In an effort to capitalize on growing on-line sales while fully supporting the entire ski and ski apparel dealer base, Descente North America will host companies throughout the ski industry for the second round of e-commerce meetings on the Snowgalleria.com. The purpose of the meetings will be to identify ways to increase opportunities and sales to specialty retailers through the e-commerce Shopatron model.

In August, 2005 Descente hosted the first round of meetings where industry members agreed to form an alliance called Snowgalleria.com to create the first internet-based coalition where online sales are offered to all retailers for them to fulfill and earn more customers. Snowgalleria.com members, whose momentum has created a buzz within the snow sports industry and at SIA this year, have committed to changing the current online paradigm that supports only a few manufacturers and retailers. The members are striving to create a model where all manufactures can ensure that all their dealers can participate in the growing online market. Aggressively promoting sales through specialty retail that in turn promotes growth within the snow sports industry is the goal.

“Neither specialty retail nor ski manufacturers have ever been offered anything like this before,” says Descente’s Chief Operating Officer, Bob Geiger. “We are creating an opportunity for all retailers to participate in the growing online sales market.”

The Snowgalleria.com and its members will meet to discuss their plans for launching their future web site, www.snowgalleria.com set to launch sometime in August.