BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
The BikeBiz Awards 2023 IBD of the Year winner, Rockets and Rascals, speaks to Rebecca Morley about its 10th anniversary and the value of recognising hard work in a tough retail environment.
This piece first appeared in the August edition of BikeBiz magazine – get your free subscription here
Even with the well-documented challenges cycling retail has seen over the last few years, independent stores will always be vitally important to all in the bike trade. That’s why each year the vote for IBD of the Year at the BikeBiz Awards is decided by the whole cycle industry – so everyone from consumers, brands, distributors can have their say.
Last year’s winner was Rockets and Rascals, which following its 2023 victory also hit a major milestone in 2024 – celebrating the 10th anniversary since it opened its doors on Sandbanks Road, Poole.
Since 2014, the bike shop has grown and expanded, welcoming a variety of brands and partners along the way while remaining a cornerstone of the local cycling community.
The retailer celebrated the anniversary by hosting a weekend of ride-outs and a BBQ which kicked off at the end of June, and also launched Dixième Anniversaire limited edition commemorative merchandise.
10-year anniversary celebrations
“We experienced a slow start to the year, further impacted by the delayed arrival of spring weather, even here in Dorset,” the Rockets and Rascals team told BikeBiz, on what successes and challenges the retailer has seen so far in 2024.
“However, as temperatures have risen, we’ve seen a significant increase in bike sales and workshop servicing.
“The past few months have been particularly busy for us. We hosted an e-MTB demo event featuring the brands we carry and celebrated our shop’s tenth anniversary. We consider this a remarkable milestone, especially in light of the challenging times many businesses have faced, with some unfortunately closing their doors. We are grateful to share this achievement with our friends and customers.”
On the wider retail trends seen in recent months, Rockets and Rascals said they observed a “notable increase in sales” within the assisted commuter sector at the start of the 2024 season, boosted by the range of Cycle to Work schemes they accept.
“Our higher-end clients continue to be pivotal to our success at Rockets and Rascals. Premium products and brands remain influential, consistently driving interest and sales. This high-value demand is predominantly seen in the road and gravel bike segments.
“Our passion and expertise allow us to help customers realise their dream bicycles. Building this level of trust requires passion, significant effort and dedication over the past ten years.”
High-end mountain bikes, both electric and non-assisted, are however still slow despite the new product releases and technological advancements, they added. “Interest remains limited unless there are substantial discounts.
“There are lots of positives and we have to remember the reason why we are in the industry in the first place, we love talking bikes, building bikes, riding bikes, and drinking coffee.”
That award-winning feeling
Rockets and Rascals won IBD of the Year at the 2023 BikeBiz Awards, with the other winners in the Retailers category including Cycle Revolution for Omnichannel Retailer of the Year, and Cytech for Best Retailer Services, with Fully Charged winning Micromobility Retailer of the Year.
IBD of the Year was however one of just two awards that was voted for by the whole cycle industry (with Woman of the Year also decided by public vote), showcasing the value placed on these winners by the whole market.
On how it felt to win, Rockets and Rascals described it as an “amazing achievement”.
“The entire team at Rockets and Rascals is stoked, especially since this award was voted for by our friends, customers, and the public.
“Our community is at the heart of everything we do. From our regular shop rides to events like maintenance evenings for women and new riders, we’re dedicated to fostering a supportive and engaging environment. Keep an eye out for more exciting events and rides by following us on social media.”
They continued: “In a time when our industry seems inundated with constant bad news and negativity, these awards offer a much-needed boost. They help us feel valued and recognised for the hard work that goes into operating an independent retail outlet. Amid the challenges facing the industry, these accolades provide a beacon of hope and encouragement.”
No idea is a bad idea
Looking to the year ahead, Rockets and Rascals said the landscape is “unlikely to change significantly in the near future”, as difficult as that may be to hear.
“There is still a plethora of product available with substantial savings for consumers looking for a new bike that needs to be worked through the system.
“That said, we are seeing that there are plenty of green shoots to grasp hold of, so we will continue to work diligently to close potential sales and explore new ideas, models, and processes.
“Here at Rockets, we believe that no idea is a bad one. While not every attempt may generate revenue, we refuse to sit idly by, hoping for the best. The fear of failure is a significant obstacle to measurable growth.
“Mistakes should be celebrated and learned from, propelling us forward. Without them, we risk stagnation and regression.”
