There is someone in any given foursome that comes out of the locker room wearing a J.Lindeberg.
Could be the shirt emblazoned with the ubiquitous “JL” at the back. Or the belt. Heck, could well be the tour bag — the Hermes of golf bags.
At any rate, wearing one inspires admiration. Especially if the golfer carries it well. If you can’t perform, “japorms,” right?
Yet in all seriousness, if golf is a sport of status, J.Lindeberg is the clothing brand that affirms it. After all, top golf personalities wear them including the members of the Philippine team.
Tribune Golf got the chance to talk to Kitten Pajarillo, general manager of the JDBL Delta Links Corp., which distributes the brand here in the country.
She discussed in detail JL’s arrival here more than 10 years ago and its subsequent foray into the subconscious of the brand-minded Filipino golfers.
TG: What made you bring J.Lindeberg here? And when?
KP: The first J.Lindeberg boutique made its debut at SM Aura Premier in May 2013. Previously, J.Lindeberg products were available locally through pro shops until a group of lifelong friends and golf enthusiasts formed JDBL Delta Links Corp. and decided to invest in the brand and establish an independent concept store. The decision to relaunch J.Lindeberg as a stand-alone brand was driven by the increasing demand for premium golf apparel that seamlessly merges style and performance. With the Philippines boasting a vibrant golfing community that appreciates high-quality, fashionable attire both on and off the course, J.Lindeberg felt like a natural fit. Leveraging the brand’s reputation for sophisticated design and innovative technology, we were thrilled to seize the opportunity to serve this discerning market. The brand officially launched in the Philippines at a time when we saw an opportunity to meet the evolving needs of golfers and fashion enthusiasts.
TG: Do you have other golf brands aside from J.Lindeberg?
KP: Following the success of J.Lindeberg, JDBL Delta Links Corp. revitalized the multi-brand store Transview. Serving as the Philippine arm of an expansive retail chain network with a presence in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam, Transview has become a prominent destination for golf enthusiasts. Presently, JDBL boasts a diverse portfolio of brands, including Callaway, Odyssey, TravisMathew, RLX Golf, Black Clover, Miura Golf, Ecco Golf and Performance Gear.
TG: What makes J.Lindeberg different from other popular golf apparel like Nike and Jack Nicklaus?
KP: J.Lindeberg is known as a premium brand that seamlessly merges fashion with function, excelling not only in sports but also in various lifestyle pursuits. In contrast to competitors like Nike and Jack Nicklaus, which primarily focus on mainstream athletic wear, J.Lindeberg has expanded its reach to cater to individuals seeking stylish yet functional clothing for both leisure and sports activities.
With a focus on clean lines and meticulous attention to detail, J.Lindeberg offers golfers a chic alternative that seamlessly combines style and performance on the course. Beyond the greens, J.Lindeberg’s contemporary aesthetics and superior craftsmanship resonate with individuals seeking versatile clothing for various occasions, reinforcing its position as a lifestyle brand embraced by discerning consumers.
Moreover, J.Lindeberg’s commitment to innovation ensures its ongoing relevance in the industry, delivering contemporary apparel that transcends the confines of traditional sportswear, appealing to a diverse audience.
TG: Does J.Lindeberg have plans of branching out to golf equipment in the future?
KP: While the main emphasis stays on clothing and accessories, J.Lindeberg consistently seeks avenues for growth. Presently, J.Lindeberg’s product range encompasses golf bags, gloves, and other soft good items. Additionally, the newly introduced tennis line features racket bags, wristbands, and complementary products.
TG: Do you have a celebrity endorser or do you rely on word-of-mouth?
KP: While we do not currently have an exclusive celebrity endorser, we employ a strategic mix of marketing initiatives to elevate brand visibility and appeal. This includes collaborations with key influencers in the golfing community such as top golfer Miguel Tabuena and upcoming amateur player Tomi Arejola. Additionally, we have been actively supporting the National Golfers Association of the Philippines and serve as the official apparel partner of the Philippine Golf Team delegates. Apart from this, we actively sponsor events and leverage positive word-of-mouth from satisfied customers to strengthen our brand presence in the market.
TG: How many stores do you have in the Philippines?
KP: We currently operate four J.Lindeberg concept stores strategically located across key cities in Metro Manila. This ensures accessibility for our customers and allows us to provide personalized shopping experiences that align with the luxury positioning of the brand. Aside from these, J.Lindeberg is also available in our multi-brand store, Transview Philippines, and select partner pro shops.
TG: Do you manufacture the apparel here or are they entirely imported?
KP: Our apparel is imported. J.Lindeberg is a Swedish brand with partner manufacturers located in various countries.
TG: J.Lindeberg has the reputation of being high-end, is that by design?
KP: J.Lindeberg’s reputation for being high-end is a deliberate aspect of our brand positioning. We take pride in offering premium products that reflect exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. This reputation reinforces our commitment to catering to the sophisticated tastes of our discerning clientele.
TG: How are you involved with the local golfing community?
KP: We actively engage through sponsorships, partnerships, events, and collaborations with influencers and professionals.
As mentioned, we have been supporting the projects of the NGAP and serve as the official apparel partner for the recent events of the Philippine Golf Team delegates.
By fostering a vibrant golfing culture, we not only promote the J.Lindeberg brand but also contribute to the growth and development of the sport in the Philippines.
TG: Who exactly is J.Lindeberg’s target market?
KP: J.Lindeberg’s target market in the Philippines encompasses individuals who prioritize premium quality, sophisticated design, and innovative technology in their apparel choices, extending beyond just golfers. Initially focused on middle-aged executives, businesspersons, and politicians, the brand has evolved its target demographic to include men and women of diverse ages and backgrounds. From junior golfers to retired enthusiasts, J.Lindeberg caters to those who appreciate the fusion of functionality with contemporary aesthetics, offering stylish attire suitable for various occasions beyond the golf course.
