BLOOMINGTON, MN (BRAIN)—Quality Bicycle Products and Assos of Switzerland have signed a dual distribution agreement.
Under the terms of the multi-year agreement, QBP will distribute a small selection of the Assos collection, the Starter Program, which includes a varied collection of Assos cycling shorts, tights, jerseys, jackets, socks and other clothing accessories.
"QBP has a great reputation for customer service among U.S. dealers," said Peter Hammerschmidt, sales and marketing director of Assos of Switzerland. "Partnering with them made sense in helping us continue our brand growth in the United States."
The joint effort will make this selection of Assos products more readily available to the majority of U.S. bicycle retailers and give them the chance to experience the Assos brand. The recently formed Assos subsidiary, Assos USA, will focus on distribution to key, high-end retail stores offering them the entire Assos collection.
"We're making it easier for dealers to get Assos into their stores," said QBP soft goods manager Nick Essma. "Retailers will be able to experiment with the Assos line by ordering a few items from QBP. If it works, they can get a broader selection directly from Assos."
QBP will carry a limited number of Assos products; not all models, sizes and colors will be offered. Assos will maintain a separate U.S. sales and branding office to take orders from retailers for their complete clothing line.
