality sportswear which enhances your physique without compromising performance.
What's your backstory and how did you come up with the idea?
HA was inspired by multiple trips to Europe by one of our founders who is of Finnish decent, who could see a clear gap between the European aesthetic and the products being offered to Australian & American customers.
Take us through the process of designing, prototyping, and manufacturing your first product.
We assessed a number of sportswear items on the market each had their strong points such as fit, quality or price but nobody offered these in a complete package. So we went back to the drawing board and started from scratch. Women's activewear products, especially sportswear is designed to make the wearer not only look good but feel good, with products tailored to enhance certain areas and hide other parts, so why can’t men's do the same.
Our first product (and still best seller) is our Sport Training Short, (SPORT TRAINING 4.5" SHORTS - BLACK) we wore these to death during testing to ensure they were perfect. Whilst some people may see that it is a 4.5” leg and think this is very short, a lot of brands offer a 5” leg but going back to our mission of enhancing the physique we identified that 4.5” is a complimentary length regardless of how developed someone's legs are. So no more ‘do you skip leg day’ comments!
Describe the process of launching the business.
Once testing and manufacturing was completed we knew we had a great product, it was just a question of how to get this in-front of people, especially when competing with giants of the sportswear world. We reached out to some niche sportswear stores who were happy to stock us and we set upon growing our own website.
Since launch, what has worked to attract and retain customers?
Paid social ads work really well for us still, we offer a strong discount to first time customers because we know once they get the product in their hand they will love this and buy it again!
What's the reason customers pick Helsinki Athletica over your competitors?
We don’t release a lot of products, we prefer to put in a lot of time and testing to ensure we launch the right product. A lot of businesses now churn out new products every month or week in some cases, we release a few new items per year to ensure every product is of the highest quality in terms of fit and performance.
How are you doing today and what does the future look like?
We are at a very exciting time in our journey, having redeveloped our website and expanding our team, we will be looking to add another collection to our offering this year and then turn our attention to bringing our philosophy on activewear to the women's category.
Since starting the business, what's the number 1 thing you have learned?
A quality product is all it takes, even in a saturated market.
What platform/tools do you use for your business?
Shopify, Gorgias, Shipit, Facebook, Instagram.
What have been the most influential books, podcasts, or other resources?
None, I think just getting stuck in and testing what you can is the best way to learn.
Advice for other entrepreneurs who want to get started or are just starting out?
Just get started.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Helsinki Athletica
Why is Helsinki Athletica the best?
We put a lot of time and effort into our products and wear test these for months before we even sell the first item. We are our own customers.
Where is Helsinki Athletica located?
Melbourne, Australia.
How long does it take Helsinki Athletica to ship?
Dispatch within 24 hours.
How long does it take Helsinki Athletica to deliver?
We ship for free worldwide with expedited shipping.
Aus. to USA expected time 3-4 business days.
Helsinki Athletica - Customer Reviews
Helsinki Athletica has a rating of 4.9 out of 5.0 based on 188 customer reviews.
❝
Everything that was advertised is true. They are a good fit, comfortable and stylish. Would be happy to purchase more apparel from Helsinki Athletica.
Paul W.
❝
I have tried many brands of shorts to workout in. This was the first time I have ever worn the Kasper 3.5. Without a doubt, the best workout shorts! The material is soft, just enough give for squats, doesn’t rid up, keeps everything in its place, and the perfect length to show off your legs. Almost every time I wear them I get a complement. Ordered 3 more.
James G.
❝
Have been looking for a good quality jogger to wear at work for some time. The HA jogger is premium quality, and a perfect slim cut fit. Purchased two, about to purchase my third when my size becomes available again! Highly recommended and worth the price. Five stars from me.
George A.
❝
High quality product that is stylish and comfortable to wear. I do believe I get a better workout wearing HA! 🙂
Mark H.
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