Quiksilver Launches E-Commerce Web Site
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When Transworld Business broke the story that Roxy was launching a direct-to-consumer e-commerce site back in December ’07 with an exclusive interview with Quiksilver Americas President Marty Samuels, the issue of manufacturers selling product direct to the consumer online became a hot topic on our site’s message boards. TWBIZ asked Samuels when Quiksilver’s site would go live, and he said it wouldn’t happen until the marketing, product, retail, and affiliate components were totally dialed in.
Well, the wait is over. This morning Quiksilver launched the new site (see preview below).
According to Quiksilver VP of Sales Dave Rosenberger, the site has several features that will benefit the brand’s retail partners.
Two of said features are the “Find A Dealer” function (pictured below/ left), which allows users to type in their zip codes and find all the authorized Quik dealers in a 50 mile radius, and the “Online Dealer” function, which sends site visitors to approved online affiliates. These features appear as clickable links in the header of each page on the site.
The site’s “Shop” segment also gives the user a choice with a feature Rosenberger calls “Product To Invoice.” Once the user has selected a specific product and added it to their cart, they are then prompted to chose whether to buy direct from Quiksilver.com or do a dealer search by zip code and see which dealers in the area carry that particular product. “This revolutionary feature clearly demonstrates Quiksilver’s commitment to brick and mortar,” say Rosenberger.
Transworld Business wants to know what you think. Chime in with the comments feature below, or get on our message boards and let your opinion be heard.
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Oh boy…here we go. Those “features” might help lubricate this whole thing, butt it’s gonna take a month of Sundays for retailer’s rings to stop stinging from this one!
Get over yourself Get On Deez. Of course Quik is doing this. everyone else will follow suit too. Just like with everything else in the industry, the big guy always catches it on the chin cause shit rolls uphill, and it’s not easy to be on top. Tell me how many other 2-billion dollar companies would take the time to send top executives out to meet with its retail partners and explain things.
….”we feel this will be a positive for both us and the retailers” how long will the retailers such into the comedy political jargon from quik.
you gotta be kidding me.
the people thisis for is quiksilver, and only quiksilver.
they know it,
and so do we.
(quiksilver to retailer) thanks for all the years of support…boy you saved us through the “surf is dead” period….we couldn’t have done it without you……. and this is our way of saying,
….THANKS
Goodluck Quiksilver in your new e-commerce opportunity.
….”and remember, this is going to be good for all of us.”
Totally agree Robinson!
Right on!
It’s not like anyone wants Quiksilver product anyway,
unless you live in the midwest and are over 40 years old.
Who cares, its just another sign of how close Quiksilver is to being the next Gotcha.
Marty Samuels: It’s a huge channel and it’s one that is growing every year. It’s something we’ve got to participate in. We’re like Neanderthals if we don’t. We’re going to do it in a way, as we’ve always tried, that works for us and our retail community too.
We believe that this will help us, and our customers too. It’s not just about us. We think that all this is going to do is increase demand for the brand, and as we learn more about how to operate in that online, direct-to-consumer world we’re going to find ways to include our wholesale customers in the benefits. We’re looking for ways to take what we’re going to learn, and rather than horde it, use it in ways that will enhance all of our businesses.
I think that our industry isn’t that good at matching supply and demand— the whole supply chain, logistics part of it. Making sure that the stores, and not just our own stores, I mean Surfside, Becker, or whoever have the size, color, and style that people want at the time they’re in there.
…..(cough, cough….) BULLSHIT!
Come on everybody- get in the pool!!! Now that Quik has taken this step, everyone else will probably follow suit. It happened when Quik opened the Boardriders Clubs, most held back for a while, to save face, but eventually, got right in on the retail action, Rip Curl, Hurley, Billabong, Volcom, etc. and the saga continues. I feel a showroom, maybe in your own town is acceptable- a way to showcase full line offerings, and to spell out the Brands seasonal intentions, in the avenue the mfg. wants it seen, I can accept that, as it also can influence the local retailers to work on presenting the Brands better in their store. I just cant undersand the need to open up and compete with the local shops, that built these brands in their areas. Now, that existing retailers have made the investments and commitments to carrying seperate stock to accomodate the needs for their web sites, leave it to Quik to come in and take a piece of that pie too.
The problem with this, there is no end to the Mfg. vs. Retailer war in site- especially when we’re talking about Public companies (Quik, Volcom, etc.) they have to grow, to keep the shareholders happy, and the stock prices up. This will inevitably lead to the downfall of our beloved industry, these companies have already tasted blood. We are experiencing the mainstream phenonom, these companies are assuming will not end. Surfing & skating have had their periods of popularity, off and on for the last 30 years, that I have seen with my own eyes, now that these are considered “mainstream lifestyle trends” the only place to go is everywhere(dont forget, they are already in the major dept. stores, Nordy’s ,Macys, etc.). Target, Wal-mart, K-mart (worst of the worst), they’ve all gravitated to our fashion sense, so what else can these Public companies do– go direct to maintain their share of the market, as many retailers are struggling in these tougher economic times, Quik just set a precedent, its ok to F*#% those who made you what you are today. And for double or triple the margins, to boot. Damn, its getting hot out here, come on jump in, the waters fine. Watch out for the sharks, they’ll get you.
Support the companies, that support the sports and more importantly the economy- not the ones who are taking everything for themselves. Keep it Real!!!
Am I the only one here who sees it?
I own a surf shop, one that’s been around for almost 30 years. I built brands like Quiksilver from the beginning. They are opening stores and selling online and importing stuff from China faster than Macy’s and Nordstrom’s can order it. What a kick in the teeth. How can I compete with this? I’m just a small player in this game of corporate greed. People come in to my store to try on the stuff they want to buy off Amazon.com. I’m tired of doing this with a smile on my face. Doesn’t anyone see that the middle class is being eliminated, at an alarming rate? Certainly I can’t be alone. And if I am, this continues to reinforce my belief that dog’s truly are a man’s best friend.
It’s times like these that you need to make your dollar count. Buy organically, shop locally, and tread lightly.
Or keep doing what you do. Contribute to Global warming, exploit chinese workers, cut jobs here in the U.S. and pump money into the next world superpower. It doesn’t matter anyway we won’t be here in 50 years, none of us. The amount of people who want to see change is simply too small, by the time we realize it it may be to late.
So-SURF SHOP FOR SALE- I’m movin south, as far south as I can get.
Melanie- South Sounds Good- I’m in.
Floodgates- It like a bad sitcom that keep getting worse. I hear ya, they’re killing us slowly.
No more boardies for me, once I’m down south, I’ll surf naked- F-U corpos
HEADLINES 2009
NEXT STEP: QUIKSILVER SELLS TO WALMART; GOOD FOR THE CORE RETAILERS THEY SAY?
LASTLY: QUIKSILVER INC MOVES TO RIVERSIDE AND SPONSORS WEIGHTLIFTING.
Marty Samuels: It’s a huge channel and it’s one that is growing every year. It’s something we’ve got to participate in. We’re like Neanderthals if we don’t. We’re going to do it in a way, as we’ve always tried, that works for us and our retail community too.
We believe that this will help us, and our customers too. It’s not just about us. We think that all this is going to do is increase demand for the brand, and as we learn more about how to operate in that online, direct-to-consumer world we’re going to find ways to include our wholesale customers in the benefits. We’re looking for ways to take what we’re going to learn, and rather than horde it, use it in ways that will enhance all of our businesses.
(couch couch)………BULLSHIT
oops…(cough cough)
So Quiksilver is going direct..big deal! Who wears their product anyways? The same people who would just as soon shop at a Hollister or American Eagle to get their “surf fashion”. I imagine that the only reason why good shops carry them is because they offer a good quality product on time, and the smaller brands have trouble with delivery’s and pricing. If the retailers took a stance and started to back the smaller, cooler brands they would certainly see an increase in customer interest. Sure the cycle will continue, but at least the shops would have the power to control their own destiny’s. Let Quiksilver and all the “public” brands burn themselves…
I agree with CHOOSE WISELY!
In the 70’s they said computers would make most peoples jobs obsolete. Didn’t happen. Humans and industry’s adapt and so too will this one. Change is constant and sometimes refreshing. If this weren’t true you’d all still be selling OP, Gotcha and Airwalk.
The retail landscape has changed forever and Quick are obviously looking beyond the surf industry for cues on consumer behavior… American Apparel, TopShop, Target, H&M plus big online retailers like Digital Gravel. It’s an on demand retail environment now. Faster design, faster delivery, faster production. Disposable fashion.
The clear and tough solution is to drop or at least limit your Quick buy. And do the same to the other big brands that follow. Give the kids something new that they cant get online.
Agree, Chic.
Very Interesting Comments…Im only 23years old and I can see the reasoning behind this..Like one comment the Biggest brand with do it first then others will follow..when Rip Curl or Billy’s do it, it will properly go unoticed…secondly it gives Quiksilver a chance to montor what is being sold over the net..its either going to be sold via Quiksilver and at least we know its “real Quiksilver” or all the people against it can watch Quiksilver be a hot item to buy on websites that sell it to cheap and are making money that goes into their back pocket rather than Quiksilvers pocket. I would rather it go into Quiksilver’s which in turn helps Surf Aid, Sea Shepard and countless other charity’s not to forget giving us the reason 1/2 of us surf…Mr. Kelly Slater and giving surfers something to aspire to in regards to sponsorship deals etc…its 2008 wake up to technology boys n girls.
Ben,
What about mom and dad retailer who have been with Quiksilver all along, and now are online competitors of Quikecommerce? Kinda sucks for them huh?
Hey Roger,
I will reply as it’s only polite as this is a very touchy subject and yes I think their are views on both sides of the fence that are correct. I do feel for those retailers as they would someway feel that this 40year relationship has been somewhat betrayed..? I think it shouldn’t be like that as this is just another step in the relationship and Quiksilver will remember those retailers that stood by them and in 10years when those retailers need Quicksilver’s help Quiksilver will be standing right there as at the end of the day the retailers are the reason for Quiksilver to be the biggest surf brand in the world. I just feel once the dust settles you will see this will not affect sales as much as expected as its really just channeling the sales of Quiksilver on the web to one which Quiksilver can monitor and keep track of. No one likes drastic change until after it’s happened. Cheers Rog
You folks have a right to be pissed off but look for the opportunities. Bitching and whining never built a great business.
Here are a few facts about online businesses
1. Internet is a way better research medium than shopping. What do most people use the internet for shopping or research?
2. Check with Jupiter or Forrester research every dollar spent online drives six dollars offline
3. 95% of the people that visit an ecommerce site don’t buy. People searching google for board shorts are in the market but don’t buy online 95% of the time.
Want to make this an opportunity?
1.Quick is doing something cool- showing the consumer what you ordered down to size and color. This is huge and will result in sales for you.
2. Leverage the hell out of Quick for this- Offer to keep your buy the same or even expand the number of skus so you show up more often when the consumer searches their site. In return, make Quick give you premium placement in the retailer results. The majority of retailers will just bitch and moan use your brain and get something out of this.
It would be great if everyone abandoned Quick they would be the next Gotcha but most retailers won’t. For whatever reason Quick is still core and has demand most retailers can’t give up.
I have ran the marketing for backcountry.com since 2000 and I can honestly say no brand would be core without specialty brick and mortar retailers. Look for opportunity and use your power the industry won’t exist without you.
It sucks for mom and dad retailers for sure, but that won’t stop this. There is no shortage of up and coming brands beggin to get in your stores. They might not be able to deliver on time all the time, but neither could Quick and Volcom back in the day.
Being a small retailer will always be tough if you try to compete with the big guns… lets not forget the last demonized corporate entity - the multi shopfront chain retailer. This is just the same story with a different demon.
To a certain extent chain retailers have done such a bad job of presenting the big brands and have dumbed it down so much this was inevitable.
Really, my comments dont mean shit. I don’t own a store and havn’t worked in retail for 5 or 6 years. One thing I know for sure though, is that the way I shop and how my friends shop is not the same as 5 years ago.
Also you retailers have a huge advantage…What Lady buys something without trying it on??haha:)Comon guys we have all been there sitting on the “guys seats” in shops watching our girls try 4things on then try the top 2 on again..
With the economy in a fairly unstable state, most retail brands would share the perspective that anything that can potentially fuel an increase in sales should be harnessed and fully exploited. You can’t fault Quiksilver for trying to explore more aggressive avenues to push product. They’re a business. Small businesses and major corporations alike have, in general, been particularly distrustful of the widespread availability of goods and services provided by the internet. Whether its retail, music, television, film, print media etc., the internet offers a more convenient alternative to traditional means of shopping, purchasing goods and accessing information. Despite traditional retail businesses lamenting their own demise ten years ago, today, like Geekchic said, there’s no shortage of new brands and what seems like a constant flow of new small retail stores entering (or leaving) the market. I’d bet that a large majority of sales done online go to the customers who don;t have access to a local store to purchase these goods. E-commerce isn’t gonna disappear so rather than bemoan its existence, get used to it, try to understand it, and go after ways to benefit from it. That’s what Quiksilver did.
More Teflon than Dupont. I was there (yes kiddies) when the first pair of scallop legged nut huggers hit the beach. I remember when surfing was booming.. no not that one…no.. the other one.. in the seventies (sigh). Everyone owning a shop and carrying Quiks (there used to be exclusives) thought they would be getting fat…Quik opened everybody up… See Ya..
Oh the eighties boom… Quik went to department stores. Uh Oh..The department store move ended it for OP and Mike at “Gotcha..but..it only made Quik stronger…They then went public… ARGH bigger still! They opened stores up right in areas where they had solid enthusiastic dealers…IT WORKED!…YIKES! You can’t stop them You must submit.
ref: We live in a country that elected George Bush (twice!)We are fighting a war that is draining our country dry..still.
There are no givens or reasons anymore. There at least seems to be some sharp observant dudes at Quiksilver though, they have made a successful company.
Our Quik rep is a friend, I recommended him for the job, (back when Quik used to ask for such things). I asked (told?) him (when they opened up some schlep shop nearby) that this course could not possibly be good for Quicksilver in the long run… He said:
“No you don’t understand.. We NEED them” (schlep stores and department stores), “and we NEED you” (you being schmelks buying “apparel” for 30% more than the Schlep and Department stores).
I recently asked him about the proliferation of “company stores” he told me a quaint story about a shop in a mall who had been selling Quik for years… And Quik opened a store up right next to them…AND THEIR SALES INCREASED!
YIPES!
Its ALL good! THEY CAN”T BE STOPPED!
I suggest everyone take the little pill, quiet down, get in line, eyes down and follow the company dictums.
Oh by the way, we closed our surf (archaic term) shop last month after having one since 1976.
We do retail online exclusively now. God Bless
More power to them. However, it will take them years to match the customer service Swell.com provides. No one does it better.
Maybe they do this allready I don’t know: Does Quick have a special section of their line that would only be sold in a retail store? Maybe they could protect their retail partners with product just for them, that would not be sold via ecommerce? They could create special demand and marketing, and the only way consumers would be able to get this product, is at the Mom and Pop retail stores.
On Another note, don’t most mom and pops sell via the internet now to?
Does it matter that RVCA is now selling direct?
http://shop.rvca.com/
Think its time shops stop basing their whole existance on big brands give the smaller brands a chance keep it core.
Quik started selling direct via their website in europe last year and no longer put a shop locator on it. Lets face it Quik don’t care about independent retailers so maybe its time to move on and deal with brands that do.
Wow…I liked the question ” Who cares if Quik Sells direct. They suck anyway”. This issue is much bigger than their bad clothing. Its about setting a precedent. Now ALL other companies can choose to do the same thing and very easily state, “We had too…Quik changed the marketplace” SO all your favorite “Hardcore” companies will be killing brick and morter soon enough.
Wal Mart is a definite. Dont think otherwise.
“Core aint dead, its just as fake as all the rest”
Sad times indeed. I still have a pair of Quik boardshorts given to me by Jeff Hakman himself in ‘76. Very well made may I say! Unfortunately, over the years I’ve seen Quiksilver clothing and trunks being made on the cheap. I own plenty, but it’s awful quality at that. Sad to acknowledge the fact that the surf shops are gonna get taken out by the large department stores if Quik continues to do “business” as they have been or plan to. Desperate times require desperate measures, friends. Have you seen their stock value lately? Layoffs at Quik? There’s your clue! Sadly to say…Quiksilver won’t last much longer. Thanks George W!
Hey “the man” just to clarify yes Quik has laid off people in recent years but did you think how many they employed…I think in Torquay they increased employment from next to nothing to 360 workers…then they laid off 40. Do the maths as it’s still very positive. Regards to stock value remember Quiksilver had to spit it stocks 4-5times….and look at the current situation on the stock market, its not exactly booming?
The old saying you grow then you consolidate rather than grow big to fast and bust. Mate you got to stop doing business with emotion and start thinking with your head as Quik has helped us for so many years…Are you going to drop Quik, Roxy, Billabong, Rip Curl, Volcom as well when they jump on board? We’ll if you do I don’t think I will be shopping at your store. I am definitely not going to start “bad mouthing” Quik as they have got me here today through good product/support and marketing, at the end of the day they are still the biggest most renowned surf brand in the world…P.S. your very lucky to have those boardshorts, I have collected some over the years as well and to have a pair from Jeff the man himself is priceless!!!
Shop owners solution: STOP CARRYING QUIK PRODUCTS.
Goliath meet David, Just when I wondered how any new start up could take on such a giant, it became very clear, the start up doesn’t have to fight, they just let the giant kill themselves. This is what happens when STOCK holders are more important than a lifestyle, The love of surfing should drive this business, not WallStreet, Quik has been doing retailers wrong for years, but it just kept ringing the register and Quik would make it palatable with perks for the retailers who made noise, WELL ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. I don’t know their business model, maybe 800 mall stores with a huge online presence is enough, maybe they will be as core as Hollister someday. Wallstreet’s golden baby, super efficient, lean and mean. I will adapt, I will be core, I will keep surfing, Quik or no Quik, I will keep surfing and support those who support me and this lifestyle we all try and live. Sincerely a Shop Owner
I had a customer come into our store complaining about a Quik rashguard he purchase at WalMart. Junk.
I AGREE. THE ONLY WAY TO COMBAT JUCIY IS TO STOP SELLING THEIR PRODUCTS, MAKE THEM ONLY RELY ON THEIR NON-CORE AND E-COMMERCE. THE ONLY ONES THEY TREAT WELL.
THIS IS KINDA UNFAIR……RVCA IS DOING THE SAME THING AND NOT GETTING ANY GRIEF
Quiksilver should’ve used Shopatron to go direct, http://WWW.SHOPATRON.COM
This is a retailer friendly way to do ecommerce, allowing the manufacturer to sell on their website in a branded store but actually give the retailers the opportunity first to fulfill the order with their inventory. So the closest stocking retailer actually does the fulfillment from their store with their inventory. If no retailer can fulfill the order then the MFG fulfills it.
Whats the Big Deal people. ANY Business is about making money, Period! As long as QS commits to helping the Brick & Mortar retail shops by making it a consumer based choice on weather they make their purchase online or in a shop, retailers shouldn’t fret!!
So if your a retailer you should just make sure to stock the right SKU’s for your immediate area or not stock at all and lose out!!
Eventually every company is going in this direction.. DEAL with IT!
I DON’T THINK “HIDEF” OWNS A SURF SHOP.
I believe that this is the future unfortunately for us Local surf shops. What I don’t understand, why can’t Quiksilver do things like Global Surf is doing. We post a link on our site and it connects to Globals and if a customer orders a board from them through our link, we get a small cut of sale. I truly think this would be the optimum solution. It’s not like Quiksilver will really be losing out on mark-up. This would also show their commitment to the surf shops who supported them. But the route that they are taking is possibly the ultimate flip off! “We’ve done you (the local surf shop) a favor and put a shop locator on our site”. Are you kidding me? That should have been there right from the beginning in 98′. I think that is insulting! And for anyone who says that Bob Mcknight or any other upper management met with surf shop owners, is full of it. I’m sure they only met with people inside their OC bubble who own either Pac Sun or some large retail outlet and did not meet with small retailers outside the orange country nipple. Did they consult the shops in the more out of the way places that may have customers but are now just going to go online? I think there are better ways they could have done it and I hope the other big companies will realize this and really make an effort to bring their whole retail partnerships with them as they grow. Not leave them behind.
Yes every brand will sell direct, but every brand should use Shopatron to do this. Shopatron allows the brand to caputre the order on their site and then provides the retailers a way to see these orders and fulfill them with their inventory. Giving the the actually order to the retailer to fulfill makes the most sense. I own a store and use Shopatron to fulfill orders from SPY, Adio and GLOBE Shoes. Shopatron gives the retailer a chance to move inventory and helps the retailer gain new customers. The check thing is OK but don’t you want to move inventory?? Also Shopatron’s in-store pickup feature provides the retailer with foot traffic into their store. Check them out http://www.shopatron.com.
I own a bunch of shops and have carried Quik since the very early 80’s. Also proudly built from the ground up probably one of the largest surf etailers in the country.
This does not bother me at all. Quik is an amazing company and I have built my little deal around them and always will.
Our sales only have not budged a nickle since they launched. I am guessing we would see the effect there way before it was felt at brick and mortar. Not a nickle guys. No kidding
Great, look like you are finally using MatrixOne. Great tool very flexible enjoyed implementing. The architect is probably the most fun tool to work with glad to see that the surf apparel is taking a lean approach in design, manufacturing to product market.
It is kid of funny the lambasting that Quik is getting here when they and retailers (of all sizes, core or mainstream) are fighting the same battle - to stay in, and grow their business.
I would be interested to know how many of the retailers pissed at Quik for doing what every brand, retail or w/sale, is doing, (meeting the consumers desire to buy online) have online retail themselves.
Does it make it fair that the core retail shop with a great online store can steal customers from other core shops, not next county but next state? No, it’s up to retailers to change to the new competitive set which for the most part is driven by consumers desire to review a large selection of a brand and product and buy online.
On another point (the David and Goliath battle of Quik vs Core) I would also like to know how many retainer berating Quik for going online have got their heads and OTB buried in the Nike footwear (SB & 6.0) trough?
Are they lying awake nights concerned at causing a dramatic down turn in Footlockers (and independent sports stores) sales by supporting a jock brand?
From all the retailer surveys they are swollowing as much Nike as they can get their hands on (’cause it selling, and if it stops they won’t buy it)
The whore mentality is alive and well at all levels - lets just get on with it.
I SERIOUSLY BELIEVE THAT BETWEEN THE BOOK ABOUT THE “DAYS” OF QUIKSILVER SIGNIFYING A SORT OF “END” TO QUIKSILVER, AND THIS DIRECT TO CONSUMER BUSINESS….IT WOULD NOT AT ALL SUPRISE ME IF ONE DAY WE SEE QUIKSILVER IN EITHER TARGET OR WALMART.
HEY I THINK ITS GREAT REALLY, ITS OPENING UP SPACE ON THE FLOOR AND DOLLARS TO BE ALLOCATED TO FRESH “NEW” BRANDS SUCH AS; INSIGHT; ATWATER, ALTAMONT AND ENEABLING THEM TO GROW.
THIS INDUSTRY NEEDS “FRESHNESS”
HOW MANY MORE DIFFERENT WAYS ARE WE AS CONSUMERS GOING TO ACCEPT A DIFFERENT “TAKE” ON THE MOUNTAIN AND WAVE LOGO.
Come on Bemused, At some point I’m sure that as an industry we will all join hands for a soulful meeting of the minds, suck in a huge lung full of some “kine” bud and in our altered and slighly dimented state find the “bluebird” nirvana that our bro-bra industry is all about.
I agree 100% STEV-O, I’ve been in retail in boardshops for over 10 years and we should support the smaller core brands that support our lifestyle and don’t whore it out. Yeah, this is a business and we do all want to make money, but let’s get real, most of us are in this industry because we don’t want some bullshit white collar 100k+ salary doing something we hate. This is our lifestyle and we know we aren’t going to get filthy rich doing what we do, we do it because it’s our passion and we love action sports and the lifestyle. I just care about being able to pay my bills and surf,skate or snowboard as many days as possible and be stoked about going to work and supporting our sports and the way we live. It’s about going to work dressed in boardshorts and sandals instead of a suit and tie, the more “suits” that get involved in our industry the more it’s about money. To Hell with everyone that is only in it for the money, that is the fastest way of killing something we all love. To all the small retailers out there: we need to stick together and let these brands that go public and open their own company stores whore themselves out and we need to stop selling their product and let them sell it direct themselves if that’s what they want. Support the small rider owned and driven brands that have their hearts and souls in it and not just their profit margins and satisfying their already rich and greedy shareholders. Besides, the core kids are smart these days, they’re not going to want to support these WHORE brands, they want the brands that aren’t in Nordsrtroms and other dept and mall strores. It’s up to us to make a difference and educate our customers on who is really supporting them and their lifestyle. If they want Quik, volcom and those other public brands with company stores, fine, go to their store or the mall. Those aren’t the customers that are in it for the long haul anyway and we don’t need them.
Yes every brand will sell direct, but every brand should use Shopatron to do this. Shopatron allows the brand to caputre the order on their site and then provides the retailers a way to see these orders and fulfill them with their inventory. Giving the the actually order to the retailer to fulfill makes the most sense. I own a store and use Shopatron to fulfill orders from SPY, Adio and GLOBE Shoes. Shopatron gives the retailer a chance to move inventory and helps the retailer gain new customers. The check thing is OK but don’t you want to move inventory?? Also Shopatron’s in-store pickup feature provides the retailer with foot traffic into their store. Check them out http://www.shopatron.com. 805-547-2115 to learn more. Any manufacturer considering to sell direct should call them.
I bet the one of the biggest underlying reasons behind Quik going direct is the simple fact that they’re a public company. Quik’s biggest priority is to satisfy shareholders by maximizing profitability.
For as long as Quik has been public and with a ton of other big retailers (AE, GAP, A&F) doing this for some time now, it’s no wonder this hasn’t happened sooner.