Garmin leads Tech Data to wearables

Distribution giant signs deal to help vendor spread fitness and healthy living message in the channel through its sports tracking devices

Tech Data UK has been appointed as B2B distributor for Garmin’s full range of wearable products.

The pair are looking to build opportunities with companies that are hoping to encourage healthy lifestyles and behaviours among staff.

Included in the partnership is the vivofit 2 activity tracker that shows steps, calories, distance and time of day, the vivosmart that does the above with a ‘touch and swipe’ display, and the vivoactive GPS smartwatch that comes with built in apps for running, biking, golfing, swimming and activity tracking.

Jason Clegg, consumer business development manager at Tech Data, claimed the partnership signalled a good opportunity for the channel.

“Garmin is a really well-known and respected name among consumers and offers an exciting range of activity tracker products that addresses the growth in the corporate wellness sector. We see this as a big opportunity and one that has the potential to grow very quickly indeed,” he said.

“Improving employee health and wellness is a common goal for employers, but addressing the needs of individuals at varying levels of fitness can be a challenge. Garmin offers the perfect solution to this problem, providing a range of devices to suit different requirements. These trusted devices can be seamlessly integrated into a corporate wellness programme, providing motivation and recognition for the efforts of employees.”

Anton Beavis, national account manager at Garmin Europe, added: “We are delighted to be partnering with [Tech Data] in the UK and Ireland. We have solid plans for the future, with continued commitment to produce innovative products for our customers. We see clear synergy between our organisations and together we look forward to supporting this growing market.’’