BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — There are a lot of potential friction points when selling a bike online, not the least of which is a segment of independent retailers that are none too happy about the strategy. Eighteen months (or so) ago, when Canyon Bicycles broke into the direct-to-consumer online market in the U.S., the bike industry was on edge. How would it go? Was it the end of the independent specialty dealer?
Here we are, a year and a half later. Canyon, the disruptor, is doing great, the company says ... and the bike industry is adapting and learning. The lessons are not only paving the way for the bike industry to uplevel its consumer-focus, they're also strengthening Canyon's brand and community.
In the latest episode of the Channel Mastery podcast series, presented by BRAIN and Verde Brand Marketing, Verde's Kristin Carpenter speaks with Blair Clark, president of Canyon Bicycles USA. They talk about the challenges of online bike sales, and importantly, the solutions to those friction points. They discuss the importance of doing what you can, when you can for your consumers, then working endlessly to protect and nurture the loyalty that develops.
Clark has held executive roles at Smith, GU Energy Labs, Specialized, Giro/Bell, and Scott. He is an avid cyclist.
More information: Canyon Bikes | Blair on LinkedIn | Kristin on LinkedIn | Kristin on Twitter
Have questions or ideas for Kristin and the Channel Mastery podcast? Email: podcast@channelmastery.com
Mentioned in the episode: bikerepair.com | Velofix.
