With Internet sales continuing to rise, everyone knows the paddlesports specialty shop market is slowly eroding. Confluence Outdoor, the parent company of eight watersports brands, is trying its best to combat that and better support its specialty network, recently announcing the launch of the Confluence Specialty Advantage Program™. The program will offer unprecedented service, exclusives, and support to specialty retail shops to promote the health and prosperity of Confluence’s key specialty retailers.
Through the program select retailers will have access to a brand new partnership with locally.com that provides consumers with in-stock product information, captures sales for in-store pickup, and provides an additional online presence for independent shops. Specialty Advantage Program™ retailers will also enjoy access to special product, early release launches, and new merchandising and marketing support.
“At Confluence we understand that the health of specialty retail is vital to both the future of our industry, and to engaging our core consumers in a very special way,” says Rich Krause, Chief Executive Officer at Confluence Outdoor. “That’s why it was important for us to take the lead in developing programs that provide unprecedented support to specialty retailers to give them the tools they need to be successful in the evolving retail environment.”
Launching as a key element of the Specialty Advantage Program™ is the exclusive Paddle Now, Pay Later financing program. An industry first, the innovative consumer facing program will allow consumers to buy the best kayak, paddle board and accessories with an option to finance their purchase over time. This program gives specialty a tool to combat the opening price point mentality and allows consumers to afford the optimal product without settling for a sub-par watercraft.
Confluence is championing an awareness campaign around creating the optimal paddling experience for consumers. This will include education on the advantages of higher quality kayaks and tools designed to help consumers select the perfect product. Confluence also debuts a fully integrated marketing campaign launching today.
“Kayaking is a technical category. We have been listening to consumers and retailers and they are asking for more information to inform their purchase, so they make an informed investment on more than just color and price,” said Todd King, VP of Marketing at Confluence Outdoor. “Confluence is committed to providing the best product for an optimal on water experience and is the leader in safety, comfort, engineering and education. Our campaign will drive awareness and empower consumers while supporting our retailers for sustainable growth.”
The Specialty Advantage Program™ is currently rolling out throughout North America as Confluence Outdoor continues to focus its efforts on supporting the growth of specialty business. For more information on the marketing campaign launching today, visit PerceptionKayaks.com/us/yakoff.
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About Confluence Outdoor®
Confluence Outdoor is a portfolio of eight premier watersport brands including Wilderness Systems®, Perception® kayaks, Dagger®, Wave Sport® Europe, Mad River Canoe®, Adventure Technology® paddles, Harmony® Gear accessories, and Boardworks Surf®. With a full collection of kayaks, canoes, surf and stand up paddle boards, and a wide range of paddlesports accessories—ranging from touring and recreational to high-performance fishing and whitewater products, the Confluence brands cater to all levels of watersport enthusiasts. Confluence Outdoor is located in Greenville, S.C. where they are proud to manufacture all of their boats. For more information about the company, visit ConfluenceOutdoor.com
Wilderness Systems · Perception Kayaks · Dagger · Mad River Canoe
Wave Sport Europe · Harmony Gear · Adventure Technology · Boardworks