POC Doubles Down in Road Cycling with New Rep Force, MAP Policy Enforcement
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Swedish-based ski and cycling brand hires 13 new sales representatives, enlists Channel IQ to enforce online MAP pricing
ASPEN, Colo. (Aug. 4, 2014) – Already a sponsor of the Garmin-Sharp pro cycling team and boasting a collection of award-winning bike products in its lineup, POC, a leading manufacturer of skiing and cycling helmets, apparel and accessories, has employed online retail intelligence firm Channel IQ to enforce MAP pricing of its products. The Swedish-based brand also announces the hiring of 13 outside sales representatives to better align its sales force with the road, mountain and commuter cycling markets.
“POC is a leader in helmet safety and design, and we strive to be a leader in support of the IBD,” states POC U.S. bike sales manager Josh Fonner. “The success of our softgoods line has resulted in a growing number of SKU’s and we recognize the need to support independent dealers investing in our brand. To this end, we are happy to announce our partnership with Channel IQ to help police and enforce our Internet MAP policy. With their help, we look to ensure the value of our retailers’ merchandise to help move POC’s and our retailers’ brands forward.”
Channel IQ provides real-time, online promotion and pricing information, empowering customers to profitably handle channel issues and competitive situations. Clients include Salomon North America and Radio Systems Corporation.
In addition to its Channel IQ deal, POC confirms it has come to agreement with 13 sales reps who will represent the brand’s growing cycling business across the road, mountain and commuter markets. Building on a successful presence in the mountain bike segment, POC launched its AVIP (Attention, Visibility, Interaction, Protection) line of road cycling helmets, apparel and accessories in 2014.
“We have partnered with a collection of experienced, respected sales reps with deep roots in the bike market,” states Fonner. “Our Snow sales force will continue to work with its network of independent retailers across the U.S., and our new partners in cycling will be advocates for our growing line of helmets, apparel and accessories designed with safety and forward-looking aesthetics as top priorities.”
Fonner hopes to contract additional independent sales representatives in the following states: Wisconsin, Minnesota, Indiana, Illinois, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, and northern California.
New POC U.S. Independent Sales Representatives
Wade Wittman (Wittman Sports Group): N.C., S.C., Ga., Tenn., Ala.
Dick Brink and Casey Buckleitner: Ohio, Mich.
Bob Hegeny (H&H Sales): Metro N.Y., northern N.J., Long Island/Westchester, N.Y.
Matt Hagen (H&H Sales): SE Pa., southern N.J., northern Del.
Michael Kowalski (H&H Sales): Md., Va., D.C., southern Del.
Keith Murphy (H&H Sales): western Pa., Upstate N.Y.
Dennis Lee (Dennis Lee & Co.): Fla. key accounts
David McGinty (Dennis Lee & Co.): southern Fla.
David Reilly (Dennis Lee & Co.): northern Fla.
Greg Talbert (Talbert & Co., Inc.): Ore., southwestern Idaho
Rich Sobieski (Talbert & Co., Inc.): Wash., Mont., Idaho panhandle
Doug Looney (Velo ADV Sales): Tex., Okla., Ark., La.
Chris Nelson (Adrenaline Sport Group): southern Calif.
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About POC: POC is a Swedish company with a strong mission to do the best we can to possibly save lives and to reduce the consequences of accidents for gravity sport athletes and cyclists. More information at www.pocsports.com
About Channel IQ: Channel IQ is the leading provider of online retail intelligence solutions to manufacturers and retailers. Channel IQ provides real-time, online promotion and pricing information, empowering major manufacturers and retailers to quickly and profitably handle channel issues and competitive situations. Only Channel IQ combines integrated reporting, interactive applications, and managed services to enable manufacturers and retailers to automatically act on real-time data. Channel IQ solutions are the result of cutting edge technology combined with decades of industry experience in channel management, distribution, online retail and manufacturing. For more information, visit www.channeliq.com.
