December 4, 2020 - Trek Bicycle Corporation has expanded its on-line e-commerce system into Canada making it the third country to be part of the program first launched in the USA in fall 2015, and in the UK in spring 2016.
Their “Click and Collect” platform has seen steady growth in both countries and the current pandemic has accelerated the company’s roll-out plans which will see further expansion in other countries throughout 2021 noted Taylor Cook, Trek’s Canadian Marketing Manager. Canada shares warehousing with the US operations so it was a logical next choice.
“Web traffic is at an all-time high and this initiative is intended to provide better access for consumers while assisting our dealers with sales and support during these challenging times,” commented Taylor. “Our on-line pricing matches the MSRP in stores to ensure a seamless collaboration.”
Consumers can order bikes, clothing, parts and accessories on line and participating dealers receive a commission, that is similar to their regular margins, on all orders that are “Click and Collect” at their store, or via referrals. All bicycle sales, which include Trek and Electra models, must involve a retailer but other products can be sold directly to consumers which Taylor says represents a small percentage of the program.
“Ideally consumers interested in accessories, say a helmet, will become bike buyers down the road which is the ultimate goal as it engages the dealer,” commented Taylor.
Home delivery of bikes is also possible if it’s a service that’s available from retailers in the area and the buyer lives within a prescribed radius.
Dealer inventories will not be affected by the new program Taylor confirmed. “On-line sales will be managed by our warehouse inventory and will not affect store volumes,” he shared. “Dealers can access this warehouse inventory as well, like they normally do.”
During the current supply crunch, dealer orders will be delivered first he says, and there a limited number of models will be available on-line until the supply chain catches up. Given the high demand for bikes worldwide, most 2021 models that are arriving from all suppliers to the cycling industry are already sold.
With the pandemic creating increased demand from many new cyclists the Trek concept highlights valuable content and information to assist in learning more about cycling and how the on-line process works. How to buy a bike online, How to get home delivery, How to pre-order a bike.
“We’re really trying to ensure a better experience for both our customers and our dealer network,” says Taylor. “In this new socially-distanced environment we’re taking a proactive approach to our business and I believe we’re the first major brand to activate such a program in Canada.”
Visit Trek’s new Canadian on-line “Click and Collect” platform here.
