Originally posted by BobBlazevic Lowering that requirement would mean more exposure and a chance to put the product on shelves so more people could actually touch it before purchasing.
I've read that: PenHoya thinks they have enough demand already, thank you, and they don't need the brick-n-mortar exposure, with attendant problems of inventory, returns, etc. That: PenHoya is quite happy with their current business model and marketing plan, and sees no need to change. That: PenHoya gets all the publicity they need from magazines and websites that give high product ratings, so sees no need to advertise in places like USA. That: PenHoya already runs at full production capacity, and sells everything they make, with ever-increasing market share.
Assuming these factoids to be true, then seeing a brick-n-mortar presence of new Pentax products (not the ancient inventories carried by tourist rip-off shops) would either mean that 1) PenHoya has decided to gain visibility because business is good, or 2) PenHoya is desperate for visibility because business is bad. So, having Kr's on display everywhere might be a REAL BAD SIGN.