Raleigh Bike Parts extends portfolio with Selle Italia distribution deal
Raleigh UK has announced the distribution of Selle Italia in the UK and Ireland, with products available to order from 1st February.
With more than 120 years of racing experience, Selle Italia has offered ‘first to market’ innovations such as the use of gel, titanium and co-moulding techniques, since its inception, resulting in over 100 million riders having used the brand’s products around the world.
Raleigh’s Parts and Accessories Business Manager, Lee Kidger, said of the new partnership: “We are really excited to start a new brand relationship with Selle Italia. Their product line-up is very exciting with superb quality, and with the rebrand, offers bicycle retailers a full spectrum of exceptional price pointed saddles; from great quality mid-price point saddles to top end saddles like SLR and FLITE.”
Selle Italia is renowned in performance cycling circles, with its sponsorships including four World Tour teams and riders such as Matthieu Van Der Poel, Philippe Gilbert and more. The brand is also focusing opportunities for the IBD network with Raleigh as its distributor.
“We will be actively looking for Selle Italia ‘Premium Stores’, concepts that are fully funded and will help bike shops sell more product as well as offering customers a better shopping experience,” continued Kidger. “Team this with our existing service proposition of 9pm cut of time for next day delivery, Saturday afternoon delivery option and great pricing, we really feel it’s a compelling offer.”
Working closely with Selle Italia, Raleigh Bike Parts will implement the IBD programme, which offers stores a range of benefits including exclusive POS packages, staff training for all employees, good margin on the range and preferential terms for employee sales. There will also be a roll out of the Selle Italia University accreditation scheme, providing staff with the relevant knowledge to actively sell more saddles.
Selle Italia has recently implemented what it calls a ‘range expansion journey’, which has led it to a more holistic approach to its product range, providing solutions for urban commuters as well as specialist race saddles.
Stock will be available fro Raleigh Bike Parts from 1st February, with stores advised to contact their Raleigh Area Account Manager for further information.
