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Teutonia In The US
April 10, 2008
Teutonia strollers are coming to the states on a pilot basis. A select few stores are currently receiving their floor models and design kiosks. I believe the number of retailers right now is 17 in all of North America. In a year or so, other select retailers will be able to bring in the Teutonia line. So why Teutonia? What makes this time different than the last time they tried to bring the Teutonia name to the US?
Well, most importantly, the market is ready. People are no longer afraid of heavier high-end, high-dollar strollers. Buying strollers has become like buying cars and right now the trend is toward the luxury models (despite a questionable economy.) Also, Teutonia now offers in-depth training and a full understanding of the German engineering that sets Teutonia apart. Newell Rubbermaid, parent company of Teutonia in the US, has put all of the marketing dollars into store displays, staff training, and the "Teutonia experience" of build-your-own-stroller kiosks.
What's that? Build your own stroller? That's right. There is a computer on which you can choose, either by yourself or with the assistance of an associate, what frame, wheels, fabrics, etc. you want for your special little person! The software is closed circuit and connected directly to Teutonia for regular updates. Customers can even take a quiz to find out what stroller Teutonia would recommend for them! (I have to say, though, that my quiz results were not what I would have recommended for myself... particularly the color... blech!) It is quite entertaining.
Entertaining, yes, but how viable is this product? Well, we had one sold right after the training team left. It was not sold by the training team, but by one of our newly educated staff members. As the first store in the US to have a kiosk and with the training team en route to the next store, we sold the product before anyone else even got it set up. That says something, doesn't it? I think so.
Mom says that Teutonia is going to revolutionize the way strollers are sold. Call me conservative, but I wouldn't go that far. I do think, though, that there is a new genre that will grow from this completely custom approach to strollers. Revolutionary is a strong term but I do agree that the market will never be the same. Would I recommend Teutonia for your store? Yes, as long as you're not in my area! :)
Posted by Kelly Nelson on April 10, 2008 | Comments (9)
