US retail chain REI - with 69 outdoor recreation product stores nationwide - commissioned a survey to find out more about the gender-specific kit requirements of women. "Do you run like a girl? If you're one of the nearly 17 million women across the country that participate in outdoor recreation, the answer is likely a proud 'yes,'" says REI. "You also ski, snowboard, bicycle, backpack and climb like a girl -- and the outdoor industry is taking notice."

UK retail like-for-like sales rose 1.7 percent in December, a severe slowing down. The US retail market is slow too, and with a war on the way, consumer confidence could dip even further. According to the latest retail report from the US-based National Bicycle Dealers Association, the number of IBDs is decreasing in the US, but at a surprisingly slow rate considering the economic downturn. And, according to the NBDA, bike trade speciality retailers can grow if they look beyond their core customer base

Today's release of the Quarterly Distributive Trades Survey from the Confederation of British Industry shows that retail sales slowed significantly in May. This is for all sectors of retail, not just the bike trade. The survey seems to confirm that April's exceptional results were boosted by the timing of Easter and good weather.

June was a flop for all retailers (aside from those selling umbrellas) but the figures in July picked up a touch

In June retail sales in the UK grew at their slowest rate for over a year, a survey by the Confederation of British Industry showed yesterday. The CBI confidence audit will soon be joined by a bike trade one...

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Those independent retailers who take part in our retail survey will be entered to win a Chris Hoy signed Olympic jersey and more

BikeBiz takes a look at the recent independent retail survey and its results

One week left to get involved with our CSG-backed retail survey

BikeBiz's December 2016 edition is now available to read or download online, packed with news, show previews, opinions and other essentials for the UK cycle trade.