BTAC ANNUAL UPDATE BTAC Hits the Road to Meet with Retailers and Suppliers
BTAC successfully reached out to our industry on a more personal level, at local meetings in Vancouver,Calgary,Toronto, Montreal and Moncton with Supplier and Retail members,and non-members.“In total we spent ten days on the road and had the opportunity to sit down with 34 bike shops and 20 suppliers from across the country,some sending more than one representative to the session.We also took the opportunity to visit local retailers and suppliers who were unable to attend the sessions. Itwas a greatway to find out how we can better serve our industry,” commented Janet O’Connell,BTAC Executive Director. The most important observation we came away from both suppliers and retailers is that beyond ExpoCycle,BTAC should focus its efforts on IBD-targeted initiatives, such as Research, Retail Education,and Grants.While Advocacy is a key activity, most felt BTAC should be a member of a group that addresses this on a national level, but BTAC itself needs to stay focused IBD specific activities. Throughout the sessions, there was a clear message from both suppliers and retailers that they value ExpoCycle,and it
R ESE AR C H
2010 has seen significant growth in BTAC’s market research program.The Data Capture program for bicycle suppliers is now in it’s fifth year,and continues to add reporting companies.The program added categories of bicycles to reflect the changing market, with both electric bikes and 29" bikes being reported for the first time.The supplier program (and BTAC) are recognized as the most credible source of data on bicycle sales, with media, advocacy and government agencies all turning to BTAC for information on a regular basis. BTAC has also been approached by other countries that wish to set up similar reporting systems for their markets. BTAC also conducted a series of Focus Group sessions with
retailers and suppliers in five cities across Canada.The sessions were extremely well received, allowing BTAC Board and staff members to interact directly with members of our industry, and hold in-depth discussions on the Association and the industry. (Further information on these sessions can be found above, see:“BTAC Hits the Road”). One of the most important outcomes of the Focus Group
sessions was the decision to launch a Retail Data Capture program, to complement and expand upon the information
The Calgary focus group session attracted retailers from across the province.
should be the number one focus for BTAC. As the trade association and organizer of the show, the industry wants BTAC to focus it efforts on making ExpoCycle the best it can be. Many participants were not aware that the majority of revenues for BTAC come from the show and,when they understood this,
it only increased their concern for a successful trade show. In specific discussions on ExpoCycle, participants indicated a willingness to move the Show to new cities, noting that change is good and new retailers would be attracted to the Show.Affordability and convenience are strong factors to retailers attending the Show,and BTAC will contain to work in this area. In conclusion,BTAC’s Board of Directors will be
reevaluating its resources and strategic plan in late 2010 in order to ensure it is in line with the expectations of our industry. By doing so we will be in a better position to achieve sustainable results in the coming years.
provided by the supplier program.The Retail program collects sales data from retailers on a monthly basis, with Independent Bicycle Dealers entering their information through the website
www.BicycleStats.ca. “The retailer program will fill in a missing link,” explains Rob Jones,BTAC’s Director of Market Research. “We have a very clear picture now of the supply side of the market and, with the retail program,we will be able to see both nationally and regionally what is happening on the retail side.” There is no charge for retailers to participate,and the
process will take less than 30 minutes a month. Retailers who do participate will receive a monthly report on sales statistics and trends that they can compare to their own store. Only stores that participate will receive the report. All proprietary store sales information is secure, with each store creating their own login. Suppliers will be able to purchase the reports.
An introductory session for the Retail Data Capture program will be held at ExpoCycle on Monday,at 1:00 pm.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78