Bauer Nike Hockey announced a restructuring of its U.S.-based sales and service network to further enhance its ability to serve major American markets and maximize retailer profitability.

The realignment initiatives, which take place October 1, 2003, include increasing the number of dedicated Bauer Nike Hockey sales representatives, expanding the highly successful “Catalyst” program, and adding cutting-edge technology to the Bauer Nike Hockey-retailer relationship.

“Bauer Nike Hockey is committed to having the best sales and service organization in the hockey industry,” says Tom Maher, US Regional Business Director, Bauer Nike Hockey. “To reach this objective, we have implemented a series of initiatives that we believe will clearly differentiate Bauer Nike Hockey and significantly enhance dealer service.”

Bauer Nike Hockey initiatives include:

Management Structure:

Bauer Nike Hockey is also pleased to announce three key management assignments. (See related story)

Fully Dedicated Sales Representatives:
Service and selling responsibilities will become fully dedicated in the key Minnesota, Michigan, New York and Mid Atlantic markets. Sales representatives in these territories will be Bauer Nike Hockey employees and 100 per cent focused on the needs of Bauer Nike Hockey's Specialty retail partners. (See related story)

B-to B Solutions

Two new software applications will enhance the ease in which retail partners interact with Bauer Nike Hockey. A new order-processing module by PlumRiver Technology allows Bauer Nike Hockey sales representatives to create and track orders via the Internet.

The second application will be an Internet-based reporting tool. PivotLink will provide Bauer Nike Hockey sales representatives in the field immediate access to information regarding inventory, open orders, and sales history, increasing their response to retailer needs. Both tools will be rolled out during the upcoming Ice Hockey booking season, with complete deployment by April 2004.

Expanded Catalyst Program:

The Bauer Nike Hockey Catalyst program was rolled out 18 months ago in the Minnesota, New England, New York and Mid Atlantic territories, with the goal of supporting retailers by driving demand through grass roots events, increasing product knowledge at the store level, and implementing merchandising programs that increase sales for our retail partners.

Based on enormously positive feedback from participating retailers, Bauer Nike Hockey is expanding the initiative into the Michigan territory immediately with additional expansion planned over the next 12 months. As well, Catalysts will increase service to retailers by now accepting orders during their ongoing account visits.

Dealer Advisory Panel:

Bauer Nike Hockey is establishing a Dealer Advisory Panel to keep the lines of communication open and continue to develop innovative ways of partnering with retailers. Spearheaded by Bob Colburn, sales consultant to Bauer Nike Hockey, initial meetings will begin this month.

The Panel will include specialty retail partners from a cross-section of territories, rotating periodically to ensure that Bauer Nike Hockey's direction is shaped from a broad spectrum of perspectives.