National Bicycle Dealers Association launches 2024 retailer excellence awards

The clock is ticking for those interested in putting their hat in the ring for the National Bicycle Dealers Association (NBDA) 2024 Retailer Excellence Awards (REA), an initiative designed to support (North American) bicycle retailers in the ongoing battle for profitable business.

In a challenging economic landscape, the NBDA and the REA awards aim to empower and guide participants through education, peer groups, and programme sessions. The programme entry application period opens on February 5th and lasts for just 10 short days.

2024 marks the 12th year the NBDA will highlight and award bicycle retailer excellence. This year’s programme challenges participants to elevate their Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), energise staff, organise events, attract riders, seek community feedback, and gain media attention – all with a focus on crushing goals and achieving excellence in the retail sector. The NBDA is thrilled to invite the community to join the “retailer battle” and appreciates the support in this endeavour.

“QBP has always valued the NBDA’s commitment to giving retailers access to a variety of tools and training to help shop managers elevate their business performance and positive impact on increasing ridership in their communities,” said John Sandberg, QBP brand marketing manager. “The NBDA Retailer Excellence Awards are a great way to celebrate those shops that have implemented best practices that both drive success in their store operations and establish themselves as a meaningful resource for riders in their communities.”

The Retailer Excellence Award is one of many programmes spearheaded by the NBDA in the pursuit of strengthening the specialty bicycle retailer and leading bicycle retail to excellence, this year backed by names familiar both sides of the Atlantic –  QBP, Ascent360, RIDES, HLC, JBI Bike, Workstand, Marsh & McLennan Insurance, CABDA, Frog Bikes, BikeFlights, HPS, Citrus Lime, Upway, and Defeet.

“We appreciate the opportunity to support this programme by helping winning shops share their accomplishments with their customers,” said Ryan Atkinson, president of Workstand, which provides website and promotional graphics for REA winners. “We make sure that every winner has digital resources that help their community understand that there is a world-class bike shop around the corner.”

The entry application, taking less than 30 minutes to complete, ensures participation in the programme and provides additional information needed to fulfill the 2024 programme application criteria.

Components of the 2024 Retailer Excellence Awards Programme include:

• General Retailer Information
• KPI Data Tracking and Analysis
• Peer-to-Peer Learning at 4 Virtual Programme Meetings
• Employee Feedback
• People’s Choice Feedback
• Community Involvement via Organized Events
• Retailer Recognition via Press Inclusions

The 2024 REA offers:

• Retailer Education: Dedicated NBDA staff and program materials centered around using KPIs and understanding financials to improve profitability.
• Peer Programming: Aimed at helping retailers deliver excellence in retail and maximize KPIs.
• Interactive Marketing Materials: Engage your community to nominate your store for the People’s Choice Award.
• Industry Recognition: Showcase your commitment to Retailer Excellence.
• Multimedia Resources for Winners: Broadcast your achievement to your community.

There are more details on the awards, which are open to all specialty bicycle retailers across North America, online.

“The work the NBDA does to help bike retailers is unparalleled and invaluable to the industry. We look forward to continuing to support them in their mission to strengthen the specialty bicycle retailer through communication and advocacy, said Lindsay Hansen, demand generation marketing manager at Ascent360.

“This year’s programme will help retailers work ‘on’ their business, try some new initiatives and connect with communities. Every retailer in North America should take advantage of this program and take their business up a notch,” stated Jodi Hall, NBDA programme operations.

NBDA President Heather Mason commented: “We are thrilled to jump in the ring and challenge our community to win the “retailer battle” – thanks for coming along for the ride!”