GT Bicycles is transitioning to an IBD-only distribution strategy, beginning with its 2006 model year products. Earlier in 2005, Pacific Cycle and Performance Bicycle stores announced a partnership, enabling GT to bring a more concentrated emphasis to the IBD channel. Schwinn, GTs sister company also under Pacific Cycles ownership, is also placing more of an emphasis on the IBD channel with the hiring of a new IBD specific product designer. Schwinn and Mongoose have seen strong sales in all three channels IBD, Sporting Goods, and Mass and Pacific will continue with that distribution strategy with those brands.
Other brands have also been focusing on allowing dealers to remain “independent,” apparently due to widespread complaints about heavy-handed tactics coming from some of the larger vendors. At Interbike, Felt ran an ad asking, “Whose business is it anyway,” and pushing service features like low buy in programs and their ability to listen to dealers, while other more established vendors are touting their brand-specific franchise program.
