BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
Hotlines
With the likes of Lapierre under its hat, Hotlines has seen a staggering 300 per cent growth year-on-year and massive brand acquisition. The firm took on the eye-catching Creme earlier in the year and Hotlines has invested heavily in personnel too in recent months, as well as upping marketing efforts significantly.
Madison
Probably the biggest distributor in the business, Madison still finds time to work with small scale projects like the Lundy Island cause. The firm’s essential IceBike* dealer show went twice yearly this summer, while its raft of bike brands has been well received, perhaps most eye-catchingly with Saracen, which recently expanded to cover the BMX sector. Madison has also joined BikeRadar Live for the first time this year, in a big way too.
Seventies
Adding Cult and the Make to its growing portfolio earlier this year, BMX-focused distributor Seventies complemented the 36,000 print run of its catalogue with a web ‘flipbook’ this year on its website. Sponsoring around 50 riders, the firm aims to help those retailers sometimes scared off by BMX, as well as serve the ever-growing sector through forging long-term relationships with the industry.
Silverfish
Adding Spanish bike brand Mondraker to its line-up this year, Silverfish promises good stock levels, fast delivery and a second to none back-up service. Putting on demo days around the country and attending dealer demos to back-up and increase sales locally, the firm also distributes Rocky Mountain as part of its complete bike brand offering.
Raleigh
Still one of the world’s best known bike brands, Raleigh has developed its offering to include high-end electric bikes and develop its BMX brand Diamondback – doubling sales for the name in the process. The firm picked up exclusive distribution for BH Bikes at the start of 2010, and now offers a Raleigh-run Cycle to Work scheme to its ever-growing Cyclelife store portfolio. And as if launching Team Raleigh into action wasn’t enough, the firm even brought its historic heron headbadge back into circulation around the globe.
CSG UK
Offering reportedly the broadest portfolio in the industry, there’s no denying the last 12 months have been huge for the new firm.
Born from the Hot Wheels acquisition by Dorel, the firm now has a 37-strong workforce and is set to reach a turnover in excess of £20 million. Its bike brands have blossomed too, including Cannondale, GT, Mongoose, Wethepeople, Charge and Summer. The firm also launched its Ride the Revolution dealer show last month.
Jim Walker
Having taken on Campagnolo service centre status with two other distributors in February, the Core Bike stalwart has put its willingness to try new and innovative ways to approach doing business as key reasons behind recent successes. Jim Walker distributes legendary road racer Eddy Merckx’s own brand alongside the likes of Sunn Bicycles and Argon 18.
