DISTRIBUTOR “We have worked hard
to bring together a much more accomplished portfolio over the years, which offers a solution to the vast majority of stores in the UK.”
But how has business been for Bob Elliot in recent months and what plans are in the pipeline for the future?
CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES “Eventful, and unpredictable once more,” said Elliot.
“If we look back to late summer last year, there was a lot of trepidation about the winter trade and what that might look like. It proved to be challenging for shops which in turn left it challenging for us. “We visited Taiwan in March for the first time since 2019 and the story seemed to be the same worldwide through all levels of the trade.” Like many in the cycling industry, Bob Elliot was waiting for a turn in the weather, which eventually came around in May. “Once it arrived it was coupled with the sad fall of Moore Large and business has been very strong since,” said Elliot. “We are currently enjoying an encouraging summer’s trade and see ourselves in a strong position heading towards autumn.”
The biggest challenge facing distributors has been
overstocks in some sectors, and although not immune from this, Bob Elliot has managed to weather some of the storm thanks to planning and foresight. “We have been relatively comfortable with this scenario,” explained Elliot. “As decisions were made during Covid on our purchasing which brought us overstocks in many workshop/service areas, as we knew this would be a sector that would remain strong.” This strategy has seen the company able to capitalise on opportunities when they arise. “2023 has been littered with opportunities to
date,” said Elliot. “Our Kranx brand goes from strength to strength which is designed to support the IBD with a wide range of fast-selling, high margin items. We continue to grow our KX Wheel range, recently introducing a small range of tubeless wheels. “We are also enjoying big growth with many of our existing brands as we continue to tap into the workshop and service sectors.” To facilitate
28 | August 2023
www.bikebiz.com
Bob Elliot continues to expand its own range of Kranx cycling products and KX wheels
continued growth, the distributor is being much more strategic when ranging new brands than it used to be, as decisions for new products have to compliment the current range. “We are an agile and versatile business that can move quickly to react to trend changes,” said Elliot. “We have added a few brands to help compliment our current ranges including Ass Magic chamois cream, Blub lubes and cleaners and Polisport mudguards and bottles. A lot more investment continues to go into Kranx due to its growing reputation. “We have also turned away some well known brands to
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