TBI and Slowtwitch.com name top 50 multisport retailers

ORANGE, Calif. (BRAIN) – Triathlon Business International and Slowtwitch.com have announced the top 50 multisport retailers in the U.S. for 2014. Compiled by Slowtwitch.com publisher Dan Empfield, the top 50 was determined by consumer and supplier votes. 

"Triathlon Business International has been honored to partner with Slowtwitch.com the past five years to present the top 10 and top 50 triathlon retailers.” said TBI president Jack Caress when the list was announced.  “We think it’s important to recognize the best shops throughout the United States, ones who have done a great job offering the top products, technical expertise and professional services to their triathlete customers."

The voting process was weighted 80 percent on suppliers’ votes and 20 percent consumer, the majority of whom are Slowtwitch.com readers. Over 300 retailers with brick and mortar locations were considered for the top 50. Ballots were distributed among nine geographic regions and to 75 suppliers. Suppliers were allowed to select 3 to 6 retailers per region depending on the size of the region and up to 47 retailers total.

The criteria suppliers were asked to consider included: brand and technical knowledge, significant triathlon in-store inventory, service to the local community, ability to satisfy customer needs with product match, fit, size and equipment setup, and general knowledge of the sport of triathlon among others.

Slowtwitch.com readers cast their votes on nine parameters, including inventory, staff product knowledge, store hours and parking.

TBI will announce the top 10 multisport retailers at the awards celebration and banquet to be held during its annual industry conference on January 26. TBI will also honor the top triathlon product and triathlete’s choice best events of 2014 among several others.

The third annual TBI conference runs Jan. 25-27 in Marina del Rey, Calif. 

The top 50 multisport retailers for 2014 (alphabetical order)*:

* There are 51 in the list due to a tie for the 50^th position.

** New in 2014.  Did not make the 2013 list.