From the Magazine
BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — For our December magazine edition, we asked our State of Retail panel members: What percentage of your business is service and how are you managing parts shortages?
NEW YORK (BRAIN) — Juliet Scott-Croxford recently was hired by London-based Brompton folding bikes to be president of North America amid the company's 50% U.S. growth in unit sales in the past year during the bike boom and 76% over 2019. Scott-Croxford, formerly the CEO of Worth magazine, took time in October to answer questions from BRAIN about her plans for Brompton's expanding U.S. market.
BAYFIELD, Colo. (BRAIN) — Tailwind Nutrition unveiled a re-branding this fall as the nine-year-old company see continued growth beyond the ultra-endurance athletes that helped it get its start.
MONTEREY, Calif. (BRAIN) — E-bikes and the Sea Otter Classic have had a long relationship dating back to the first e-MTB race held here in 2016. Five years later, while e-bike racing continues to grow, the event is also featuring e-bikes for a greater good.
We spoke to shop owners, front-line staff and industry experts to get a clearer picture of the rewards and opportunities available in the industry. First, we'll compare compensation and benefit numbers with other industries. Then let's look at three good things and one bad thing about working in bike retail.
BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — For our November magazine edition, we asked our State of Retail panel members: Does your shop sponsor a team or have an ambassador program? How effective is it?
BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — For our October magazine edition, we asked our State of Retail panel members: Which in-person trade shows and dealer events will you attend this year, and how relevant are these events to you in the post-COVID, post-Interbike world?
BRADENTON, Fla. (BRAIN) — In August, BRAIN spoke with Sébastien Coué, the vice presidents of sales and marketing for Look Cycle Internationals. Coué moved to the United States this August in order to support the development of the company's American subsidiary, which was created in 2019. Look Cycle Holding has an annual turnover of $53 million, with 75% of the revenues generated outside of France; that includes 15% in the United States and 15% in Asia.
RICHFIELD, Minn. — Best Buy's announcement in August that it would enter the e-mobility space is actually a return to the marketplace for the big-box behemoth.
A version of this article ran in the October issue of Bicycle Retailer & Industry News.
Most ambitious shop staffers look ahead to rising up through the ranks in the industry. How many of you have talked to a successful company's sales rep and thought, "I wish I had their job!"
IRVINE, Calif. (BRAIN) — The National Bicycle Dealers Association is finding membership growth coming from around the industry as more brands, distributors and other industry members have been joining the association as associate members.
IANGSU, China (BRAIN) — The e-bike industry is amid a tightening battery pack market with many cell suppliers putting manufacturers on allocation, resulting in longer lead times and the potential for higher prices.
I proposed partnering on a three-part series to Jay Townley and Rick Vosper after reading that the Bicycle Industry Employers Association guarantees a $32,000 a year job to mechanics who complete their training.
Outside-the-industry folks were livid. "That's not even a living wage in most urban markets!"