BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
Ten new confirmations were sent out on Friday, David Hyde told BikeBiz.
And were getting regular calls from potential exhibitors asking us whether its worth attending.
The latest signings include Silverfish, JOS International, Middleburn and Stateside.
Darren Mabbott of Silverfish the Race Face importer says this is his first ever trade show. Hes seeking new accounts in areas Silverfish doesnt have IBD representation and needs a one-site location for showing his 90+ IBDs the whole Silverfish product range, including Rock and Roll lubes and the growing range of Race Face clothing.
Without a show, wed have to spend six to eight weeks out on the road, says Mabbott. Reps cant carry the whole range, a trade show saves everybody a lot of time and effort.
Mabbott believes the show will be a success because so far this year 17 days into the new century trade has been bouyant.
The feel good factor doesnt normally kick in until March, this year its started in January. Everybody is talking the trade up and thats got to have an effect on sales. If everybody is keyed-up to do well, bike shop staff will chase business rather than let it come to them. Its going to be a brilliant year for the trade.
Simon Ernest of Middleburn agrees:
The first two weeks have been really good. Its slowed up this week but were only half way through Monday! Last year our sales figures were up by a healthy margin and all the indications show that this year will be better.
Middleburn is taking a standalone stand for the first time, having shared stands in the past. The company is launching a disc brake, a hubset and an aheadset.
Well use the trade show to demonstrate the new products to many of our 400 existing stockists and were also inviting a select number of dealers to come along and have a look at our new Status One dealership offer. We want just six or so shops around the UK to buy £2000 worth of initial stock for cabinet presentation. Well then replenish that month by month and the IBD only pays for what gets sold.
There will be a round-up of product launches in our bumper Show Preview Issue sent to you by 17th February.
