Irvine,CA, February 3, 2024 – The National Bicycle Dealers Association (NBDA) is excited to announce the launch of the 2024 Retailer Excellence Awards (REA), an initiative designed to support bicycle retailers in the ongoing battle for profitable businesses. In a challenging economic landscape, the NBDA and the REA awards aim to empower and guide participants through education, peer groups, and program sessions. The program entry application period opens on February 5th and lasts for just 10 short days.
2024 marks the twelfth year the NBDA will highlight and award bicycle retailer excellence. This year's program challenges participants to elevate their Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), energize staff, organize events, attract riders, seek community feedback, and gain media attention – all with a focus on crushing goals and achieving excellence in the retail sector. The NBDA is thrilled to invite the community to join the "retailer battle" and appreciates the support in this endeavor.
“QBP has always valued the NBDA’s commitment to giving retailers access to a variety of tools and training to help shop managers elevate their business performance and positive impact on increasing ridership in their communities,” said John Sandberg, QBP brand marketing manager. “The NBDA Retailer Excellence Awards are a great way to celebrate those shops that have implemented best practices that both drive success in their store operations and establish themselves as a meaningful resource for riders in their communities."
The Retailer Excellence Award is one of many programs spearheaded by the NBDA in the pursuit of strengthening the specialty bicycle retailer and leading bicycle retail to excellence. The 2024 Retailer Excellence Award program is made possible by generous support from sponsors QBP, Ascent360, RIDES, HLC, JBI Bike, Workstand, Marsh & McLennan Insurance, CABDA, Frog Bikes, BikeFlights, HPS, Citrus Lime, Upway, and Defeet. For more information on sponsoring REA, please contact the NBDA here.
"We appreciate the opportunity to support this program by helping winning shops share their accomplishments with their customers,” said Ryan Atkinson, president of Workstand, which provides website and promotional graphics for REA winners. “We make sure that every winner has digital resources that help their community understand that there is a world-class bike shop around the corner."
Retailers have a limited window of 10 days, from Monday, February 5th to Thursday, February 15th, 2024, to complete a short entry application for the 2024 program. The entry application, taking less than 30 minutes to complete, ensures participation in the program and provides additional information needed to fulfill the 2024 program application criteria.
Components of the 2024 Retailer Excellence Awards Program include:
- General Retailer Information
- KPI Data Tracking and Analysis
- Peer-to-Peer Learning at 4 Virtual Program Meetings
- Employee Feedback
- People's Choice Feedback
- Community Involvement via Organized Events
- Retailer Recognition via Press Inclusions
More than an awards program, the 2024 REA offers:
- Retailer Education: Dedicated NBDA staff and program materials centered around using KPIs and understanding financials to improve profitability.
- Peer Programming: Aimed at helping retailers deliver excellence in retail and maximize KPIs.
- Interactive Marketing Materials: Engage your community to nominate your store for the People's Choice Award.
- Industry Recognition: Showcase your commitment to Retailer Excellence.
- Multimedia Resources for Winners: Broadcast your achievement to your community.
Who can participate:
- All specialty bicycle retailers across North America.
- NBDA membership NOT required.
- Suppliers/Vendors/Industry Organizations: Encourage retailers to apply or become a Sponsor.
- Sales Reps: Encourage retailers to apply.
- Employees: Provide feedback on your shop.
- Consumers: Vote for your favorite shop for the People's Choice.
Why Participate?
- A forced, in-depth analysis of your business practices for continuous improvement.
- Gain valuable insights from other retailers, staff, and the industry.
- Strengthen the bicycle industry by showcasing personal retailer excellence.
- Demonstrate commitment to continuous improvement.
- Show support for the bicycle industry.
Do I Need to Pay to Participate?
- NO – the application is absolutely free.
REA is one of the NBDA’s cornerstone programs, designed to strengthen independent retailers with continual analysis and strategic planning to improve their business. “The work the NBDA does to help bike retailers is unparalleled and invaluable to the industry. We look forward to continuing to support them in their mission to strengthen the specialty bicycle retailer through communication and advocacy, said Lindsay Hansen, demand generation marketing manager at Ascent360.
“This year’s program will help retailers work ‘on’ their business, try some new initiatives and connect with communities. Every retailer in North America should take advantage of this program and take their business up a notch,” stated Jodi Hall, NBDA program operations.
Don't miss this opportunity to “Join the Battle” and be part of the movement towards a thriving bicycle retail industry. Apply by February 15th, 2024, and be recognized for your commitment to excellence.
NBDA President Heather Mason commented “ We are thrilled to jump in the ring and challenge our community to win the “retailer battle” – thanks for coming along for the ride!”
About the National Bicycle Dealers Association (NBDA)
The National Bicycle Dealers Association (NBDA) has been here since 1946, a nonprofit organization representing and empowering specialty bicycle dealers in North America through education, communications, research, advocacy, member discount programs, and promotional opportunities. Learn more about the benefits of being a member and join now.
