MORGAN HILL, Calif. (BRAIN) — Specialized is the latest major bike brand to launch a click-and-collect program, which will allow consumers to order bikes and other products from the company's website and have the order fulfilled at a local Specialized dealer.
"Today, with over 50 percent of the purchase journeys initiated online, we have to evolve and adapt the ways we work together with our retailers to serve the rider," said Jeff McGuane, Specialized's USA market leader in a press statement Friday. "Over the past three years, we have invested significantly into technologies that enable our marketing to drive more riders into our retailer's doors."
In January 2017, Specialized launched its S-connect & Find Nearby programs, which allowed consumers to see whether local dealers had their desired product in stock. The company said the program has had more than 2 million users.
"Our rider-facing marketing is the strongest it has ever been, and the ability to offer the rider the convenient option to 'buy now, pick up in-store' alongside 'find nearby' will deliver more convenience to the rider resulting in a seamless experience," said Charles Bisaillon, Specialized's global sales operations leader.
The company said that over the next 12 months, it "will continue to invest in new digital solutions to drive increased awareness and create new leads for retail partners."
"Ultimately, our desire is to earn the position of brand of choice and for our retailers to think of Specialized as the growth platform for their business," said McGuane.
