Two Major New Agencies for Advance Traders
Brisbane-based distributor Advance Traders has been busy boosting its presence in the industry, signing up with two heavy-hitter brands during the past month.
On 15th September, Advance Traders announced it was taking on the role of distributor for premier clothing manufacturer ASSOS of Switzerland.
“The Addition of ASSOS to the Advance Traders Portfolio is an exciting triumph for our company and we look forward to seeing the brand grow within Australia,” Advance Traders P&A Brand Manager Claire Battle said.
Just six days later, the company issued another press statement to announce it has become the exclusive distributor for bike component manufacturer Full Speed Ahead.
Brand Manager Joshua Strickland declared in the statement: “We couldn’t be happier to have Full Speed Ahead as our new partner and high-end brand to join our line-up.
“FSA is such a well-respected and established brand that is the leader in World Tour racing. We believe Full Speed Ahead is the perfect addition to our portfolio with their high-quality products that cater to all kinds of riders.
“The opportunity in the Australian market is looking for this synergy and we are excited for this great opportunity.”
An FSA spokesperson said the company is excited to further its relationship with Advance Traders and its established sales force.
“We strongly believe Advance Traders is the perfect partner to bring our innovative product line to the Australian Market, through their extensive dealer base,” the FSA statement says.
Advance will bring in bearings, bottom brackets and headsets in the next three months, with a goal to expand the range as products become available.
FSA produces bicycle components for road cycling and mountain biking and supports many of the world’s leading road and mountain bike teams.
The two Advance Trader announcements closely follow the return of its Marketing Manager, Chris-Jane ‘CJ’ Lo, after extended leave from the industry to focus on her young family.
Prior to this week’s announcement, FSA was distributed in Australia by Cassons and previously had a long-standing relationship with SCV Imports.
ASSOS of Switzerland’s distributor switch ended an eight-year connection between ASSOS and Brisbane-based distributor Echelon Sports.
Echelon had previously specialised in bike and components distribution until ASSOS approached it in 2013 to relaunch the brand in Australia.
The ASSOS of Switzerland range in Australia comprises bibshorts, jerseys, vests, jackets, undershirts, sports medics, warmers, gloves and other accessories.
New knicks, the Mille GTO Bibshorts, have been added to this season’s apparel, which is due to arrive in Australia in November.
Founded in 1976, ASSOS of Switzerland has been an industry leader in the cycling scene because of its use of exclusive textiles, radical construction methods and bold designs.
It has been worn to more than 400 Olympic and World Championship medals.