building on a history,
planning for the future.

 


In 1976 Cape Byron Imports began providing watersport equipment to retailers on the north coast of New South Wales. Working from the back of ‘The Byron Bay Dive Shop’ this initially small business supplied an ever-increasing market of watersport enthusiasts.

From relatively humble beginnings Cape Byron Imports & Wholesale Pty Ltd went from strength to strength and was incorporated in February of 1981. CBI has been the sole Australian distributor of Mares, the world’s number one manufacturer of dive equipment, since 1983.

CBI continues to explore potential new product lines and has already progressed from the dive market to swim and surf products.

CBI is currently the agent for a wide range of sports equipment products and accessories. Well known as a distributor of  the internationally-recognised Mares brand of dive equipment, CBI also offer the popular Mirage and Hydra range of watersport accessories, Ikelite Underwater lighting and photographic products, and Mirage swim accessories. Other popular products include the Kiddisafe swim range and Sporasub superior spearfishing equipment. This makes CBI one of the strongest dive and watersport wholesalers in the country, and it continues to grow.

There are currently 35 staff including a dedicated customer service team and seven sales representatives who are located around the nation to service an area that encompasses Australia, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, New Guinea and Fiji. CBI’s customers (who currently number in excess of
2,500) include dive centres, swim centres, sports stores, resorts, surf shops, fishing shops, disposal stores and outdoor adventure stores.

CBI has recently reviewed its market position and distribution base, and now feels that it can offer a unique opportunity to serve further sports market segments by linking with leading manufacturers. Relocation to new premises in August 2002 increased the total storage space available to CBI to 5,000 square metres. This, combined with an established distribution system and industry-acknowledged best practice in customer service, positions CBI as the prime choice in sports distribution.

CBI utilises the latest computer technology to drive its operations, and specialist departments provide support in a number of areas including design, artwork and desktop publishing. CBI also has a specialised marketing and sales department that provides management training for customers, both internal and external. Training is carried out on a regular basis to ensure customers have the necessary knowledge to maximise sales of CBI products, and to provide quality service and backup. As a whole CBI strives to be positive, innovative and a creative leader in the marketplace.

The future for CBI is bright. CBI prides itself on supplying the highest quality sports equipment in Australia, and it continually strives to excel in customer service. Large, modern facilities mean that CBI has the tools necessary to ensure that customers are given fast and efficient service. CBI’s ultimate goal is to remain the number one choice for sport and associated equipment in the 21st century.

CBI understands that a customer’s perception of the service that is provided is of paramount importance. CBI continually seeks feedback from customers to ensure that it remains the most progressive, forward- thinking and service-oriented company in the industry. Everyone at CBI takes enormous pride in achieving a reputation that is the envy of its competitors.