BRANDS
As someone who has plenty of experience in the cycling industry, Harrison understands the importance of the IBD to the trade’s ecosystem - which is why he is keen to support them where he can. “We will always want to support the independent and I think this was a real opportunity to recognise that and give it a go,” he said.
“In my opinion, everyone appreciates the independents – I don’t think you’ll find anyone who doesn’t – and we recognise it’s particularly challenging out there. “What we hope to bring to them is an opportunity to make some margin out of a higher ASP [average sales price] product that can help the sale of higher ASP bikes.”
Feedback on Epos
Epos was unveiled at the start of the traditional cycling season, with Thule saying the carrier made transportation “easier than ever”. Feedback so far has been very positive, according to Harrison. “First and always is comments about the storage. When it’s folded up, it’s easily put away,” he said. “Second is the telescopic arms. Once you start using them they make so much sense as it is compatible with all types of bikes and e-bikes
“Especially if you’ve spent your cycling life threading an aluminium bar with a clamp, attaching it in a variety of angles onto downtubes or seatposts – now you can simply put it onto your back wheel or anywhere in the frame of the bike. Now you can remove any bike when you want rather than taking all the bikes off the rack.” Another string to the Epos’ bow is its range of accessories. The lock, mechanic arm, cover and particularly the ramp have received positive comments.
“What we found is when you present Epos to both the consumer and to our retailers, they’re actually really surprised. They think ‘how can you make a carrier better?’,” said Harrison.
Thule Epos in store at Sigma Sports
Thule Epos allows users to carry any bike, including e-bikes. “When you look at the accessories, the telescopic arm, and
the storage solution, it’s a no-brainer.” The Thule Epos retails at £880.00 for the two bike model and £970.00 for the three bike model. “People say it’s expensive, but that’s what we’re going to do,” said Harrison. “We’re going to make the best cycle carrier on the market.
We know bikes have become more expensive so why not look after them and keep safe?
“It’s not expensive just for the sake of it. There are some genuine features that, once the consumer has it, they absolutely get it – and the reviews prove that. “Next year is going to be really exciting because we will be
able to hit the season nice and early with full distribution.” Portfolio diversity
Although Epos has been a significant launch for Thule, the brand continues to innovate in other areas with an ever- growing portfolio. “We are opening more doors. Whether it be in the outdoor space or the juvenile space,” said Harrison. “The more people that see our product outside of the environment that they’re used to seeing us in, will help brand recognition. “We hope to offer a wider consumer the benefits of buying the products just as that stereotypical cyclist or family that go on holiday.
Harrison wants to broaden the brand’s appeal so that when people are shopping for Thule, it’s not just a roof rack, or a pushchair, or a backpack, consumers may have that assortment together. “As we have seen, some cycling retailers have pivoted
quite well into triathlon, lifestyle and other outdoor pursuits, so they have an opportunity to therefore offer a wider assortment as well,” said Harrison. “We still have a very precious auto sector where Thule is
The product has been praised for its compact state when folded
strong, but the opportunities outside of the auto sector to grow the reach of the brand and enable growth for all parties “That’s my opportunity commercially to get retailers to benefit from that.”
November 2023 | 45
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68
