DURANGO, Colo. (BRAIN) — On the fifth episode of a special series of podcasts copresented by Verde Brand Communications and Bicycle Retailer & Industry News, Pete Buhl, the president and co-founder of Beeline Bikes, talks to Verde's Kristin Carpenter.
The purpose of this "Shifting Channels" series is to provide a line of sight on where things are going with channel evolution in the specialty bike community and industry. We've covered e-commerce options, case studies in product launches, and adoption in practice by shop owners trying, adapting and thriving.
In the latest episode we're covering software as a service (SaaS) for bike.
Beeline began as a mobile bike service. It quickly franchised, allowing brick-and-mortar bike shops to expand into a new channel and offer more services. In late January, Beeline, now owned by Accell North America, launched Powered by Beeline, the SaaS program connecting consumers to brands and to local, independent bike dealers.
About 350 store locations signed up in the first three months of the service.
Buhl said brands are using the program to increase consistency and elevate their customers' brand experience. Bike dealers are using it better serve their customers' omnichannel needs, while still encouraging in-store experiences.
Previous episodes include a discussion with Kate Powlison of SRAM, another with Erik Saltvold, owner of Erik's Bikes, Board and Ski, and an interview with Decathlon USA's COO.
You can listen to the podcast in the player below or subscribe to it from your favorite podcast apps: iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher. Or visit the Channel Mastery episode page.
