Blog

Giant - March 20th

Communication to Giant Retailers

03.27.20

Dear Giant & Liv Retailers,

Earlier today Giant USA was forced to implement a layoff of people as a result of the Covid-19 unprecedented environment. I have no words to explain the pain and suffering these people (our family) will go through. I shed tears and pray, I’m sure this shakes you as well. However; as the market, economy, and business right size to this new environment we must make cuts to a business that will be significantly challenged. We know each of you feels this pain,as you are tackling these same difficult hardships in your own communities and business.  

It’s a somber time, but please take this to heart; there remains hope and opportunity as we learn, navigate and get stronger as a result. Those of us at Giant USA must remain strong, and fight to protect our interests; that being one another, our cycling life, the riders we service, and our family of retailers. I see three distinct potential paths:

1.        Average companies will go out of business

2.        Better companies will survive this struggle

3.        The progressive and thoughtful companies will take this opportunity to upgrade and reach a higher level

We will be focused on the 3rd path and take this opportunity to win. We will not deviate from “Raising the Bar”. I want to remind you in times like this, the turning point will come right after the storm. This darkness will clear, I predict that will be this summer. I encouraged you (all of us) to keep our strength and productivity for a rebound. I foresee a great opportunity for us when we reach the other side; Americans will take cycling more seriously and truly consider the benefits this sport, transport, and life style provide.

I need you to inspire me, I need you to inspire your mates. I will do all I can to inspire each of you - “WE HAVE ONE ANOTHER”. I know you contribute most of your time,effort, soul and family into this business, and the ride. I want to show you my utmost appreciation. Trust that Giant is there for you, and there with you. Your health is our health, and we will make the needed changes ahead in order to win together. Please let us know how we can support you further. We move forward together.

Be strong, be safe, and keep going well.

All the best,

JT

03.20.20

Dear Giant Retail Family,

Bikes and bike shops are an essential part of our lives. Especially in times like these.

As local governments impose health orders to “shelter in place”, some governments have provided very specific guidelines that only essential activities and essential businesses may continue to operate.

What is an Essential activity and what is an Essential business?

Essential Activity refers to the health and well being of all residents of the local community.  The government guidance provided allows for physical exercise to stay healthy(physically and mentally) as long as “social distancing” is followed---and yes,this includes cycling.

Essential Business—Bikes shops (as defined by some governments—links below) provide their communities an essential service in supporting riders of all types.  Just like an auto repair/service station keeps automobiles safe and moving, bike shops contribute to their communities in vital and essential ways. 

All across the country, we are seeing individuals and families alike finding themselves outside now more than ever. Outside riding.Outside staying healthy.

**This is not official legal or government guidance and every shop should research their local restrictions and guidelines during the Coronavirus emergency.  See the links below for details (just click ‘ctrlF’ and type “bike” or “bicycle” for the specific reference)

San Francisco

https://sf.gov/stay-home-except-essential-needs

Santa Clara Public Health

https://www.sccgov.org/sites/phd/DiseaseInformation/novel-coronavirus/Pages/frequently-asked-questions.aspx#business

Philadelphia

https://www.phila.gov/2020-03-17-non-essential-businesses-to-close-for-at-least-two-weeks/

Additionally we want to share actions we will take effective immediately to further support our retail partners in these unprecedented times:

WEBLINK:

·       Via retailers who support Home Delivery of new bikes purchased on WebLink, riders will be offered FREE HOME DELIVERY. In support of this, retailers will still be credited the $50 home delivery fee, we will simply not collect it from the customer. Retailers can opt in and set your home delivery radius at any time to participate.

·       We will offer 0% FINANCING ON BIKES OVER $1000 for the foreseeable future to qualified applicants.

FINANCE CHARGES:

·       Giant will provide a waiver on finance charges for the next 30 days (through 4/19) provided the retailer has inventory to match payables. To be eligible dealers must provide a current inventory report to the credit department.  Inventory reports must be received by March 25, 2020.

GEAR PROGRAM ENROLLMENT:

·       We are extending our Gear Enrollment Deadline to the End of June.

·       All retailers who were previously on our Gear programs will be reinstated through then.

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE TRAVEL:

·       Your local Account Executive will be limiting their travel, including a pause on any overnight trips. All will be readily available via phone or email.

Should you have any additional needs, questions, or suggestions on how Giant can support you and your business, please reach out to any member of the Giant team; we are here to support one another.

Be well and safe.

JT

The Bike Cooperative - March 31st

For two months, The Bike Cooperative is providing every bike shop in the country with complete access to the full suite of tools our members use every day.

Realtime retail benchmarking tools to compare metrics with bike dealers from across the country

Marketing tools to help you adapt to the new normal

Rent relief services

Access to our nationwide network of bike dealers through our private facebook group

Direct support from TBC business consultants with recommendations on how members can navigate our current reality

https://thebikecooperative.com/join-the-coop/