ST. LAURENT, Quebec (BRAIN) — Raymond Lanctôt Ltd., a sporting goods distributor, has launched a new bike division that will focus on the Canadian distribution of brands including Benno Bikes, Melon Helmets and Suomy Helmets.
Company president Diane Lanctôt said, "The recent addition of Jean Cloutier to the management team provides us with 20 years of bike industry knowledge and contacts. Jean is also a past president of the Bicycle Trade Association of Canada and the former VP of operations of one of the largest distributors in the industry. This will permit us to hit the ground running."
Lanctôt has already recruited several experienced bike industry sales reps covering Canada.
Cloutier said, "Our strategy is made up of three main components: Putting together a meaningful brand portfolio, represented by an experienced sales force which is supported by best in class operations."
Lanctôt distributes sporting goods, apparel and eyewear, including the winter sports brands Fischer, Swix, Toko, Colmar, Eider, Luhta. The winter sports business gives Lanctôt relationships with almost every winter sports shop in the country, Cloutier noted. Most of those shops also bikes. "We believe that the cross-over in multi-sports and multi-channels that Lanctôt operates in offers a unique proposition," he said.
While the official launch will take place with the 2017 season, Lanctôt Bike Division will have some products available during the 2016 season. "Order forms for dealers are ready," said Cloutier.
