NOVATO, CA (BRAIN)—In an article in the September issue outlining new sales policies for Raleigh USA’s Diamondback line, we wrote:
"By allowing several sporting goods dealers to sell online, Diamondback joins brands like Marin, Mongoose and Schwinn." The reference to Marin is incorrect, said Steve Glazer, Marin’s vice president of sales.
“Marin Bikes does not allow the sale of current season bicycles or frames online. We strongly believe in the integrity of our retail partners and our current dealer agreement prohibits the sale of current season bicycles online or through the catalog channel,” Glazer said. Like other brands, Marin does allow older model-year products to be distributed online.
“Our objective is provide Marin retailers with the greatest opportunity to achieve the highest margin on the bicycles that they have chosen to stock,” he said. “We encourage retailers to contact us immediately if they become aware of selling practices contrary to our dealer agreement,” Glazer added.
Many online retailers and some IBDs promote and sell bicycles online, but require consumers to come to the store to pick them up. However, there are a growing number of Web sites selling bicycles direct to consumers online.
