1976 - THE "WANDERPAPST" MARCHES ON

From outsider to market leader - it would appear that this form of mountaineering is one of Hubert Schöffel's favourite pastimes. "Turning a vision into reality with hard work and a little luck," is how he described his strategy, which was spot on more than once. Schöffel succeeded in supplying the right product at the right time. He placed great importance on innovation. Stretch knee breeches and stretch cord breeches now blazed the trail in the sector. Within two years "the nobody" from Schwabmünchen progressed to become market leader.
By now over 100 people were employed at Schöffel, and a similar number were later also employed in subcontracted companies. Success was not slow in following. In 1974 Schöffel ventured, although not without hesitation, into a new area: anoraks. One year later he was Number 1 here, too. And Schöffel continued to be a pioneer, developing new products that are taken for granted today. Winter anoraks were given quilted, padded linings for the first time, whilst mountain anoraks with special shoulder reinforcements, a new kind of hood and detachable inner jackets made Schöffel the undisputed market leader.

A substantial buyer coined the term "Wanderpapst". And the idea of fixing ski pants over the outside of the boots first saw the light of day in Schwabmünchen in the form of "Jethose".