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6 Nov 2026

ACT has published guidance for retailers following SRAM’s stop-sale and stop-ride notice affecting certain RockShox ZEB forks.

3 Nov 2026

Independent retailers must keep evolving and innovating to survive and thrive, according to the former president of ACT parent company Bira.
 

29 Oct 2026

The E-Bike Summit will return to London on 26 April 2027, with the E-Bike Positive campaign, co-managed by the Association of Cycle Traders (ACT) and the Bicycle Association (BA), confirmed as a...

28 Oct 2026

Cytech technical three, the highest attainable qualification in professional cycle maintenance within the Cytech syllabus, is now available through training provider Life Cycle.

28 Oct 2026

ACT parent company, Bira's CEO Andrew Goodacre has hailed the Budget’s business rates announcements as a win for independent retailers.

27 Oct 2026

A new advice article from Cycling Electric editor Mark Sutton looks at the pitfalls consumers can face when buying an e-bike through mass online marketplaces such as...

27 Oct 2026

A leading criminologist has warned that shop thieves are now stealing to order, with demand for stolen goods driving the crime.

26 Oct 2026

A health food shop barely a year old has beaten a record field of nominations to be named high street shop of the year.

26 Oct 2026

A new survey of food delivery riders has highlighted the extent to which modified and converted e-bikes are being used in the gig economy, alongside gaps in riders’...

26 Oct 2026

A Cycling UK-led campaign against Merseyrail’s proposed ban on non-folding e-bikes is gathering momentum, with the organisation urging riders and supporters to...

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How Independent Retailers Can Stand Out in A Crowded Market

Posted on in Business News , Cycles News

An interesting article has appeared in Forbes reflecting many of the issues that ACT members will be experiencing – the challenges and opportunities that are currently facing independent retailers.

Store owner

The article says that, with the rise of e-commerce giants and global chains, it's more important than ever for small businesses to carve out a distinct brand identity that resonates with their target audience.

The piece argues that the cornerstone of a unique brand identity is understanding what sets your business apart and that this should include some aspect of community-building to encourage business from your local area.

It also sets out how, in today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is non-negotiable, even for brick-and-mortar retailers. However, while online presence is crucial, it argues that it is also important not to neglect the physical store experience, providing immersive and memorable in-store experiences that big chains often cannot replicate.

The third element the article addresses is the importance of delivering outstanding customer service, and leveraging agility as one of the key advantages of being an independent retailer.

You can read the whole Forbes piece here.

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