BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
Maybe 2015 didn’t measure up to expectations, but there’s plenty for the trade to look forward to 2016. But don’t take our word for it, here are some of the cycle trade’s key players telling us what they’re anticipating in the next 12 months…
Cedric Chicken,
Chairman, Chicken Cyclekit:
“Due to a lot hard work, internal investment and a strong market we have enjoyed many years of uninterrupted growth. 2015 was a year of consolidation. Those of us who have been in the game for a while, saw it as a time to re-invest, improve our systems, check out all aspects of our organisation and prepare for a slower rate of growth in 2016. However, we may be pleasantly surprised with the outcome.
“Distributors like ourselves are able to lay-in stocks of new products from early in the New Year, presenting them at the Core show. We have increased our complement of sales staff in the field and in the sales office. Newly printed bike trade catalogues have been distributed and a complete component catalogue is due out very soon. This will be a new reference point for our brands, along with a new B2B site which has just gone live. The consumer will not be overlooked either with strong marketing and promotional work.
“Brands are the name of the game. So many of our brands have withstood the test of time and are now an open book divulging the technology, science and thinking that has helped make them great.
“Best of all, is the way in which new and exciting products continue to regularly arrive in the marketplace.
“How does the dealer decide which to choose? Service has to be top of the list. Far better to keep it simple, thereby reducing the choice and keeping inventories limited. We offer an improved customer interaction, next day delivery from 3pm and the back-up of a technical sales team selling brands that are very much in demand. Although the internet continues to be of importance to us all, we have many IBD friendly initiatives within our portfolio that we have put in place to support dealers. They are the key to our continued growth.
“Chicken Cyclekit looks forward to a challenging but productive 2016 introducing new brands like Selle Italia NET saddles and more innovations across all of our brands.”
Russell Merry,
Senior Vice President and General Manager, Cycling Sports Group North America & UK
"We are cautiously optimistic as we look to improve products and operational capability. We turn on SAP accounting system on January 3rd and will have a new and improved B2B site and CRM system installed by mid-year in the UK.
“All our bike brands continue to innovate. Charge is at the forefront of 27Plus mountain, Fabric is going to become a world leading P&A brand, Cannondale has multiple innovative platforms for 2017MY, GT will launch 27Plus and I could go on and on.
“The market is changing and I believe that globally we understand where it has been and where it is going.
“We will continue to support our dealer network and look forward to a successful year in which we hope to grow our business with our retail partners and take market share.”
Simon Ellison,
Co-Founder and Director, Zyro
“What am I looking forward to in 2016?
“Seeing the ONE Pro Team riding out in Altura.
“Using the new TORQ products to keep me going through the Mallorca 312 sportive in April and my Coast 2 Coast and back in a day ride in June!
“Seeing more time trials being won by riders wearing Giro’s new and fastest ever aero helmet the Aerohead MIPS.
“MIPS helmets from ABUS, Bell and Giro – they really give every retailer a great reason to sell their customers a new helmet and Zyro offers the most comprehensive range available to them.
“SKS launching the Raceblade Pro Mudguards. Which offer road bikes the most convenient mudguard solution without the need for frame eyelets.
“ABUS’ new range of Cable Locks which feature a simply amazing bracket system.”
George Bowie,
Managing Director, 2pure
“I’m looking forward to The Core Bike show. The show did a great job in kick starting our season this year, providing a great showcase for both new and existing brands. In 2016 we will have more space to work with, more brands represented, more suppliers present and maybe one or two surprises – making this such an important opportunity to connect with our customers.
”I predict there will be opportunities in 2016. Many parts of the industry have found things tough recently, which has put pressure on dealers, distributors, and suppliers. Those who are well managed and well funded should be in a good position to take advantage of the opportunities that arise, whether it be stock looking for a new home, or brands looking for better support.”
Paul Elliot
Director, Bob Elliot
“As a company we will be attending The Bike Place Show at Silverstone Circuit at the end of January. We are very much looking forward to this, and exhibiting our summer portfolio to the trade across a small collection of our brands. We will be showcasing Funkier Clothing, FLR Shoes, Funkier Helmets, Chiba Mitts/Gloves and NRC Eyewear.
“The Rio Olympics will, undoubtedly give great coverage of our cycling disciplines after recent successes at the Games and fingers crossed as a nation we can produce similar performances to keep raising the profile of the sport.
“Aside from this, we are expecting a strong 2016 season with many new additions to our range. Fingers crossed we experience good, consistent weather which gets people out on their bikes which will give IBDs full workshops and an increase in sales to boot.”
Want to have a say on your expectations for the rest of the year? Head to the comments below or email us at BikeBiz@nbmedia.com.
