MINNEAPOLIS, MN (BRAIN)—Bicycle Retailer & Industry News editors will drop in on retailers in Minnapolis-St. Paul next week to find out how they are faring this season as part of the magazine’s Twin Cities Dealer Tour.
BRAIN staff and sponsors Giant Bicycles, Ergon, Michelin and Pedro’s will get on bikes to personally visit a dozen retailers in Minneapolis-St. Paul. The staff will talk with storeowners about the state of retail, issues they face, and how they are managing in today’s uncertain retail sales environment.
In addition, participants will get a first-hand look at Minneapolis-St. Paul’s vibrant cycling scene while touring the city’s many greenways, trails and bridges by bike.
The three-day event begins Tuesday, June 2 and wraps up Thursday, June 4. Editors will produce daily web reports and enhanced multimedia coverage including video clips on the BRAIN Blog.
In addition, the magazine will publish a special section in the July 15 print edition—filled with photos and dealer profiles—that will delve deeper into the current issues retailers face.
“By looking at Minneapolis-St. Paul dealers as a microcosm of retailers across the country, we hope to gain fresh insight into what’s happening in the market. We’ll aggregate what we hear on retail floors to paint a clear picture of the current business climate and retail outlook for our readers,” said Megan Tompkins, the magazine’s editor.
The concept builds on the successful Orange County Dealer Tour last fall, during which BRAIN staff toured 18 retailers in the bellwether retail market.
Giant will return as the tour’s presenting sponsor, providing bikes and support. Also sponsoring the ride is Ergon, Michelin and Pedro’s. Executives from sponsor companies will join the ride to learn what’s top-of-mind among retailers.
“Michelin is pleased to be joining the Bicycle Retailer Twin Cities Dealer Tour,” said Monica Davis, North America marketing and sales manager for bicycle products. “The information rendered from the previously published dealer tour held in Southern California provided great insight for us. I am personally excited to be a part of the ride, and look forward to having discussions focused on how Michelin, as a premium tire supplier, can better service and support the independent bicycle dealers.”
Check back here next week for more details on the route and the retailers on the tour.
