BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
Seven in 10 cycle retailers across the UK will boycott this year’s Black Friday sales event, according to a survey of the bicycle trade by the Association of Cycle Traders (ACT).
The research shows that 69% of independent bike shops will resist the pre-Christmas discounting period, as rising operational costs and economic pressures continue to impact the industry.
The survey, conducted among ACT’s membership, also highlights that an overwhelming 82.35% of cycle retailers believe Black Friday negatively impacts independent businesses – significantly higher than the retail sector average of 75.4%.
Jonathan Harrison, director of ACT, said: “Our members are sending a clear message about the unsustainability of Black Friday discounting in the cycle trade.
“Many report that the event disrupts normal trading patterns, with shops experiencing quiet periods in October and November as customers delay purchases in anticipation of Black Friday deals.”
The survey shines a light on the specific challenges facing cycle retailers, with many reporting they’re “already at rock bottom on prices” and unable to compete with larger retailers’ buying power.
One retailer noted: “Bike shops now go quiet in October and November because of Black Friday with an expectation of heavy discounting.”
The ACT, which became part of the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) Group in 2023, represents more than 4,000 businesses across the UK cycling sector.
The findings align with a broader national survey of independent retailers conducted by Bira, which found that 70.5% of all independent retailers across sectors are boycotting Black Friday this year.
Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira Group, commented: “This unified stance against Black Friday discounting reflects a broader trend we’re seeing across the independent retail sector.
“The recent autumn budget announcements, including increased staffing costs, have only reinforced the resolve of independent retailers to resist unsustainable discounting practices.”
The survey also revealed that 90.14% of cycle traders said the autumn budget hadn’t changed their view on Black Friday, with one respondent stating: “The recent budget rang the death knell of many businesses, with National Insurance, minimum wage and business rates hikes.”
Harrison added: “We’re seeing local bike shops caught between rising operational costs and the pressure to match unsustainable online discounts.
“Our members are choosing to focus on providing year-round value, expert service, and sustainable business practices rather than engaging in what one retailer described as ‘a race to the bottom.'”
