Ozonics turns nose at retail channel
A maker of scent-control hunting products says it will no longer sell through retailers, opting instead to sell exclusively through its company web site. Mason City, Iowa-based Ozonics says its shift to a 100% direct-to-consumer model begins May 2.
Ozonics founder Scott Elrod explained the move: "We have worked hard over the past 11 years to operate within the confines of the traditional retail model, and appreciate all of the support we have gained throughout that time," he said. "However, given the shifting retail landscape, our desire to offer greater value to our loyal consumers, and to test and develop new products in a more timely fashion, we have chosen to go 100% consumer direct."
In a press release, the company said it spent years “working to get placement in the major outdoor retailers, and had seen great success, so the move is not without its challenges.” It also says it will lower prices under the new structure.
While e-commerce has proved a disruptive force in retail, few if any successful hardware and building supply brands have voluntarily retreated from retail shelves.
A recent HBSDealer poll question asked readers: “To what extent is retail bypass a problem in the hardware and building supply business? Early results show “Mild problem,” is the leading vote getter, followed by “Major problem” and “Not a problem,” in that order.
Readers can take the poll on the right side of the screen (or scroll down on your handheld device).
Ozonics founder Scott Elrod explained the move: "We have worked hard over the past 11 years to operate within the confines of the traditional retail model, and appreciate all of the support we have gained throughout that time," he said. "However, given the shifting retail landscape, our desire to offer greater value to our loyal consumers, and to test and develop new products in a more timely fashion, we have chosen to go 100% consumer direct."
In a press release, the company said it spent years “working to get placement in the major outdoor retailers, and had seen great success, so the move is not without its challenges.” It also says it will lower prices under the new structure.
While e-commerce has proved a disruptive force in retail, few if any successful hardware and building supply brands have voluntarily retreated from retail shelves.
A recent HBSDealer poll question asked readers: “To what extent is retail bypass a problem in the hardware and building supply business? Early results show “Mild problem,” is the leading vote getter, followed by “Major problem” and “Not a problem,” in that order.
Readers can take the poll on the right side of the screen (or scroll down on your handheld device).