BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
Online marketplace for new and used bicycles Bikesoup has transformed its website, following significant investment from fashion entrepreneur Touker Suleyman, to give retailers the opportunity to compete with online retail giants.
Established in 2010, Bikesoup provides the opportunity for bicycle dealers to sell their stock and connect with new customers. Its vision is to be the online partner for retailers and dealers, helping them with brand awareness, driving sales and increasing footfall to the bricks and mortar shops, providing additional opportunity for cross-sales and helping keep the high-street alive.
Pitched at bike shop owners and staff that are pressed for time, Bikesoup aims to make signing up to the online world effortless, relieving retailers of the need to navigate the complexities of delivering and maintaining their own websites. It offers a mobile and tablet-ready site that will continue to stay up to date with online technology.
Founder and MD Antony Auty said: “Our goal at Bikesoup is to level the online playing field with an easy to use, low maintenance, cost effective solution that maximises visibility of dealer stock. We can help dealers achieve increased sales – leaving them free to build a loyal customer base via in-store engagement and social networks.”
With over 4,500 pre-loaded bike specs and images across 70 brands, dealers can upload their stock to a fully customised page within seconds, the firm said. The Bikesoup Magazine and Cyclopedia tool deliver consumer content linked directly to dealer adverts and shop websites. Other benefits include a dedicated dealer ‘Homepage’ showing services, facilities, brands and their Bikesoup stock listings.
Further services coming soon on Bikesoup.com include ‘Click & Collect’ – delivering sales and driving store traffic – and a Store Finder with a fully searchable brand database that connects consumers with their local shops.
Bikesoup works with ActSmart to help drive consumers directly to IBDs and promote in-shop bike purchases in line with major bike brands’ selling policies.
