LEVIS, Quebec (BRAIN)—Lambert has terminated its distribution agreement with Race Face.
Race Face recently informed Lambert of its plans to sell its apparel, armor and components to Mountain Equipment CO-OP (MEC), Canada's leading supplier of outdoor clothing and equipment. Lambert was very disappointed with the decision Race Face has made in this matter. Due to Race Face’s realignment with MEC, Lambert decided to cease its business relationship with the company.
Race Face president Craig Pollack sent out a letter this week to its Canadian dealers explaining the decision.
"Firstly, by selling products to MEC this does not mean we are decreasing our commitment to you, the Canadian IBD," Pollack stated in the letter. "In fact, the truth is quite the opposite. We are a Canadian based company that has been in partnership with Canadian IBDs for 17 years. This will not change. In very frank terms, we decided to add MEC as a customer because the distribution landscape in Canada is changing concerning the selling of bicycles and bicycling related products. MEC has recently made an increased commitment to their cycling business and we believe that they represent one additional sales channel for us to ultimately sell our products to the Canadian cycling consumer. It is really that simple. For us to continue to evolve, and even exist, as a business, like you, we have to change with the times. That is all we are trying to do by selling to MEC—nothing more, nothing less."
Pollack added, "We understand for some Canadian IBDs that our selling to MEC is an emotionally charged issue. Our hope, and goal, is that by providing a commitment to the IBD in the Canadian market place, we have addressed the majority of your concerns."
Lambert representatives will contact their Race Face IBD clients over the course of the next few days to confirm whether or not they wish to maintain their Race Face Spring/Summer 2010 apparel Booking orders. If IBD clients wish to maintain their orders, Lambert will ship them as promised. If IBD clients no longer want to carry Race Face apparel, Lambert will cancel their orders.
All 2010 Booking orders received so far, including Hot Sheets, Show Special and Spring Booking orders, will be delivered as requested upon product availability. As of Monday, October 26, IBD clients will no longer be able to place a Booking order of any Race Face products through Lambert. Lambert will accept Season orders until its inventory depletes completely. Finally, please note that Lambert will honor warranties until November 26, 2009.
—Jason Norman
