BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
Whilst forum writers on singletrackworld.com asked where were the stands from Shimano, Giant and others (they were at the Sandown and Harrogate trade-only shows), those companies which plumped for the Islington expo were not disappointed.
"The trade days were very pleasantly busy and the public days were phenomenal," said John Styles, marketing manager at Windwave.
Scott has just run its own in-house shows for its dealers but Cycle 2003 was the first chance for the public to get a look at the widely-discussed Genius range.
"The reaction was stunning," said Scott’s general manager, Ian Hughes.
"The visitors to the show were really interested in purchasing and we directed them to our London dealers. It was the same story for our clothing and our soft goods. Working with our London dealers we have been able to convert interest into real sales."
X-Lite launched new Muc-Off goods at the show (including four-flavour air fresheners, seen below) and X-Lite’s marketing manager Alex Trimnell said Cycle 2003 was a "really impressive show."
Ramming home the message, he said:
"It’s great to be at a show that has a real atmosphere and great to be in London talking to the end user.
Tony Booth of IBD-cum-distributor All Terrain Cycles (formerly Terrain Mountain Bike Sport) liked the dual nature of the show:
"We were here to get our brands Regal and Handsome Dog in front of the public. The bikes have been well reviewed in the media but we needed the public to get hands on experience. The show certainly provided us with that and it also opened the doors to interested IBDs."
Cycle 2002 was awarded the Best New Exhibition by Event Magazin, the bible for the UK events industry. Cycle 2002 got the vote because it satisfied a criteria that included exhibition space sold, visitors attracted, exposure and awareness generated, content and presentation, professionalism and, how soon exhibitors signed up again for the 2003 event.
Following the success of this year’s event, it’s likely space will be booked fast for the 2004 event. And further industry tie-ups are expected to be announced in due course.
