Specialized Announces the Launch of Click and Collect Program
What’s up with Specialized’s new Click and Collect program? What’s the point? How does it work? We’ll take a quick, informative look in this article.
About Specialized’s Click and Collect Program
According to a 2018 article from The NPD Group, “The U.S. cycling market is a $5.9 billion industry, with independent bicycle dealers capturing about 52 percent of sales and the rest of the market the remaining piece of the pie.”
A big chunk of this “other” part of the market involves online manufacturers, who typically bypass retail storefronts and sell direct to consumers at ultra-competitive prices. This obviously represents a considerable disruption to the traditional retail model.
In response, back in January 2017, bicycle manufacturer Specialized launched their Integrated Marketplace Strategy, the first part of which was their S-Connect and Find Nearby program. This technology allows online customers to view a retailer’s real-time inventory before heading out to make a purchase.
Aimed at “evolving and adapting the ways we work together with our retailers to serve the rider,” Specialized’s USA Market Leader Jeff McGuane announced on March 15, 2019, the launch of part two of their Integrated Marketplace Strategy—their national Click and Collect program.
Here, “Riders will have the option to purchase both bikes and equipment on Specialized.com as well as select which retailer will receive the order for in-store pickup,” the press release states.
How Specialized Click and Collect Works
Specialized is currently piloting their new Click and Collect ordering system. If you’ve ever placed an online order before, the process should be wholly familiar and uncomplicated.
First, log onto Specialized.com, find the items—whether bikes or accessories—you like, and add them to your cart. When it’s time to check out, instead of choosing “Ship to Home,” select the “Click and Collect” radio button.
From there, you’ll enter a zip code and search for nearby stores. When you find the retailer you prefer, click their corresponding radio button and then press “Next.”
Note: Specialized emphasizes that “Eligible pickup locations are limited but will be expanding in the near future. Shipping is free; please allow 6-8 days for pickup.”
Finally, you’ll enter your pick-up and contact information, along with payment details.
Whether delivered via Click and Collect or home shipping, all Specialized online orders come with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, less return shipping charges.
The Future for Specialized’s Click and Collect Program
In addition to the release of S-Connect and Click and Collect, USA Market Leader Jeff McGuane emphasizes in the press release, “Over the next 12 months, Specialized will continue to invest in new digital solutions to drive increased awareness and create new leads for retail partners.”
“Already,” he says, “additional investments in digital and social networks have helped connect and boost Specialized’s combined reach to over 1.6 million riders across the nation.”
“Ultimately, our desire is to earn the position of brand of choice and for our retailers to think of Specialized as the growth platform for their business.”
What do you think of Specialized’s new Click and Collect system? Tell the world about it by leaving a comment below!
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