BikeBiz Awards: Vote now for retailers of the year

Following the commencement of the voting process for the BikeBiz Awards earlier this week, we’ll be highlighting each and every finalist from our list of expertly-curated accolades.

The final decision will be placed in the hands of those that know best – professionals that work within the industry day in day out and prosumers with a passion for cycling.

The online vote will close on Friday 16th August at midday and the results will determine the 2019 BikeBiz Awards winners.

Today, we’re showcasing the retailer awards: Best Independent Bike Dealer, sponsored by Citrus-Lime, and Best Omnichannel Retailer.

Best Independent Bike Dealer, sponsored by Citrus-Lime

Arragons Cycle Centre – With over 40 years trading as a family business, Arragons Cycle Centre has evolved to meet the changing demands of its customers and retail landscape. Its policy is to provide great service to its customers, all of the time. Its policy is to provide great service to its customers, all of the time. From its Pro Bikefit service to its Shimano Service Centre, it offers one to one classes demonstrating bike maintenance and #TeamArragons to support all cyclists by offering a place to visit, social shop ‘dos’ and a variety of weekly staff-led road, MTB and e-bike rides suitable for anyone who wants to join in.

Backyard Bike Shop – Backyard Bike Shop is a small, independent workshop which specialises in bespoke custom bike builds for customers up and down the county. BBS has been involved in numerous cycling events throughout the North East, providing sponsorship to riders/ promoting the cycling industry within the area/ encouragement of new cyclists. The owner of BBS is knowledgeable in all things cycling related and has previous race experience. He is attentive and ensures the best possible deal for his clients when building their dream bike.

Biketreks – With a newly refurbished Ambleside store, Biketreks has well and truly risen the bar when it comes to bike retailing. With three purpose-built shops offering award-winning service, a new easy to use the website and an ever-evolving retail platform, the business grows every year. They are now offering luxury guided holidays in the Lake District so people far and wide can experience the incredible riding and stores.

Brink – Quite possibly the most progressive MTB dealer in the country, in terms of tailoring its offering, branding, in-store atmosphere and services offered. It’s been stated many times that it’s almost impossible for an independent retailer to make money from the MTB market in the age of Canyon, YT and German websites, Brink puts a lie to that statement and has proved that it can be done and done very profitably if you fully commit to it.

Criterium Cycles – The customer service policy at Criterium Cycles is clear and simple – delighting its customers is the reason it is in business. It has built up an enviable reputation in 6 years, focused around selling Trek and Bianchi bikes and a selected range of premium brands such as Kask, Gore, Bontrager, Torq and Restrap. It focuses on making sure customers select the bike that is right for them and then ensure through its added-value services such as Bike Fit and after-sales service delivers the best possible outcomes time after time.

Cyclewise – Cyclewise is a diverse rider-owned family cycle business, based in Cumbria. Cyclewise Whinlatter is its specialist mountain bike trail head shop, with premium fleet bike and e-bike to hire and are also a professional mountain bike training provider, attracting visitors from far and wide. Cyclewise staff are driven by a commitment to excellence, to delivering a quality service and first-class training experiences. Its staff are passionate about helping people ride their bikes, and to ensure they have the right bike for a customer.

JE James Sheffield – JE James Cycles has three stores across Yorkshire and Derbyshire and has been part of the local landscape for over 55 years. The business has come a long way from repairing and selling second-hand bikes in the early 1960s. Since then the company has gone from strength to strength, with 9% growth year on year in 2017-18, building on its commitment to support every cyclist.

MB Cyclery – MB Cyclery in Haslemere offers an excellent premium range of road, MTB and gravel. It believes in each of the products it stocks and provides an excellent service alongside. It rides with its customers and has pro riders chatting with customers and fans all the time. It has transformed the shop after taking over two years ago and it speaks volumes about its business ethic and character.

Revo Bikes – Revo Bikes is now in its third year of operation at Revolution Bike Park in Llangynog Powys. It specialises in MTB and, in particular, the gravity end of the market given its location. It runs demo programmes and offers the very top brands catered for the DH and Enduro crowd.

Rockets and Rascals, Poole – A fresh take on modern bicycle retail and service within a local community of cyclists. Recently expanded bicycle side of the business gives ample room to browse the fine selection of brands from Santa Cruz, Whyte Bikes, Scott, Open, ibis and Vielo. The adjoining cafe makes it a unique experience whether your a cyclist or not. The community has grown to see a healthy number of riders joining it on a Saturday ride hitting over 50 in the peak summer.

Best Omnichannel Retailer

Cycle Republic – Cycle Republic is one of the fastest-growing cycling retailers, run by cyclists with an industry-leading omnichannel proposition for commuters and enthusiasts alike. Its tone is refreshing and honest, reflected in its Google reviews rated at 90% satisfaction. Its website uses the state of the art Magento platform giving its customers an effortless omnichannel experience, seamless click and collect service and free delivery option. Customers have access to extended ranges and exclusive brands, which has seen a growth of 155% in two years.

Decathlon UK – In 2018, Decathlon continued to invest in the UK by opening five stores, building a 30,000 square metre distribution hub in Northampton and opening an all-new 10,000 square metre UK campus store in London. In 2028/19 it launched the Triban and Van|Rysel brands signifying a move away from b’Twin. When launching the Triban RC range, it gave hands-on training to all staff, customer test days and full press launch. Its omnichannel launch had great content filmed in Scotland with its teammates and it organised a dedicated bike production facility in its Lille factory.

Ribble Cycles – Ribble prides itself on its passion for cycling and making our customers riding and buying experience bespoke, accessible and all-encompassing with customers able to purchase online, directly from Ribble Cycles head office, one of our brand-focused stores or any Ribble event or roadshow using a holistic secure web-based buying process. British designed, developed and hand-assembled in the UK the current range offers 28 models that transverse all disciplines, and riding capabilities.

Rutland Cycling – Rutland Cycling is a leading player in bicycle retail, offering omnichannel growth, events and telesales. It supplies bikes, parts, clothing and accessories from the world’s best cycling brands with 8,000+ products available with premium shipping, or to click and collect to any of its stores. It offers 30-day satisfaction guarantees, price match promise and 14-days free insurance, generating a Google review score of 4.7 from 5200+ reviewers.

Sigma Sports – From local bike shop to an online retailer, Sigma Sports came about when two friends opened their doors to the public back in 1992 with the aim of getting more people on road bikes and enjoying the sport they love. Going from strength to strength, a small shop became a bigger shop, and from the flagship store at 37-43 High Street, Hampton Wick, it now caters for cyclists of all levels and abilities. Sigma Sports was soon online and able to offer cyclists around the country.

Velorution – At a time where retail is contracting, Velorution continues to expand across the Metropolis, with four locations in London, Marylebone, Islington, Hackney London Fields and the new store at 325 Kings Road Chelsea. Velorution’s innovative products and retail theatre delight its urban, electric and lifestyle customers with a selection unique to its stores. Service is at the heart of the Velorution offering with two well equipped in-store workshops and a concierge service which offers customers the convenience of home servicing.

The 11th annual ceremony is returning to the Cycle Show at the NEC Birmingham on 12th September, in conjunction with the exhibitor after-party.

Citrus-Lime has been confirmed as an event partner for this year’s Awards. The EPOS and e-commerce specialist will also be sponsoring the Best Independent Bike Dealer Award for 2019.

For sponsorship and promotion opportunities, please contact Richard Setters.

www.bikebizawards.com