ALBUQUERQUE, NM (BRAIN)—Q Cycle LLC, the exclusive distributor of Exustar products in the U.S. market, will close its doors after two and a half years in business.
Bill Imielski, Q Cycle’s manager, said he will shut down for good after he sells the existing inventory of Exustar shoes, pedals, gloves, apparel, tools and other accessories on the shelves of his 6,000-square-foot warehouse in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This could happen as early as the end of the year, he said.
Although Q Cycle has built a loyal following among U.S. retailers since opening in spring 2009, the progression of the business did not meet either side’s expectations, Imielski said about his partnership with Exustar.
“We did the best we could,” said Imielski, who has held positions at Schwinn, Diamondback, Lake and SixSixOne. “We tried to get the Exustar name out and made sales in multiple channels including cycling and fitness, but we couldn’t get to a level where we were both satisfied.”
Exustar products are widely distributed via a worldwide network of more than 40 distributors. The Taiwanese company has a long history building private-label products for bike companies, but in recent years has expanded its own Exustar product line.
Over the last couple of years Imielski, also a firefighter and EMT, employed local firefighters during their off-duty time as well as their wives to work at Q Cycle. Last year he brought 13 independent sales reps on board to help bring Exustar products to retailers.
“We have built a nice operation and a sales force with a good existing dealer base,” he said. “The timing is a shame because Exustar has a lot of fun products coming out. It is a shame we won’t be around to capitalize on it.”
—Jill Janov
