News

Bike registration better than just recording serial numbers

Posted March 17, 2020
Part of package of stories about smash and grab break-ins.
Bike Index and 529 Garage give retailers a way to pre-register their bikes at once.

PORTLAND, Ore. (BRAIN) — The way J Allard sees it, 529 Garage is a combination of crimewatch, crime stoppers and motor vehicle registration. And it, along with Bike Index, might be the best way for retailers to protect their bikes.

Retailers change policies and practices as COVID-19 concerns escalate

Posted March 16, 2020
UPDATES with Bay Area Shelter in Place announcement.
University Bikes' Michael Pope prepares to wipe down a service bike on Sunday. BRAIN Photo.

BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — With increased concern over COVID-19 and news of national retail chains closures, bike retailers are reassessing their response.

Vosper: How COVID-19 just might cure us of the 'never-ending discount season' blues

Posted March 16, 2020

Tough Love in the time of coronavirus: when everything's on sale all the time, your MSRP isn't a price. It's a joke.

COVID-19 Update from Bicycle Retailer & Industry News and Pocket Outdoor Media

Posted March 16, 2020

Dear BRAIN reader,

With the cancelation of trade and cycling events across the globe due to the COVID-19 pandemic we wanted to provide an update to the BRAIN community about our plans for the coming weeks and months as it relates to our collective safety and our ongoing coverage.

REI temporarily will close all stores beginning Monday because of COVID-19

Posted March 16, 2020
President and CEO Eric Artz said the outdoor retailer will reopen March 27.
Signs on the door of the REI in Boulder, Colorado, Monday morning.

KENT, Wash. (BRAIN) — REI Co-op announced Sunday night it will close its 162 retail stores nationwide beginning Monday because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Coop president and CEO Eric Artz announced the closures in an email.

The outdoor retailer will reopen March 27, he said.

Mississippi shop owner promoting cycling during COVID-19

Posted March 16, 2020
UPDATED with billboard images.
One of two Lamar Outdoor billboards James Moore will have to promote cycling.

HATTIESBURG, Miss. (BRAIN) — Much like the spread of COVID-19, psychological effects of social distancing only figure to get worse before they get better, according to James Moore.

Two retailers, two creative ways to secure their businesses

Posted March 16, 2020
Aaron Goss integrated bikes into securing the windows of his shop in Seattle.

HATTIESBURG, Miss (BRAIN) — When it comes to preventing smash and grab retail theft, James Moore and Aaron Goss took matters into their own hands.

A rash of smash and grab thefts puts retailers on the offensive

Posted March 15, 2020
The internet age has helped bike thieves organize networks to sell stolen goods from retailers quickly and efficiently.
Sports Garage Cycling experienced a smash and grab last year.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (BRAIN) — A bike store manager was injured a year ago in Chino, California, trying to stop two men stealing a bike, and it’s the type of story that makes Vancouver detective Rob Brunt wince.

New York and Seattle-area bike shops stable but wary

Posted March 12, 2020
The worsening of COVID-19 has some shop owners in the hardest hit areas wondering what's next.

SYOSSET, N.Y. (BRAIN) — Italy shutting down all non-essential businesses this week in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19 got the attention of Howard Chung.

Chung, owner of The Bicycle Planet in Long Island, told BRAIN on Thursday about a customer he helped in the morning who is from Milan.

Kitsbow's relocation and shift to domestic manufacturing paying off in turbulent times

Posted March 12, 2020
Kitsbow Cycling Apparel held its Old Fort opening in December.

OLD FORT, N.C. (BRAIN) — A year ago, Kitsbow Cycling Apparel committed to a goal of eventually manufacturing all clothes domestically. To help achieve that, Kitsbow relocated from Petaluma, California, to Old Fort in December.

Dorel Sports saw modest growth in 2019, announces European restructuring plan to support Cannondale

Posted March 11, 2020
The company said COVID-19 will likely affect its first quarter performance.
The cover of Dorel Sports' 2019 Product Portfolio

MONTRÉAL (BRAIN) — Dorel Sports is reporting flat revenues in the fourth quarter and 2.9% growth for the full year 2019. Dorel Sports is the parent of Cycling Sports Group, Pacific Cycle Group and Caloi. Its bike brands include Cannondale, GT, Fabric and Guru Cycling.

E-bike retail consolidates in Orange County as Franze buys neighboring store

Posted March 11, 2020
Townsend and Franze were friendly neighbors.

FULLERTON, Calif. (BRAIN) — Among the strategies retailers use to make room for e-bike opportunities, Mike Franze has taken a novel approach: He bought the e-bike store next door.

Marketing and PR firms plan spring launches without Sea Otter

Posted March 11, 2020
Our PR friends plan virtual trade shows, regional media gatherings and other substitutes.
REVEAL will be streamed from Camp Navarro. Virtual canoeing not included.

SAN FRANCISCO (BRAIN) — With the Sea Otter Classic shifted from April to October, brands are coming up with new product launch plans. Among the more ambitious approaches: a live-streaming global media conference planned by ECHOS Communications.

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