Shopatron Accelerates Through Recession

Shopatron, the leading provider of eCommerce solutions for consumer goods manufacturers, reported record manufacturer and retailer adoption across all industries despite a tough economy. In the first quarter of 2009 Shopatron signed 102 brands, beating the previous record of 78 brands signed in the fourth quarter of 2008.

Extending its winning streak in active leisure industries, Shopatron acquired 47 new brands in sporting goods, including 18 skate and surf brands, 5 wake brands, 9 snow sports brands, and 3 cycling brands.

Shopatron attributed its success to providing an eCommerce and order management solution, which gives manufacturers flexibility to configure order fulfillment scenarios to suit their strategic goals. Flexible business practices and value-oriented solutions also contributed to the company’s growth.

“In the sporting goods industry, which is comprised of many segments like snow sports and specialty running, we have seen significant growth in adoption by manufacturers. In this economy, our customers need revenue, and we provide new revenue streams at very attractive prices and terms,” said Ed Stevens, Founder and CEO of Shopatron.

In a typical use of Shopatron solutions, manufacturers launch an eCommerce store and engage retailers as order fulfillment partners. All of the 47 sporting goods brands acquired in the quarter intend to partner with retailers.

“Manufacturers do well to partner with retailers in tough times. In the first quarter of 2009 alone, we had over 3,000 sporting goods retailers with active accounts, a 50% increase from the same period last year,” said Stevens. “We have seen growing interest from retailers looking for revenue sources.”

Stevens also noted retailer activity is a function of many factors, including seasonality, manufacturer product cycles, and economic cycles. One Shopatron customer, Descente, has witnessed growing retailer participation in each of the three years since launching the Shopatron program.

“In the snow sports industry, Descente has worked tirelessly to get more specialty retailers, our target customers, engaged as fulfillers. We actually lobby our competitors to also send orders to retailers via Shopatron. Our singular goal is to be a great partner for our retailers and help them grow,” said Bob Geiger, COO of Descente, Ltd. “You reap what you sow. We have reaped increased retailer participation and increased market share.”

Stevens admitted however, not all sporting goods segments saw increased retailer participation. In specialty running, for example, only 152 retailers fulfilled manufacturer orders in the first quarter of 2009, while 159 did so in the first quarter of 2008.

Shopatron expects its business to continue to accelerate through 2009, on the strength of continued manufacturer adoption in North America and Europe. “We have worked hard to build a platform that gives our customers unbeatable value and all the capabilities of a Tier 1 eCommerce solution,” Stevens said. “As companies get value conscious, good values get more attention. Simple as that.”

About Shopatron

Shopatron, Inc., the leading provider of global eCommerce solutions for consumer goods industries, enables its merchants to engage consumers with a fantastic experience from shopping through fulfillment. Orders placed on Shopatron merchant web sites are fulfilled through a managed, distributed network of fulfillment partners, typically local retailers. Local fulfillment speeds delivery, motivates fulfillment partners to stock more inventory, and enables in-store pickup, a convenience valued by a majority of online shoppers.

Headquartered in San Luis Obispo, CA, Shopatron operates Coex Freedom, an order exchange with more than 600 merchants and 10,000 fulfillment partners across 35 consumer products industries. Some of Shopatron's merchant clients include: Berkley Fishing, Brooks Running, Callaway Golf, D'Addario, Johnson Outdoors, Mammut, MK Diamond, Nordica, Panasonic, Spy Optic, Stearns and Thule. For more information and a full client list, visit ecommerce.shopatron.com.

About Descente

Established in 1935 in Osaka, Japan, Descente has evolved into a leading manufacturer of quality sports apparel. The technically advanced and performance-friendly line has become a favorite of athletes who seek ski apparel that does more than just keep them warm. More than 70 years later, our commitment to athletes continues today. In some of the World's finest sports ranging from speed skating, volleyball, swimming, cycling and skiing, Descente supplies both professional and recreational athletes with quality apparel that provides the ultimate in comfort. The retail roots of our company are ever-present with the motto, “We’ve Got Your Back”; reminding us that our day to day efforts reinforce the strength and longevity of the specialty retailers who keep our industry pressing on. Descente's North American offices have continuously provided world-class Descente and DNA apparel to premier specialty ski shops across the United States. For more information on Descente, visit www.Descente.com.