Working Together To Win The Retail War
Books. Electronics. Sporting Goods. Furniture. If you're of a certain age, at one time you bought these products at an independently-owned store in your community. Fast forward to today - where are you buying these items now? In the age of Amazon and big box retail, the number of independent retailers in these categories (and many others) are dwindling, or in some cases non-existent. 

But there's one category that's bucking this trend - home improvement. Sure, you have Home Depot and Lowe's, but there's a really good chance you have an Ace Hardware nearby too. They are everywhere, they are independently owned, and they are killing it (record second quarter 2018 revenues up 6.4% from last year). How is Ace thriving when so many other independents are just trying to survive? 

The power and scale that their retailers are able to achieve by working together has played a huge role in the Ace Hardware success story. Last month at the Interbike Industry Breakfast, Ace President and CEO John Venhuizen delivered the keynote on how to win the war at retail, and this was one of his key messages:
Ace Hardware President & CEO John Venhuizen
“These retailers not only own their local businesses, they also own us. The reason they’re part of this cooperative is because we know, we’re stronger together.
When we operate alone, they could squash us like a grape. But when we work together, ‘join hands’ and go someplace with a bunch of power behind everybody, these small business owners can disproportionately move their weight. 
There’s a bike cooperative. Why would you not want to be a part of it? You could compete with some of the biggest, best, most well funded companies the world has ever known.”

If Working Together Works For Hardware Stores...
Why can't it work for bike shops? The answer is that it can, and it already does. For over ten years The Bike Cooperative has used the power of scale to help hundreds of independent bicycle retailers take their business to the next level, giving them the tools to compete more effectively while supporting their independence and entrepreneurial spirit. 
But imagine the collective force of 1,000 or 2,000 stores, and the positive (and much needed) impact that could have on our industry and each one of your individual businesses? 
The retail war can be won, and it starts by all of us working together, now. Let us know if you're ready to join forces. 
The Bike Cooperative provides tools to help independent bike retailers improve their profitability, including consumer financing, AMEX and credit card processing and an automated customer follow-up and rewards platform. Become a member today.
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