NBDA Retailer Excellence Awards
National Bicycle Dealers Association (NBDA) strengthens specialty bicycle retailers through education, research, community, communication, and advocacy.
The NBDA Retailer Excellence Award (REA) celebrates diversity and excellence in bicycle retail. With a focus on inclusivity, the program unites retailers, suppliers, industry organizations, advocates, and consumers in identifying and highlighting exceptional bicycle stores across North America. Recipients will be acknowledged and awarded not only for their excellence in retail but their integrity, inclusiveness, spirit, and commitment to grow ridership.
Apply By December 15th, 2024
The 2025 Retailer Excellence Award (REA) Program—is an intensive 3-month masterclass dedicated to helping bicycle retailers achieve operational excellence! This year’s program brings together peer learning, KPI tracking, community engagement, and staff feedback, setting the stage for retailers to thrive in today’s challenging landscape. Highlights for participants include education and guidance through the NBDA, peer groups and program sessions.
Retailers completing the program will earn the prestigious title of NBDA Retailer of Excellence, a recognition that showcases commitment to business acumen, customer engagement, and community impact.
Awarded to a single retailer from each below category who receives the most votes.
Shop with adjacent category (cafe, snowsports, etc)
eBike Specialty (sales focus on 80% e-specific bikes)
Mobile Retailer (sole operation is executed via a van or other mobile unit)
Single-location business
Multi-location business (having more than 1 retail storefronts)
Only given to up to 5 people per year
Criteria:
Must have a secret shopper visit your store
Must score 13 points on application
Must submit a video that showcases the unique qualities of your store – there will be a place to upload this video in the written application
The winners of this award are at the sole discretion of the NBDA President.
“Everyone should take advantage of using a secret shopper. Having an unbiased person come in and evaluate your shop is priceless. The results from my secret shopper showed me that we weren’t suggesting add-on items for even simple purchases such as tubes. Why weren’t we selling tire levers, patch kits, and air supplies when someone came in and bought a tube? This has been corrected.”
The short entry application will just take 15 minutes to complete. By completing this survey, you will be entered into the 2025 program and provided additional information needed to fulfill 2025 program application criteria.
Just remember, you only have until December 15th to enter the 2025 program. You must apply by December 15th, 2024. No retailers can take part in the program without the entry application completed during this time.
You can expect components that include the following topics:
KPI Data [DEC 15 – MARCH 15]: All participants will be provided a template for tracking 5 key performance indicators. Participants will be asked to provide historical data, and then work to improve these chosen KPI’s in both January and February 2025. The KPI’s you will track:
2/ Attendance at (4) Virtual Program Meetings – Participants will be asked to attend 4 Virtual Meetings with other REA participants and NBDA President/ P2 Moderator Heather Mason to converse on KPI’s and strategies for improvement. All events will be held via zoom and calendar links will be provided. Mark your calendar for these dates below. (Earn 1 point for each Meeting. Max 4 points.)
> 12/17/2025- 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm EST. REGISTER HERE
> 1/8/2025- 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm EST. REGISTER HERE
> 1/22/2025- 11:00 am – 12:30 pm EST. REGISTER HERE
> 2/5/2025- 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm EST. REGISTER HERE