Meridian announces "inaugural" dealer network

By IBI Magazine / Michael Verdon

Promising a strong "business relationship and long-term friendship," Meridian president Bill Barrington introduced its eight new dealers last night. They are Colony Marine, Hayden Island Yacht Centre, MarineMax, Olympic Boat Centres, Port Arrowhead, Skipper Bud's, Surfside 3, and Tidewater. US Marine officials didn't say how many retail locations would be selling the Meridian line, but the eight dealerships own over 100 locations. MarineMax, with 53 locations, said it would be selling the line at retail outlets in Texas, Minnesota, Ohio, North Carolina and New Jersey.

Barrington also outlined strategies that Meridian will follow in order to support the "inaugural" dealerships. He said that Meridian will deliver an "aggressive ad and marketing campaign, consistently high-quality product, customer support, and open lines of communication." He also said that he sees these dealers as "family." This approach is more than just sentiment since much of the success of Sea Ray, under Barrington's lead, was credited to its tight and loyal dealer network, which grew and prospered with the company through the late '80s and '90s. "We will deliver a superior boat owning experience," he told the dealers.

(9 August 2002)