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ROCKETS AND RASCALS


The BikeBiz Awards 2023 IBD of the Year winner, Rockets and Rascals, speaks to Rebecca Morley about its 10th anniversary and the value of recognising hard work in a tough retail environment


E


ven with the well-documented challenges cycling retail has seen over the last few years, independent stores will always be vitally


important to all in the bike trade. That’s why each year the vote for IBD of the Year at the BikeBiz Awards is decided by the whole cycle industry - so everyone from consumers, brands, distributors can have their say. Last year’s winner was Rockets and Rascals, which following its 2023 victory also hit a major milestone in 2024 - celebrating the 10th anniversary since it opened its doors on Sandbanks Road, Poole. Since 2014, the bike shop has grown and expanded, welcoming a variety of brands and partners along the way while remaining a cornerstone of the local cycling community.


18 | August 2024


The retailer celebrated the anniversary by hosting a weekend of ride-outs and a BBQ which kicked off at the end of June, and also launched Dixième Anniversaire limited edition commemorative merchandise.


10-year anniversary celebrations “We experienced a slow start to the


year, further impacted by the delayed arrival of spring weather, even here in Dorset,” the Rockets and Rascals team told


BikeBiz, on what successes and challenges the retailer has seen so far in 2024. “However, as temperatures have risen, we’ve seen a significant increase in bike sales and workshop servicing. “The past few months have been particularly busy for us. We hosted an e-MTB demo event featuring the brands


www.bikebiz.com


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