Giant USA has worked with SmartEtailing to create a "Where To Buy" retailer referral program that is now live on the bike company's website.
The site now has bright blue "Where To Buy" buttons displayed next to each bike model on the site. Clicking on the button opens a map showing Giant retailers in the consumer's area who either have that model in inventory, or can have it in a day or two direct from Giant's warehouse.
Giant based its "Where To Buy" initiative on SmartEtailing's "Buy Local Now" tool, which the company said has delivered more than 100,000 local retailer referrals for industry brands.
Giant is the first of the major bike brands to offer the program.
"Giant retailers who use SmartEtailing's POS Sync have a significant advantage with 'Where To Buy,'" said Giant USA executive sales director John "JT" Thompson. "Those retailers who have the bike in stock go to the top of the 'Where To Buy' list.'"
"This is a big plus for consumers who want to know what retailer has which model — or how soon they can get it. Furthermore, this is a huge advantage for retailers who have inventory; this significantly encourages the rider to come through their front door."
SmartEtailing said 13 brands now use its "Buy Local Now" program: CatEye, Park Tool, Surly, SRAM, Avid, Truvativ, CycleOps, Saris, Civia, Problem Solvers, Buzzy's, and Cane Creek.
