The first bike manufacturer to join the Siroop online marketplace: Bern-based bike manufacturer Thömus

Thömus, the bike manufacturer from the farm and Siroop, the "Swiss Amazon"

Since November 24, Siroop, the online marketplace from Coop and Swisscom, has been online in its beta version. In the pilot phase, 12 pick-up stations are available in the Bern region - for example Coop Pronto stores - where orders can be collected. The Siroop store currently offers around 30,000 items, while Migros' competitor Galaxus currently offers around 300,000 items. Based on the Amazon model, Siroop integrates partners and third-party providers who can offer products on the marketplace in return for commissions. Bern-based bike manufacturer Thömus is the first bike manufacturer to be prominently represented on Siroop.

Ride asked René Walker about Thömus' involvement on Siroop. Walker is responsible for marketing, communication, PR and the online store at Thömus.

How did Thömus' contact with Siroop come about?
We have maintained good contact with various departments at Swisscom and Coop for many years. I am heavily involved with the Internet as a sales channel and introduced the first online store at Thömus Veloshop in 2005. Since then, we have gained a lot of experience with it, even though our e-shop is very small. That's how this collaboration came about. We were able to contribute our know-how to the development of Siroop. The beta version is still running at the moment. There's still a lot to come.

"There's still a lot to come". Can you be more specific about that? We will soon be adding many more bikes to the Siroop store. And we're working on other online functions, but I can't give any details yet. Siroop doesn't want to be too secretive about this just yet.

How does Thömus' own offering complement the Siroop marketplace?
For Thömus Veloshop, the two stores in Oberried and Bern are the most important points of sale. Oberried in particular, with its "bike farm" experience and advice from our bike freaks, can't be beaten by any online store. However, Siroop offers us a sensible alternative for selling our products throughout Switzerland. The pick-up stations in particular are very customer-friendly. There is also a good team behind Siroop, which is motivated to implement the input from the various retailers to optimize the store. It's fun to see this project grow right from the start.

Is Thömus also targeting other channels? As the contact with Coop is good, as mentioned at the beginning, Thömus bikes in Coop Bau + Hobby stores could also be a possibility.
In terms of sales channels, we are currently relying on the two stores, our own e-shop and Siroop. Ultimately, you shouldn't forget the effort involved in managing such systems. But I wouldn't rule out other channels in principle.Which channels are you thinking of?
Generally all online channels. Whether existing shopping portals such as Galaxus, Amazon or eBay. But new social media tools such as sobu or trendy programs from Silicon Valley start-ups could also make the Internet sales channel even more interesting in the future. My cell phone is full of apps that may one day make the breakthrough in Switzerland.

How do the bikes reach the customer after ordering from Siroop?
During the pilot phase, customers can indeed have bikes delivered to the available pick-ups, or normally by post to their home. We deliver the bikes pre-assembled in large boxes. So all you have to do is adjust the handlebars, screw on the pedals and off you go.

www.thoemus.ch
www.siroop.ch