CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Channel IQ, the leading provider of online pricing intelligence and channel management solutions, today announced that Weber-Stephen Products LLC, the leading manufacturer of barbecue grills; smokers; accessories; and other outdoor room products, has chosen the Channel IQ platform to manage its extensive minimum advertised price (MAP) policy across its online sales channels. Weber selected Channel IQ for its ability to automate the labor-intensive price monitoring and communication processes consistently, accurately and instantly with channel partners while saving the manufacturer critical time and resources.
In addition, Weber believes, and it has been consistently demonstrated, that the successful sale of Weber Products involves a deep understanding of the features and benefits of the various Weber Products and a commitment to enhancing the consumer’s outdoor cooking experience. Weber supports their retail partner’s efforts to do so with training programs, on-line support and other activities to create a staff knowledgeable in the Weber line. The Weber MAP Program is designed to protect the premium value of Weber Products and protect investments made by Weber and its retail partners.
In addition to this MAP Program, Weber will continue its cooperative advertising program, which provides qualified retailers with support for their efforts to advertise and promote the Weber brand and Weber Products, in compliance with the MAP Program guidelines and the terms and conditions of the cooperative advertising program.
“We spend significant time and resources to monitoring and trying to enforce our MAP policies, largely for the benefit of our retailers. We are as committed to their interests as we are to protecting our brand,” said Mike Kempster, Executive Vice President and CMO for Weber. “Channel IQ’s solutions are a perfect fit for our needs because they allow for us to easily monitor where our product is being sold and quickly address any deviations from the MAP Program.”
“With so many channels for consumers to be buying products online, it can be impossible for a company to keep track of them all, both to ensure proper brand representation as well as protect their authorized retailers,” said Wes Shepherd, founder and CEO at Channel IQ. “We are thrilled to support an industry leader like Weber by providing unprecedented visibility into pricing in order to spot non-compliant discounting in advertisements. This actionable intelligence helps Weber manage their channels for optimal outcomes and ensure all their channel partners reap the benefits that come with policy compliance.”
About Weber Grills
Weber-Stephen Products LLC, headquartered in Palatine, Ill., is the world's premier manufacturer of charcoal and gas grills, grilling accessories and other outdoor room products. In 1952, founder George Stephen sparked a backyard revolution with his invention of the Weber® kettle. Almost 60 later, the family-owned company remains the industry leader with its Weber®, Weber® Q®, and Ducane® brands. As a leading exporter of grills, Weber brand products are sold worldwide at select home centers, hardware stores, department stores, patio stores, and other retail outlets. Weber has the strongest consumer outreach program in the industry with its Weber Grill-Line(SM) (1-800-GRILL-OUT®); Weber's On The Grill™ mobile application; and a content-rich website with grilling tips, techniques, and original Weber recipes at www.weber.com®. (The Weber Grill-Line and Weber Customer Service are closed on Christmas). Weber can also be followed on Facebook (www.facebook.com/weberbbq) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/webergrills).
About Channel IQ
Channel IQ is the leading provider of online retail intelligence solutions to manufacturers, distributors and retailers. Channel IQ provides real-time, online promotion and pricing information, empowering major manufacturers and retailers like Crutchfield, Olympus, Harman Kardon and Denon & Marantz to quickly and profitably handle channel issues and competitive situations. Only Channel IQ combines integrated reporting, interactive applications and services to enable manufacturers and retailers to automatically act on real-time data. Channel IQ solutions are the result of cutting edge technology combined with decades of industry experience in channel management, distribution, online retail and manufacturing. For more information, visit www.channeliq.com.