You know, just in case you couldn’t wait a week for your branded t-shirt, Amazon Prime shipping will have your Harley-Davidson merchandise at your doorstep within 48 hours.
THE FUTURE FOR HARLEY
Remember when the Motor Company had that big announcement about new products and plans, and buried in that press release we at RideApart came across what we thought was some interesting language about “strategic alliances with global leading e-commerce providers”? Well, turns out that reference was about this new Amazon storefront.
Because yes, that’s exactly what this is. Harley-Davidson now has an official Amazon store, and everything in it is eligible for Prime shipping, if you’re already a Prime member that is. Besides that, I can’t personally think of a good reason to be excited about this news since H-D already has a robust storefront on their own merch site. But as Harley puts it, this introduces “select Harley-Davidson apparel and riding gear to hundreds of millions of potential customers.”
So what’s up for grabs on Amazon?
How about this Grey Women's Studded Sleeveless Hoodie for $70?
Or this Waxed Canvas Slim Fit Denim Jacket for $90? (Modeled by someone styled to the Jax Teller look)
Of course, no Harley storefront would be complete without the classic Embossed Stripe Tri-Fold Biker Wallet... for $60. Or for the bi-fold type of person, that version for $45!
Harley dealerships and third party resellers have been selling gear and merch on Amazon for years, but this is the official Harley-Davidson shop, so you know, you're getting that satisfaction.
Okay, so sarcasm and snide remarks aside, the truth is it's good to see Harley-Davidson the company get behind the internet of things. According to a report from Forbes earlier this year, more than 20% of apparel sales in North America took place online. And by nearly any account, that number is only going to grow. Traditional brick and mortar retail is not dead, and far from it, but there's a definite shift in consumer demand to buy online, and the MoCo's choice to embrace it through the largest e-tailer of all, Amazon, shows at the very least a willingness to be forward thinking.
“We live in an on-demand, anywhere, anytime business environment where success depends on the ability to meet consumers on their turf and on their terms, “said Heather Malenshek, senior vice president of marketing and brand for Harley-Davidson Motor Company. “The reach Amazon offers is critical to building stronger customer relationships, inspiring new people and creating an integrated online and in-dealership retail experience – all of which leads to profitable growth and a stronger brand.”
Despite the corporate jargon, she's right of course. Harley's ultimate goal here is to find profitable growth and be a stronger brand. An Amazon storefront is just one small piece in that giant puzzle.
Source: Harley-Davidson Motorcycles
Gallery: Harley-Davidson Launches Official Amazon Storefront