If you run a shop in the U.S., you’ll have to ring up QBP for Michelin tires in 2016. Recently named the exclusive U.S. distributor for the coming year, Michelin hopes that QBP’s impressive distributing reach nation wide will help bolster the sales of their tires. For years Quality Bicycle Products has been one of many places dealers could get Michelin tires but that appears to be going away, effective January 1…
From Michelin:
GREENVILLE, S.C., Dec. 28, 2015 – Michelin North America’s bicycle tire unit has announced that Quality Bicycle Products (QBP) will serve as the exclusive distributor for its products in the United States.
Michelin selected QBP for the strategic relationship because of the distributor’s vast experience in working with cycling retailers of all sizes, including its specialization with independently owned bike shops.
“QBP shares many common values with Michelin. We believe the distribution relationship will improve Michelin’s access to the independent dealer network and large retailers alike. QBP’s clear focus on our products will help re-establish the Michelin brand in the bicycle business with its unparalleled support of the retail channels across the board,” said Tim Saunders, North American sales manager, Michelin Bicycle Tires.
“We could not be more excited about being Michelin’s exclusive U.S. distributor,” said Rich Tauer, QBP President. “QBP and Michelin have worked together for several years in a multi-distributor environment and now a single distributor arrangement will allow Michelin to reinforce its specialty brand status in the retail bike channel. QBP will work with Michelin to develop a national brand strategy focusing on the specialty bike retailer. This approach will also allow specialty bike retailers to stock, promote, and sell Michelin tires with confidence in the brand’s value and profitability. It’s our belief that Michelin is a complete specialty brand that serves both the front and back of the bike shop with top quality products.”
This exclusive partnership is effective January 1, 2016.