June sees the official launch of a new concept in the marketing of marine equipment in Ireland.
Recognising that certain areas of Ireland are simply not able to support fully fledged marine stores on a year round basis, CH Marine has come up with the 'CH Marine Instore' concept.
This is a network of new micro- chandleries placed within existing businesses offering a range of the day to day requirements for boaters and sailors alike.
Typically, CH Marine Instore outlets are based in businesses such as Supermarkets, Service Stations, Hardware Stores and Boatyards located close to Ports or Marinas and where customers can stroll up for those simple supplies that are always needed on a boat. Life jackets and spares, marine cleaners and polishes, pumps and floats switches, rope and fenders are just some examples of the typical range of items that will be stocked.
CH Marine already supply a vast range of brand name marine products throughout Ireland, either through their own stores or through their network of Star dealers. The Instore program is seen as an extension of this network, improving service and providing an efficient supply to all areas of Ireland.
So far CH Marine has a network of 16 'Instores', eight of which are on the inland waterways. Full store listing here.
When Afloat.ie spoke to CH Marine's Managing Director, Nicholas Bendon, he explained that the recession had made it difficult to maintain a local supply in certain areas of Ireland and that INSTORE is solution to that problem. "The great thing about INSTORES is that they are true convenience stores and some, such as those in Supermarkets, are open 7 days a week.
They have all agreed to a ' price promise', ensuring that the prices charged will always be the same as CH Marine and there is a back up support of next day delivery on the vast range of CH Marine standard stock items "
Having piloted the scheme last year, CH Marine currently have 16 signed up Instore outlets but the list is expanding and a total of 50 is envisaged.
For more info on your nearest CH Marine Instore outlet - click www.chmarine.com/instore
