PARKER and WATERMAN Sign with Channel IQ to Build Up Online Retail Intelligence

Oct. 23, 2012 - PRLog -- Chicago, Ill.—October 9, 2012 — Channel IQ, the world’s leading provider of online price intelligence (http://www.channeliq.com/) and channel management applications announced today that PARKER and WATERMAN of the Fine Writing Global Business Unit of Newell Rubbermaid , two of the most luxurious pen brands in the world, have chosen the Channel IQ platform to manage its extensive MAP policy monitoring (http://channeliq.com/solutions/software/channel-management) across the brands’ online U.S. sales channels. Not only does this partnership provide PARKER and WATERMAN an unprecedented view into pricing across retailers selling PARKER and WATERMAN products, but will provide actionable intelligence for the brand to manage its advertising and multi-channel sales programs.

“Channel IQ’s solutions offer a single view on when, where and how our products are being sold,” said Raphael Fuchs, Regional Global Business Unit Leader for Fine Writing in North America. “With as many product lines as we have online, this partnership ensures that we are immediately aware of how our products are priced which ultimately protects our brands and our customers, not to mention that our consumers get the true luxury brand experience when buying from authorized online dealers.”

A minimum advertised pricing (MAP) policy is an integral component of a manufacturer’s strategic dealer program covering the sales of a product line where advertising guidelines are used to help maintain a brand’s positioning and value in the marketplace. While many manufacturers collect price monitoring information internally or from third parties, the data is often delayed, depriving manufacturers of necessary online pricing visibility. Deep, real-time visibility into all online sales channels is required in order to spot unauthorized discounting in advertisements, grey market sales and even counterfeiting.  

“There’s a reason that we use the term brand value—the products being sold offer a unique experience exclusive to the consumer using them. When the manufacturer loses control of what exactly is happening with a products distribution and presentation, consumers can no longer be sure of the product’s quality, warranty or of the purchasing experience” said CEO of Channel IQ, Wes Shepherd. “Channel IQ’s mission is to illuminate retail activity for manufacturers so they can provide the targeted experience to customers who rely upon them in today’s e-commerce world.”

For more information on Channel IQ and its solutions, please visit www.channeliq.com. For more about PARKER, visit www.parkerpen.com and for WATERMAN, visit www.waterman.com.

About PARKER

For more than 120 years, PARKER has established itself as a pioneer in the Fine Writing field in both technology and design. Born out of part-time salesman George Parker’s yearning for a more reliable pen, PARKER thrives on its dedication to understanding consumer needs, and reflect its founder’s ethos of “make a better pen and people will buy it.” The brand’s technological breakthroughs and tireless innovation have transformed the industry time and time again with products that demonstrate craftsmanship and quality, and prove that PARKER is a forever partner for those who strive for achievement in life and write their own story.

About WATERMAN

Since its foundation in 1883 by Lewis Edson Waterman and the invention of the first refillable fountain pen, the WATERMAN brand has constantly sought to innovate. With a long history rich in creativity, it has become a true reference in the world of writing. Today, WATERMAN is asserting its personality more than ever through its exceptional know-how and spirit of innovation. Each pen is unique, exclusive and continues to reflect the character and temperament of its owner. Using a variety of materials and colors, designs and styles, WATERMAN remains more than ever the epitome of individual French elegance.

Newell Rubbermaid®
Newell Rubbermaid Inc., an S&P 500 company, is a global marketer of consumer and commercial products with 2011 sales of approximately $5.9 billion and a strong portfolio of leading brands, including Rubbermaid®, Sharpie®, Graco®, Calphalon®, Irwin®, Lenox®, Levolor®, Paper Mate®, Dymo®, Waterman®, Parker®, Goody®, Rubbermaid Commercial Products® and Aprica®.

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 Olympus, Dyson, Panasonic, Wüsthof, Bulova and Tumi 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.