DLD Trading

What DLD Trading does

DLD Trading AG is a Swiss importer, brand developer, and distributor of premium sport, leisure, and outdoor brands, founded in 1989 and headquartered in Bern, with operational and logistics facilities in Burgdorf. The company serves as the leading Swiss importer for a curated portfolio of 15 international brands including TEVA, Crocs (both flagship), Cotopaxi, HeyDude, Norda Run, Kizik, TOMS, Bamboo Basics, Wise, Fubuki, Mission, Drymax, Muscle MX, Ultraspire, and Owala. DLD operates a dual go-to-market model: a B2B wholesale channel supplying branded footwear, apparel, and accessories to Swiss single-store and chain retailers via a login-protected portal, and a B2C direct-to-consumer channel through brand-specific Swiss storefronts (e.g., teva.ch, crocs.ch, cotopaxi.ch).

The company's product set spans outdoor sports sandals, comfort footwear, casual shoes, trail running shoes, technical apparel, running vests and packs, winter boots, performance textiles, sports socks, hydration systems, drinkware, and CBD products. It does not develop proprietary technology; rather, its differentiation rests on long-tenured brand-builder expertise, exclusive importer relationships, and an omnichannel execution capability that combines traditional retail distribution with e-commerce and social media marketing. Fulfilment is consolidated through a single modern logistics center in Burgdorf, which services B2B and B2C customers throughout Switzerland.

DLD generates revenue primarily through wholesale margins on B2B distribution of branded products to Swiss retailers and retail pricing on direct B2C sales through its e-commerce storefronts. Pricing for B2B partners is not publicly disclosed, while B2C retail pricing is visible on brand-specific sites. The business model is best characterized as a specialty brand-licensing and distribution operator rather than a technology or e-commerce company, with strategically positioned premium international brand principals on one side and Swiss retail and consumer demand on the other.

Name

DLD Trading

Legal name

DLD Trading AG

Website

https://dld.ch

Company type

Private

Founded year

1989

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

DLD Trading AG is a Swiss importer and brand developer founded in 1989, distributing a curated portfolio of 15 premium sport, leisure, and outdoor brands to Swiss retailers and consumers via B2B wholesale and brand-specific B2C e-commerce storefronts.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Sporting Goods Wholesale Distribution

NAICS

Sporting and Recreational Goods and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers (42391), Sporting Goods Retailers (45911)

SIC

Wholesale-Apparel, Piece Goods & Notions (5130)

akta.pro primary industry

Sporting Goods & Outdoor Inventory-led Online Retailers (CRAFADAJ)

akta.pro secondary industry

Sporting Goods, Outdoor & Fitness DTC (CRAFACAJ)

Keywords

• Brand distribution
• Footwear wholesale
• Outdoor brand import
• Premium sport retail
• Swiss wholesale trade

Headquarters

HQ city

Bern

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Branded Product Distribution: DLD Trading AG generates revenue by importing, marketing, and distributing premium branded footwear, apparel, and accessories from international brand partners (TEVA, Crocs, Cotopaxi, HeyDude, Norda Run, Kizik, TOMS, Bamboo Basics, Wise, Fubuki, Mission, and others) to Swiss B2B retailers and B2C consumers. Revenue is derived from wholesale margins on B2B sales to retail partners and retail pricing on direct B2C sales through its e-commerce storefronts.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

DLD Trading AG is a Swiss importer and brand developer that distributes premium sport, leisure, and outdoor brands across Switzerland. The company manages a curated portfolio of footwear, apparel, and accessory brands, supplying them through B2B wholesale to Swiss retailers while also operating its own direct-to-consumer e-commerce channels.

Product overview

DLD Trading AG is a Swiss B2B and B2C e-commerce platform and brand distributor operating since 1989. The company distributes a portfolio of footwear and outdoor brands including TEVA (outdoor sandals), CROCS (comfort footwear), COTOPAXI (outdoor clothing and backpacks), TOMS (casual shoes), HEYDUDE (lightweight casual shoes), NORDA RUN (trail running shoes), KIZIK (hands-free shoes), BAMBOO BASICS (underwear and basics), WISE (running gear), FUBUKI (winter boots), and MISSION (sports textiles). Additional brands include DRYMAX (sports socks), MUSCLE MX (CBD products), ULTRASPIRE (hydration systems), and OWALA (drinkware). The company operates from a logistics center in Burgdorf, serving B2B and B2C customers throughout Switzerland.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• TEVA

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• TEVAflagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTEVA is a flagship brand in DLD Trading AG's portfolio. As the leading Swiss importer, DLD distributes TEVA's outdoor sandals, closed shoes, and flip flops across Swiss retail and e-commerce. TEVA is described as the pioneer of the modern sportsandal, known for its REPREVE recycled polyester straps and quick-dry functionality.
• CROCSflagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCrocs is a flagship brand distributed by DLD Trading AG in Switzerland. DLD handles distribution of Crocs' iconic clogs, sandals, and Jibbitz accessories. Crocs is known for its Croslite material — lightweight, slip-resistant, and antibacterial — and maintains strong global brand recognition.
• CotopaxicoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCotopaxi is a key brand in DLD's portfolio, specializing in colorful outdoor apparel, backpacks, and bags made from recycled materials. The Del Día collection is a standout — each piece is unique, made from remnant materials. Cotopaxi was founded with sustainability at its core.
• HeyDudecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHeyDude is a core brand distributed by DLD in Switzerland. HeyDude reimagines the classic moccasin with ultralight construction, Easy-On lacing systems, and foam insoles. The brand targets the casual lifestyle and travel segment.
• Norda RuncoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNorda Run is a premium trailrunning brand distributed by DLD in Switzerland. Founded by endurance athletes Nick and Willa Martire, the brand produces the world's lightest trailrunning shoe using bio-based Dyneema upper material and Vibram soles. Targets ultra-distance and demanding trail runners.
• KizikcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKizik is distributed by DLD in Switzerland. Kizik develops innovative hands-free shoes with patented technology and a dynamic heel, allowing shoes to be put on without bending or using hands. The brand also features weather-resistant materials and thoughtful construction for stylish comfort.
• TOMScoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTOMS is a core brand in DLD's portfolio. The brand combines comfortable shoe design with social impact — since 2006, the TOMS community has donated nearly 100 million pairs of shoes to those in need. TOMS is B Corp certified and commits 1/3 of profits to giving. DLD distributes TOMS' alpargatas, sneakers, and boots in Switzerland.
• WisecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWise is a technical equipment brand for ultra-distance runners and outdoor athletes distributed by DLD in Switzerland. The brand offers ergonomic running vests, moisture management apparel, and performance gear designed for long-distance and trailrunning adventures.
• Bamboo BasicscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBamboo Basics is a sustainable basics brand distributed by DLD in Switzerland. The brand produces exceptionally soft underwear, socks, and shirts from bamboo fiber — thermoregulating, breathable, moisture-wicking, and hypoallergenic. Positioning emphasizes the transition to fairer and more eco-friendly fashion.
• FubukiminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFubuki is a winter footwear brand distributed by DLD in Switzerland. Founded in Niseko, Japan, by Kalle Norman and Christofer Ljunggren, Fubuki produces lightweight, warm, and fully waterproof EVA boots with fleece and wool blend lining — designed for cold, wet, and snowy conditions.
• MissionminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMission is a sports apparel and accessories brand distributed by DLD in Switzerland. Mission products feature VaporActive technology and EnduraCool cooling fabrics for athletic performance. Product lines include textiles, sport towels, and accessories (headbands, visors) for active consumers.
• OwalaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOwala is a modern drinkware brand distributed by DLD in Switzerland. Owala is best known for its patented FreeSip technology enabling drinking via straw or wide opening, leak-proof lids, BPA-free materials, and insulated stainless steel bottles. The brand targets everyday, sports, travel, and on-the-go consumers.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights3 records

Direct peers

• Transa: Transa is a leading Swiss outdoor and travel retailer with both physical stores and e-commerce. Directly comparable as a Swiss specialty channel selling premium outdoor and travel footwear and apparel brands.
• SportXX: SportXX is the sporting goods retail format of Swiss retailer Migros, operating stores and online across Switzerland. It is a directly comparable channel partner for the same premium and mainstream sport/leisure brands (e.g., TEVA, Crocs) that DLD imports, competing for the same Swiss consumer wallet.
• Ochsner Sport: Ochsner Sport is one of the largest dedicated sport retailers in Switzerland, operating more than 90 stores plus online. It is a comparable Swiss omnichannel buyer of premium sport/leisure brands and a direct B2B customer of DLD-style importers.
• Stöckli Swiss Sports: Stöckli is a long-established Swiss sport and outdoor retailer with ski, bike and outdoor stores. Comparable to DLD as a Swiss specialty channel serving the same sport/leisure customer base with premium brands.

Regional players

• Bründl Sports: Bründl is one of Austria's leading sport and outdoor specialty retailers with flagship stores and online. A regional player with comparable premium sport/outdoor brand mix and customer base, but operating primarily in Austria rather than Switzerland.
• Blue Tomato: Blue Tomato is an Austria-headquartered action sports and streetwear retailer with strong e-commerce across Europe. Regional player with comparable premium/lifestyle footwear brand portfolio (e.g., similar surf, skate and outdoor brands), serving a partly overlapping demographic in DACH.

Broad incumbents

• Intersport: Intersport is a global sporting goods retailer cooperative with a strong European footprint. It is a broad incumbent in the same category, overlapping with many of the sport/leisure brands in DLD's portfolio but operating at much greater scale across many countries.
• Sport 2000: Sport 2000 is a European sporting goods retailer cooperative with a strong presence in German-speaking markets. Broad incumbent comparable to Intersport as a multi-brand channel for many of the sport/leisure brands carried by DLD.
• Decathlon: Decathlon is the world's largest sporting goods retailer, with stores across Europe including Switzerland. A broad incumbent whose private-label and multi-brand assortment overlaps significantly with DLD's premium sport/leisure footwear category.
• Globetrotter: Globetrotter is Germany's leading specialty outdoor retailer, with large flagship stores and a strong e-commerce platform. A broad incumbent serving the same outdoor and adventure consumer with many of the premium brands that DLD distributes in Switzerland.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/dldtrading
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/dld-trading-ag

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about DLD Trading