According to a report by Canon Price Watch, Canon USA has cut off 15% of its Authorized Dealers. The company removed 71 online outlets and small stores in an effort to reduce operating costs.
The report states that the original change took place on February 13th and was adjusted on February 18th. According to CPW, it is “one of the largest mass-removals recorded” in Canon history and cites industry sources who say the change is due to Canon’s financial struggles saying “Fewer dealers means less Canon USA expenditure on sales management, marketing, operations, and compliance,” explains CPW.
The initial purge on the 13th reduced the number of dealers by 86, but some of those dealers including three of the US military exchanges that sell discounted cameras to armed forces personnel were allegedly removed by accident and had been added back. As of the 18th, there were a total of 399 dealers left from a former total of 470.
For a full list of the stores that were removed from the network, click here.
Original Article on PetaPixel.