EBONITE INTERNATIONAL REINFORCES
ROLEAS PRO SHOP ADVOCATE

In response to increasing pricing pressure being driven by Internet retailers, Ebonite International has introduced a new program specifically for “brick and mortar” pro shops. The Gold Pro Shop Program provides significant rebates to pro shops based on the amount of products purchased from any combination of Ebonite International brands. “Pro shops are the life blood of our industry and they are being pushed out of business by the pricing strategies of Internet retailers,” said Bob Reid, vice president of sales and marketing. “We need vibrant pro shops with operators who are committed to helping bowlers improve through better equipment and coaching. Unlike some of our fellow manufacturers, we are not running banner ads on Internet retailer sites or bowing to the pressure of their volume. We are investing in the traditional pro shop.” The Gold Pro Shop Program is available only to “brick and mortar” pro shops as defined by Ebonite International (shops with a physical store front business either within a bowling center or shopping area) and is not available to online-only retailers. For an annual fee of $795, participating pro shops will receive eight performance bowling balls (two each from Ebonite, Hammer, Columbia 300 and Track) and a rebate on quarterly purchases of any Ebonite International product (balls, accessories, pro shop supplies and equipment). “We have the best brands in bowling so we believe this is a no-brainer for pro shops. We are actually making their lives easier with a one-stop-shop approach. They can meet their shop front-room and back-room needs with one company that supports their mission and business every single day,” added Reid. For more information about the Gold Pro Shop Program, pro shops should contact their Ebonite International district sales manager. Based in Hopkinsville, Kent., Ebonite International is a privately-owned company that currently services bowling centers, distributors and retail outlets both domestically and internationally. The company's consumer product brands include Ebonite, Hammer, Robby's, Columbia 300, Track and Powerhouse™. Its commercial product brands are Ebonite VanTech Capital Equipment and Ebonite Bowling Center Direct. ###