WASHINGTON, D.C. (BRAIN)—BRAIN editors and sponsors expect to brave a couple of showers and possible thunderstorms today when they set out by bike to learn how retailers in the nation’s capital have fared this season as part of the magazine’s latest Dealer Tour.
BRAIN staff and sponsors Giant Bicycles, Pedro’s and Todson will spend the next three days riding to visit shops in the greater Washington D.C. area. Participants will talk with storeowners about the state of retail, issues they face, and how they are managing in today’s uncertain retail sales environment. They will also gain valuable market insight into the District’s vibrant cycling scene.
“We’re excited to be part of the BRAIN Dealer Tour and see our dealers,” said Dorothy Nichols, director of event marketing for Todson. “Supporting our IBDs is important to us. We have a great following here of folks we love and trust who are always doing great things for cycling.”
Riders will cross state lines, visiting a dozen shops in Virginia, Washington D.C. and Maryland. Riders will kick off the week with visits today to three Top 100 Retailers: Spokes Etc., Revolution Cycles and Conte’s.
Following the first day of shop visits, participants will join the weekly Conte’s shop ride, which goes out every Tuesday from May through late September. The ride is police escorted and can draw upwards of 300 riders.
Washington, D.C. is the fifth destination in a series of BRAIN Dealer Tours, following the latest stop in Phoenix. Giant will return as the tour’s presenting sponsor, providing bikes and support for riders.
The three-day event begins today and wraps up Thursday. Editors will produce daily web reports and multimedia coverage including video clips and photo galleries on the BRAIN Blog.
Check out our online coverage here throughout the week. You can also follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/bicycleretailer.
