DISTRIBUTOR
Lyon headquarters in Tebay, Cumbria
complimentary and cohesive portfolio, aimed at the more premium end of the market, with service to match.
How have dealers been reacting in the current climate? While most dealers are in a very similar position due to market conditions, we are seeing very different reactions. Some retailers seem to be reducing spending and battening down the hatches, others are committing to new brands and being opportunistic with certain discounted product. We think this can be largely put down to how some stores have built their ‘rainy day’ funds through the pandemic, while others haven’t been able to so easily. If shops have capital it seems to be getting selectively invested into the stock they think will bring the best return. We think it’s important to not cut spend on exciting and new products entirely as this will help increase footfall and customer return rates. Reduced spend on stock can sometimes be a self-fulfilling prophecy, leading to reduced sales turnover. The current climate also includes some brands and distributors showing little flexibility with smaller dealers which can be devastating for the longevity of some
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retailers. We are proud to believe in supporting the IBD network we have in the UK, especially following the past two years of what can only be described as being somewhat chaotic. As an industry we owe a huge amount to the UK’s cycle shops and as a distributor it is our duty to support them, as they do us.
What are the upcoming plans for Lyon? 2023 is a big year for Lyon. Back in 1973 Ben Lyon founded Lyon Equipment to sell his handmade caving ladders, so this year marks our 50th year in business. Clearly the company has grown and expanded somewhat since then – although we do still hand make specialist ladders - and a plethora of other work at height and rescue equipment in-house. As such, we will be celebrating our anniversary and employee-owned status in the coming months. Aside from birthday celebrations, we have a very simple outlook for the year ahead. Do the basics well, ensuring we are adding value to the brands and dealers we work with and focus on high quality customer service. Be that with sales support, marketing, or service and warranty. Further to that? Watch this space. ●
April 2023 | 29
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