RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, CA (BRAIN)—The Serfas Bicycle Swap Meet last weekend was a huge success with 25 vendors and more than 1,200 attendees.
Companies such as Titec and Rocky Mountain Bicycles exhibited their wares, along with local retailers like Rock and Road Cyclery and Ladera Cyclery.
"We had people drive in from as far as Las Vegas and San Francisco to sell at our swap," said James Thomas, public relations and marketing manager for Serfas.
Serfas decided to start the event as a way to clear out closeout inventory to consumers and to gain better exposure with the local cycling scene.
"We have heard about swaps happening in Ventura, San Diego, San Francisco but never in Orange County," Thomas said. "We wanted to test the waters and see if our area could support a sale of its kind. It was very important that we include all the local dealers, local distributors, reps and most importantly the general public. We saw value in the idea of opening ourselves up to the local bicycle community as well as our local neighbors."
Ladera Cyclery owner Jeff Davis didn't have any expectations going into it, but realized quickly that he should have brought more product.
"It was a great way to get cash for items that were collecting dust on our shelves or items that were overstocked in inventory," Davis said. "I only wish they would do it once a month."
—Jason Norman
