Resurging interest in bicycling appears to be pushing up interest in the industrys primary trade show. More than 13,000 individual buyers, representing close to 3,000 bicycle storefronts have pre-registered to attend Interbike International Bicycle Expo next month in Las Vegas. While not all pre-registrants end up attending, the numbers mark a 21% increase in both buyers and stores over last year, according to the trade show.
Regardless, the show is on track to exceed or meet last years record for net-sold square footage. As of last week nearly 312,000 square feet of exhibit space had been sold. That did not include thousands of square-feet given to industry non-profit and advocacy organizations. The net sold figures include close to 800 exhibiting companies and more than 1,100 brands. The show takes place Sept. 24-26 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center.
On Thursday, Bikes Belong said 73% of 150 U.S. bike dealers in 40 states said they sold more commuter bike products and services this summer. Ninety-five percent of shops said customers cited high gas prices as a motive for buying transportation-related bike products.
