P.C. Richard & Son, the largest family-run electronics and appliance chain in the Northeast, has added fitness equipment to its online assortment.
The virtual selection, which includes treadmills, elliptical climbers, exercise bikes and strength-training devices, are fulfilled by a supplier and are not available in the company’s 66 stores.
The products are sold under the Pro-Form, Body Solid and Weider brands and are being pitched alongside P.C.’s selection of activity trackers and digital scales.
The move follows the 107-year-old business’ successful entry into bedding and mattresses, and reflects CE dealers’ search for new, more profitable categories like furniture and lawn-and-garden fare amid marginal margins in the once mighty TV category.
By limiting the new fitness line to third-party fulfillment, management may be looking to avoid the pitfalls that befell hhgregg, which trialed but eventually dropped what had once seemed a promising business.
