Inching Ahead: Key Takeaways from Q1-Q2

INCHING FORWARD | KODIAK, LEATHERMAN AND LEDLENSER: LESSONS FROM Q1-Q2 2025 

Looking ahead at the remaining summer months and 
into Easter and autumn, we expect demand for practical, performance-led products to increase. Three brands stand out: Kodiak, Leatherman and Ledlenser. 

Retailers who align with these brands are expected to
see strong sell-through and higher engagement, with Kodiak in particular benefiting from Zen's significant investment into media and PR.

KODIAK: PREMIUM DRINKWARE AND COOLERS DELIVER MOMENTUM 

Kodiak built strong brand momentum through Q1-Q2 2025, with interest rising steadily from July to December. Media coverage and PR campaigns helped cement Kodiak as a must-stock brand, not just a summer seasonal range. 

Insulated drinkware is expected to perform strongly through the autumn-winter period, driven by commuting, work sites, camping and regional travel. Coolers will remain relevant for fishing, camping and extended trips, serving as durable storage solutions rather than seasonal ice boxes. 

Kodiak's premium range, featuring vacuum insulation, stainless steel construction and outdoor-ready lids, resonates with consumers looking for practical, high-quality gear. 

Retail opportunity: Kodiak offers a low-seasonality entry point that supporters higher AOV, repeat purchase and strong merchandising potential. Retailers who stock now can continue this momentum. 

LEATHERMAN: WAVE ALPHA DRIVES CONSISTENT DEMAND

Leatherman maintained steady demand year round throughout 2025 and is expected to continue through 2026. Use cases include maintenance, outdoor readiness, trades and travel, making multi-tools a reliable performer year round. 

The Wave Alpha, released in 2025, is a breakout performer with strong sell through. It leveraged the established Wave platform, creating an upgrade path for exisiting customers while attracting new buyers. 

Retail opportunity: The Wave Alpha is a new flagship product, reinforces Leatherman's premium positioning and is supported by strong sell-through. 

LEDLENSER: P-SERIES CONTINUES STRONG GROWTH

Lighting demand increases as daylight savings arrive and days shorten. Now is the time to stock up. We recommend Ledlenser's new P-Series which launched in late 2025 and is seeing strong demand. 

As noted, the P-Series emerged as a breakout product, valued for performance, beam control, weather resistance and rechargeable convenience. 

Retail opportunity: Retailers can leverage the P-Series' extended runtime, higher lumen output and real-world benefits to drive strong conversion. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM Q1-Q2 2025/26

• Kodiak grew consistently, supported by strong PR and media coverage 
• Leatherman and Ledlenser showed low seasonality, delivering reliable & consistent sell-through 
• Wave Alpha and new Ledlenser P-Series emerged as breakout products with strong interest & sell-through 

RETAILER ACTION PLAN FOR Q3-Q4 2025/26 

• Stock Kodiak to leverage media momentum into increased Easter demand 
• Feature Wave Alpha alongside core Leatherman multi-tools for full range depth 
• Refresh lighting ranges with the Ledlenser P-Series before shorter days 
• Stock these brands now to capture Easter and shoulder-season demand and begin 2026 strong. 

ZenMag Volume 34, Q1 2026, Page 12-13