LAGUNA HILLS, CA (BRAIN) Tuesday May 15 2012 11:11 AM MT—The National Bicycle Dealers Association will not be involved in the selection of Bicycle Retailer and Industry News’ annual Top 100 list of retailers. Originally, the retail association had hoped to manage the selection for a September announcement.
A committee made up of NBDA board members determined during a conference call that it would need more time to hammer out the judging criteria needed to select a list of retailers. It also was undecided on whether it made sense to merge the NBDA’s program with the magazine’s Top 100.
“The NBDA has been developing a new program to quantify, measure and recognize excellence in bicycle retailing since January 2011. The idea of merging this new initiative with the 2012 BRAIN Top 100 was discussed, pursued and then abandoned,” said NBDA executive director Fred Clements.
“The NBDA will continue to work on an initiative to measure and recognize excellence in bicycle retailing, under the direction of project manager Karen Townsend in consultation with an advisory committee,” Clements added. “Details will be forthcoming as they are finalized.”
Meanwhile, the magazine plans to continue to recognize the industry’s best retailers and will work with market research firm Leisure Trends Group to compile the list.
Leisure Trends compiled the Top 100 list and helped determine the retail BRAINy winners in 2011.
The selection process will remain the same as last year, with sales representatives from the leading bike and accessory companies voting for the top stores via online ballots. Shops are nominated based on market share, store appearance and community outreach. Also playing into the final ranking are a store’s membership in industry organizations, support of advocacy groups and attendance at trade events.
Online ballots will go out to rep forces in late June. Retailers will again be able to put their shops in the running through a nomination form that Bicycle Retailer will post online next month.
