NBDA links Gluskin Townley Group for detailed independent bike dealer study

The National Bicycle Dealer’s Association of America has linked with the Gluskin Townley Group to conduct an in depth study of the specialty bike retail channel.

Made up of industry veterans Jay Townley and Elliot Gluskin, the GTG have an extensive background of studying the bicycle retail landscape, with the former often sharing his knowledge right here on CI.N as a regular contributor.

Set to be published in the first quarter of 2017, GTG are tasked with conducting the 2016 edition of an established report – the Specialty Channel Retailer Research Study – a document that has helped outline the fortunes of the independent sector many times before now.

Todd Grant, the NBDA President added that: “It is important for as many bike shops as possible to participate in this research study and take the time to complete the online questionnaire. Both NBDA member and non-member bike shops throughout the U.S. will receive advance requests to participate early next year and every bike shop that completes a questionnaire will receive a complimentary copy of the 300 plus page research report, including all of the tables and charts!

“We are also working with the Gluskin Townley Group to make sure the report is bike shop friendly and that the data is easy to understand and the tables and charts easy to read so bike shops take advantage of the findings to make immediate improvements in their businesses,” Grant added.

The 2016 edition will this time include analysis of bike shop wages and benefits data.

All of the data will be cross referenced with other available data to paint the most accurate picture possible, says Elliot Gluskin.

“Some of the financial performance information and data from the Cost of Doing Business Study will be compared to key-performance-indicator data provided by the NBDA P2 Project,” he said

A pre-survey alert will be sent to U.S. bike shops in early January 2017 and reminders will be sent periodically until the survey closes in February.  The complete Report will be available to participating bike shops the end of March, 2017.

“The cover price for the Specialty Channel Retailer Research Study Report is $69 for members and $399 for non-members, so the value of participating by completing the questionnaire is high for our members and very high for non-member bike shops, and represent another reason they should consider joining,” said Fred Clements, NBDA Vice President.