Holiday RV Superstores Unveils E-Commerce Strategy
23 May 2000
Holiday RV Superstores Unveils E-Commerce Strategy Recusa.com Promotes RV Lifestyle Through
Virtual Dealership, Online Information Source
ORLANDO, Fla., May 22 Building on its success as the
nation's largest multi-store chain of recreational vehicle dealerships,
Holiday RV Superstores, Inc. today unveiled a comprehensive
e-commerce strategy designed to drive RV and boat buyers to its new website:
http://www.recusa.com .
The Orlando, Fla.-based chain, doing business as Recreation USA, said
visitors to the business-to-consumer (B2C) website will be able to buy and
sell RVs and boats, obtain online financing and insurance information, quotes
on trade-in, parts ordering, service availability and an ongoing RV
travelogue.
A second phase of the website, to be rolled out later this year, will link
consumers to RV and boat manufacturers, suppliers, banks, insurance companies,
campgrounds and amusement parks. It will also feature an interactive help
desk and coast-to-coast service scheduling.
"Recusa.com is the perfect online complement to our brick-and-mortar
dealerships and a key component in our strategy of becoming the nation's
recognized retail leader of RVs and boats," said Ronald G. Huneycutt,
president and CEO of Recreation USA. "We want to be the place where America
shops for leisure -- whether it is an RV buyer walking onto the lot of one of
our 14 dealerships or a boat buyer pointing-and-clicking his way through our
'virtual' dealership.
"We recognize that to be successful in the e-commerce arena, we must blend
commerce with content. We will provide useful content and services designed
to enhance the lifestyle and fulfill the needs of the RV or boating
enthusiast."
Recusa.com features:
* A "virtual dealership" offering a wide selection of new and used
motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels, boats, motorcycles and all-terrain
vehicles (ATVs) from more than 60 manufacturers. The site also features a
selection of used sport utility vehicles (SUVs), trucks and cars.
* Interactive capabilities that allow consumers to buy vehicles, receive
trade-in quotes, secure financing, apply for insurance and receive warranty
information.
* An online parts & accessories catalog, featuring camping equipment,
housewares, hardware, awnings, plumbing supplies, etc.
* Offline support from sales associates assigned at each Recreation USA
store to answer questions, arrange for test drives, etc.
* Special product and service discounts available only online.
"We see recusa.com as another way to provide superior customer service,"
said Gary Rodney, chief financial officer and director of e-commerce. "The
website is designed to supplement our brick-and-mortar stores with click-and-
order capabilities. It gives our customers the opportunity to familiarize
themselves with our inventory, our service capabilities and the Recreation USA
way of doing business in the comfort of their homes.
"That's an important piece of the equation. But customers will want to
come into our dealerships to see our vehicles, take them on test drives and
talk with our sales team. The relationship doesn't end when the sale is
finalized -- it's just beginning. Recreation USA customers will be able to
access information about parts, service and warranties from one of our
physical stores or from our virtual dealership."
Recreation USA plans to launch the second phase of its e-commerce strategy
later this year. Rodney said that recusa.com will expands its B2C offerings
by adding:
* An interactive help desk where RVs, boaters and cyclists can receive
answers and advice to their questions about service, maintenance and vehicle
use.
* Online scheduling of service at any of Recreation USA's 14 dealerships
nationwide, providing a little extra peace of mind for travelers.
* Strategic alliance partners such as manufacturers, parts suppliers,
amusement parks, banks, insurance companies, campgrounds, radio stations and
others. Some will offer discounts via the Internet to Recreation USA
customers.
"America is changing the way it shops -- and the way it gathers
information," said Mike Riley, chairman of Recreation USA. "Recreation USA's
strategy of combining its dealer lot strengths with online convenience should
prove to be an unbeatable combination in the marketplace."
Recreation USA, the nation's only public traded chain of RV and boat
dealerships, operates 14 dealership locations in California, Florida, New
Mexico, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia. Recreation USA
dealerships sell, service and finance more than 60 RV and 10 boat brands. The
Company also markets its offerings through an advanced e-commerce website at
http://www.recusa.com.
The statements contained in this news release include certain predictions
and projections that may be considered forward-looking statements under
security laws. These statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties
that could cause results to differ materially including, but not limited to,
the performance of the recreational vehicle or boat industries, certain
customers or affiliated companies, as well as other economic, competitive,
governmental and technological factors affecting the Company's operations,
markets, products, services and prices.
