Editor's note: For a feature in Bicycle Retailer & Industry News, Retail Editor Ray Keener spoke with 14 leaders on the supplier side of the industry. Ray spoke with leaders of major bike brands, component suppliers, e-bike startups, accessory makers and more. We will be running sections of that article online this month.
BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — It’s been a hectic and unprecedented several months for our industry and many others. Fortunately for our companies and retailers, hectic has meant managing demand rather than fighting for survival.
Now that the season is waning, inventories are catching up (in some cases) and suppliers are catching their collective breaths, we reached out to a cross-section of suppliers and service providers to get their take on the future.
Dave Manchester, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Athlos
In our community, ridership has exploded across all races and it will continue. It might soften during the colder months as families try and balance remote learning.
We are watching to see the impact of event planning for 2021 and what changes we need to anticipate. We are also updating our marketing efforts to better communicate the benefits of cycling clothing to the new entrants who are often riding in shorts and t-shirts on high-quality bikes.
We faced challenges in supply as a result of COVID-related work stoppages, but we're back on track. We have also diversified our supply chain to protect us from any future spikes or new crises. We also pivoted in March and introduced a mask and neck gaiter program. This has become a big part of our business.
Throughout the crisis sometimes apparel and accessories have been impacted as dealers tried to balance the never-ending line of customers. It's a great opportunity for Q4 holiday gifts and planning for next spring's kick-off events.
We are seeing opportunities at all levels based on our innovation in our premium products and the assortment available to new entrants. Getting the new cyclist into cycling apparel will help elevate the riding experience and keep them pedaling!
