Expanding its unique customer service initiative targeted at the growth of its independent bike dealer channel, Yakima announced its partnership with Hans Johnsen Company of Dallas.


This is the second partnership with a U.S. distributor designed to nurture the independent retailer channel, the first being with Quality Bicycle Products of Minnesota announced in January.

 

This partnership enables Yakima’s specialty retail accounts in Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas to have immediate access to Yakima products in order to serve their customers efficiently. Hans Johnsen will carry a large assortment of Yakima products available beginning Sept. 15, 2008.

“Hans Johnsen is an established bike component distributor that will foster and grow our independent retailer business region,” said Ross Gilsrud, central region sales director for Yakima. “This relationship not only enables our dealers to better manage their inventory, but also establishes a new level of customer service.”


“This partnership rounds out our role as a full service bicycle parts distributor for the network of independent bike shops that we service as we continue to expand our product offerings to assist in their growth and profitability,” said Steve Mattill, VP of sales for Hans Johnsen. “In addition, this relationship provides Yakima’s retailers the ability to quickly order limited SKUs, while maintaining a strong brand presence in their stores.”