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29 Aug 2025

Pre-registration has now opened for the very first Cycling Industry News Live (CIN Live) show, taking place on Sunday 14 and Monday 15 September 2025 at NAEC Stoneleigh, Warwickshire.

20 Aug 2025

ACT parent company Bira has expressed serious concern following today's announcement that UK inflation rose to 3.8% in July, higher than the expected 3.7% and marking the tenth consecutive month...

20 Aug 2025

Cycling and active living charity Sustrans has claimed there is strong evidence that a lack of infrastructure is the biggest barrier to getting more people on bikes in Northern Ireland.

14 Aug 2025

The global bike industry remains under pressure as Shimano, Giant and Canyon all report weaker profits and subdued outlooks for 2025.

13 Aug 2025

The ACT is set to be in attendance at the inaugural Cycling Industry News Live (CIN Live) trade show, which is set to bring together industry-wide education, market insight and product showcases...

12 Aug 2025

Britain's high street crisis has deepened dramatically with nearly half of independent retailers, including many in the independent cycling retail sector, reporting sales have crashed compared...

11 Aug 2025

ACT parent company Bira has condemned the Government's inaction over the "de minimis" import loophole following a Sky News investigation revealing £5.9 billion worth of cheap imports...

7 Aug 2025

Bira has warned that criminals are undermining legitimate retailers as trading standards services collapse, following a new Which? investigation.

1 Aug 2025

A number of ACT members and partners have been named among the final nominees for the 2025 BikeBiz Awards, which celebrate excellence across the UK cycle industry.

30 Jul 2025

A former student of South Africa’s Torq Zone Academy has taken a major step forward in cycling mechanic training after completing the prestigious UCI Level 3 Mechanics Course in Aigle,...

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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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