Web platforms designed to drive sales and to showcase the RV lifestyle
LOUISVILLE, Kentucky (Nov. 29, 2005) - By now, we've all heard Tom Selleck's soothing voice encouraging consumers to "Pursue Your Passion…Go RVing." And, it's no secret that an initial stop on a shopping trip for major purchases is the Internet.
So how does the recreational vehicle (RV) industry combine the two elements to capitalize on a growing market?
Enter RV retailer FreedomRoads and Web platform firm Channel Blade Technologies. In an effort to take advantage of consumer Web trends and the industry's rising awareness levels, Chicago-based FreedomRoads and Virginia Beach, Va.-based Channel Blade Technologies (CBT) today have announced the formation of a strategic partnership to enhance FreedomRoads' Web platforms.
Beginning in February, FreedomRoads, its partner Camping World and Channel Blade Technologies will launch multiple integrated Web platforms, offering a one-stop shopping experience where potential customers can learn more about the RV lifestyle as well as access real-time RV inventory, accessories, equipment and information. The new venture will be an RV industry site with exceptional promotional and marketing opportunities for businesses targeting the RV consumer and will be aggressively marketed.
In addition, Channel Blade Technologies will partner with FreedomRoads in providing Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools for its dealerships as well as an array of consumer resources.
"With the concentrated effort to increase awareness for the RV industry, we feel like the time is now to be certain we're able to meet the needs of our growing consumer base; and FreedomRoads wants to lead the way," said John Sirpilla, Executive Vice President of Operations for FreedomRoads. "Channel Blade Technologies is an excellent partner for us to accomplish this goal."
"FreedomRoads and Camping World are exciting partners for us to work with," said Charles R. "Chuck" Lewis, Channel Blade's Executive Vice President and Managing Partner. "The RV industry is growing in the eyes of the public, and consumers are searching for that location on the Internet where they can raise their hands and express an interest. Our proven lead management tools will help FreedomRoads dealerships take these consumers through to actual sales."
As both Sirpilla and Lewis noted, indeed the RV industry is growing. According to a study conducted by the University of Michigan, the current number of RV owners exceeds 7 million, and it's increasing at a pace of 15 percent-that's greater than the annual population growth. The study also found that more than 30 million people identify themselves as RV enthusiasts.
"So we've got good news here-and the ability to grow," Sirpilla said. "Today's announcement allows us to target and serve the increasing number of enthusiasts looking to make the jump to RV ownership."
Channel Blade Technologies began its work in the marine industry developing Web platforms and increasing sales for dealers and manufacturers alike. As the company perfected its FootstepsTM CRM tool-tracking leads from initial Internet contact through to the showroom and the sale-expansion to suitable industries became a natural. Lewis believes that FreedomRoads dealers can experience similar growth in fully capturing the online consumer. "Sales from Web leads can be crucial to boosting revenue and the industry as a whole," Lewis said.
There's similar sentiment from Randall Rahe, FreedomRoads Vice President of Business Development and eCommerce. "It's exciting to know we will provide consumers-as well as marketers targeting the RV consumer-with that ideal spot on the Internet to learn more about the RV lifestyle and view our products," Rahe said. "It's a great way to take the consumer through to actual contact with the industry as well as continue to serve the thousands of current FreedomRoads customers. We are also very excited about the dynamic, aggressive marketing plan which we feel will be the most innovative ever in RV Internet retailing."
Rahe is the contact for any RV industry-related businesses interested in learning more and being a Premier Participant with FreedomRoads and taking advantage of this venture prior to February. Interested RV or affiliated businesses can reach him at rrahe@freedomroads.com or (847) 808-3000.
About FreedomRoads
FreedomRoads is a dynamic national network of well-established local and regional RV dealerships that have united to benefit customers, employees, suppliers and the RV industry. FreedomRoads operates as a multi-store retail chain engaged in the retail sale, finance and service of recreational vehicles.
FreedomRoads is America's largest RV retailer. It currently employs over 2,400 associates and owns and operates 57 locations in 21 states including; Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Washington.
FreedomRoads stocks over $360 million of new and used recreational vehicle inventory and retails over 36,000 units annually. For additional information, please visit http://www.FreedomRoads.com, where more than 9,000 recreational vehicles are available for sale.
About Channel Blade:
Channel Blade Technologies was named for the company's sharp focus on the entire distribution channel of its clients. The company provides turnkey web solutions including Websites, applications development and hosting services, but is best known for its development of Branded Flow TechnologyTM and the FootstepsTM Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tool. Channel Blade's applications help drive customers from online to bricks-and-mortar-moving them from the Websites of retail dealers or original equipment manufacturers to the showroom and eventually to the sale.
|
