Some products are easy to buy online. A book, a DVD, even some basic clothing can be bought without a visit to an actual brick and mortar retailer. But some products, such as bicycle accessories, are better when bought at a retail outlet, where size and feel aren’t just important, they’re crucial.
The downside for many retailers is that it is difficult to carry endless models of every product available. But now Trek Bicycle has announced that it will be helping qualified brick and mortar retail shops get the best of both worlds. The manufacturer has launched “Trek Sync” and fulfillment services, where Trek will warehouse and fulfill aftermarket product orders placed on Trek retailers’ websites. To ensure a seamless transition to ecommerce, retailers will have access to Trek’s network of warehousing facilities, professional distribution staff, and logistics expertise while remaining the point of transaction.
“Our success rests on the success of our retailers and we are committed to giving them the tools that they need to compete and adapt to the rapidly changing retail climate,” said Trek President John Burke. “The world shops online and by streamlining the process and removing the burden of fulfillment and inventory, we’ve made it easy for our retailers to reach beyond the walls of their shop and continue to build relationships with their customers.”
Trek Sync and Trek Fulfillment represent the first and only Internet strategy that addresses a supplier’s need for broad online product exposure without compromising the specialty retailer’s role or opportunity. Trek’s retailer-centric approach to ecommerce bridges the gap between independently-owned brick and mortar stores and online retail. This strategy will help retailers develop deeper relationships with their customer base by connecting with them through multiple channels. Trek and Bontrager products and accessories will continue to be available in the world’s best bike shops and will not be sold through online-only retailers. Trek Bikes, frames, forks, and framesets will be available for purchase online but will continue to be shipped to Trek retailers for proper assembly and in-store pick-up only.