Globalized Triathlon

Of the words zipping through our world these days, globalization is one that seems to come up with some regularity. Increasingly, we are a more global society. That is, our outlook and our make-up in the United States is more worldly than ever before. Many of the things we buy are produced overseas - largely in Asia. Critics contend that this leads to American job loss as manufacturers look oversea for cheap labor. Proponents say globalization is little more than free-market economics that drives lower prices for the seemingly ever-squeezed consumer. But for retail stores such as Triple Sports, globalization (in part) seems to have actually harmed inventory supplies.

This year has certainly been challenging on the supply side of retailing. Manufacturers are running out of product quicker and restocking more slowly. We can blame a couple of things. Demand, for one, has pummeled store supply. More people getting into triathlon and cycling means more people need the equipment to participate. We prepare for such things, but have continued to watch as we run out of certain items time and again. Secondly, manufacturers are resupplying more slowly than in the past. Additionally, $4 a gallon gas has made triathletes and cyclists compete for bikes with folks who would rather ride than drive to save a few bucks. Wayne Gray, of Southern California distributor KHS, told the industry magazine Bicycle Retailer that hybrids and low-end road bikes are in short supply. But commuters aren't the only ones in a pinch over high fuel prices.

A story printed in the New York Times stated that shipping companies have slowed the top speed of container ships by 20 percent to save fuel. That means supplies produced in Asia take longer to get to North America and down and down the line it goes. That means the wetsuit or bike you've been eyeballing might not be available when you head out to finally take the plunge. All of this is leading to more talk of producing products closer to home. Interesting, isn't it?


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