MONTREAL (BRAIN)—Dorel Industries said on Wednesday it had its best ever year in 2008 despite economic challenges in the fourth quarter that left the company sitting on millions of dollars worth of inventory. Revenue for the year rose 20.3 percent to $2.2 billion. Organic revenue growth was 6 percent. In the fourth quarter, revenue increased …
LAGUNA HILLS, CA (BRAIN)—BRAIN editors could roll into your shop later this year as the magazine expands on its successful Dealer Tour with stops in Minneapolis and Boston. Bicycle Retailer & Industry News staff and returning sponsors Giant Bicycles and Pedro’s will get back on bikes to visit a dozen retailers in each location. The …
WASHINGTON, D.C. (BRAIN)—How common is biking in Copenhagen? “ To use a bike is like brushing your teeth,” said Andreas Rohl. “In Copenhagen, it’s nothing special to go by bike.” Rich, poor, male, female, young and old—they all can be seen riding around town. Rohl, bicycle program manager for the Danish capital, spoke to a …
AUSTIN, TX (BRAIN)—Multisport product manufacturer Rocket Science Sports is quickly expanding its coverage with the addition of outside sales representatives in new areas. Jim Yeager and his group at Marathon Sports Agency have picked up states along the east coast from Maine through Pennsylvania, while Marc Katz picks up the Carolinas, Georgia, down through Florida. …
BOULDER, CO (BRAIN)—To kick off the 2009 retail cycling season and provide support to its retailer partners, Veltec Sports will offer its Sidi cycling shoe collection at a reduced price. The price reduction impacts all new 2009 and carry-over styles of Sidi cycling shoes at both the wholesale and retail levels. The retail price on …
TAICHUNG, Taiwan (BRAIN)—Kenstone Metal Company and Kirk Pacenti of Pacenti Cycles Design have formed a new partnership designed to utilize each other’s strengths. Kenstone recently completed investment in a high-end frame production facility specializing in small volume steel frame fabrication. “I recognize that smaller bicycle companies have specialized tubing needs for limited production runs of …
WILMINGTON, MA (BRAIN)—Pedro’s has partnered with online retail training network 3point5 (3point5.com) aimed to enhance dealer knowledge of the Pedro’s band and line of environmentally responsible bike care products and tools. 3point5.com, an online campus developed for sales professionals, allows retailers to train on their favorite brands, learn how to better position key products to …
WILMINGTON, DE (BRAIN)—About two dozen bicycle companies are included in the long list of creditors owed money by G.I. Joe’s Holding Corporation, a Pacific Northwest sporting goods chain that filed bankruptcy last week. Diamondback/Raleigh, Easton Sports, Dakine and Smith Optics are all among the 30 largest unsecured claims against G.I. Joe’s, which together total nearly …
MADISON, WI (BRAIN)—Meet the eighth and newest employee at Planet Bike, Jeff Frehner. Frehner takes over in the newly created position of president at Planet Bike. Most people remember Frehner as Cannondale Sports Group’s president and chief executive officer—a position he left last August due to travel demands. The job had eventually required a move …
MONTEREY, CA (BRAIN)—Sea Otter is seeing an increase in exhibitor registration, as well as an increase in athlete sign-ups. According to Frank Yohannan, Sea Otter Classic president and chief executive officer, companies carefully analyzing their events and marketing initiatives are deciding that the Sea Otter Classic is one event they can’t afford to miss. “Companies …