DALLAS, TX (BRAIN)—Dealers throughout the Southwest who purchase products from distributor Hans Johnsen say business isn’t all doom and gloom, but they are being cautious when ordering.
“The dealers I’m talking to are being cautious about their inventory, and rightfully so, but it’s not all doom and gloom," said Steve Mattil, vice president and general manager of Hans Johnsen. Hans Johnsen is a major distributor throughout the region and has added a number of new products to its line recently.
The company has picked up Camelbak, Kuat Racks, Lezyne and Powerbar, Matill said. “We’re trying to make sure we can help dealers control their inventory by having the right products for them,” he said.
The company, planning for a cautious season of ordering, has added new products to its line so when dealers order they can deliver products with high brand awareness. “For 80 percent of our dealers we can deliver the next day,” he said.
Overall, Mattil said dealers had a strong year from April through September but many reported a slump in sales beginning in October. For most, 2008 was either slightly up or flat, he added.
Mattil also noted that dealers had to pass on higher prices to consumers as suppliers were forced to pay more for raw materials, ocean freight and shipping. That’s not likely to happen this year, he said.
—Marc Sani
