PARK CITY, Utah (BRAIN) — The National Bicycle Dealers Association announced the 2021 Bicycle Retailer Excellence Awards winners in a ceremony at the Big Gear Show earlier this month. The award program was an update from the past Americas Best Bike Shops Program. The rebrand focused on inclusivity while celebrating the diversity in bicycle retail. The revisions to the program proved positive with an overwhelming number of retailers participating in this year's program.
"We were grateful to the positive feedback from retailers on this year's program," said NBDA President Heather Mason. "We are working toward creating a program that allows retailers to learn from each other; sharing tips and experiences that ultimately elevate the entire industry. It was great to personally get to know over 200 retailers and work with them to not only excel this year but better their practices forward."
More than 170 retailers were recognized for their retailer excellence. The award presentation was also broadcast live via the NBDA YouTube Channel for those retailers unable to attend. Retailers were awarded levels of Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze. These levels were based on application score, online presence, and participation in program webinars. In addition to the Excellence awards, the NBDA worked with association partner HLC to award four scholarships to the retailers for NBDA memberships. Four shops were awarded annualmemberships including Full Cycle Bikes (Boulder, Colo.), Pro Cyclery (Las Vegas, Nev.), Cahaba Cycles (Birmingham, Ala.) and Mikes Bikes (Novato, Calif).
SmartEtailing provided participants with social media assets for the People's Choice Campaign portion of the BREA awards. Over 1,800 consumers took part in voting for their local retailer to be acknowledged for their excellence. Retailers were awarded in four categories: Singl- door location, multi-door, shops with adjacent categories, and retailers with fit services.
As a special gift for participants the NBDA provided winners with not only a certificate of excellence but a 2021 Yearbook highlighting each participant. The book provided not only a picture of each retail location but a short bio of each location.
"We wanted to do something special this year to acknowledge the retailers who participated," said NBDA Development Director Rachelle Schouten. "It has been a trying year. Retailers are faced with challenges unlike ever before and continue to show up and excel. The yearbook is our way to leave a legacy and tribute to each and every retailer who continues to add joy and excellence to our industry."
2021 marked the ninth year the NBDA highlighted and awarded bicycle retailer excellence. The 2022 program will launch in April 2022.
The Bicycle Retailer Excellence Award was made possible by support from sponsors Specialized Bicycle Components, PeopleforBikes Ride Spot, Quality Bicycle Products, SmartEtailing, Marsh & McLennan Insurance, Locally, and Outdoor Industry Jobs. Bicycle Retailer & Industry News is the official media partner of the Bicycle Retailer Excellence Awards.
More information: Complete list of 2021 BREA winners.
