Sixty percent of bike retailers surveyed by The Bike Cooperative expect positive sales growth in 2010, including 12% expecting sales growth of 10% or more.
The survey showed 22% expected flat sales, 10% expected a decline of 1-10% and 7% expected sales to declin 10% or more.
In California, 78% of those surveyed said they expect sales to increase by 1-10%, compared to just 13% in the Mid Atlantic and Southwest.
When ask which is most likely to negatively impact profits, 44% cited the local economy and 35% online competition/sites selling direct.
To maximize 2010 sales, 28% said they would use social media and 23% said they would provide more training for their sales staff. Fifteen percent said they would increase promotional offers such as coupons and 12% said they would implement customers loyalty programs.
Only 16% of dealers said they would buy more product directly rather than through distributors, while 9% said they would buy less direct and 72% said they would do the same amount of direct buying.
Based in Manchester, NH, The Bike Cooperative provides its member/owners with training, product rebates, private label programs and marketing services.
