Around the Workstand
Around the Workstand is our podcast where we discuss the work done here at Workstand. Workstand is the only all-in-one commerce solution built exclusively for local bike shops. Our technology powered the ecommerce revolution for the IBD channel and is trusted by one out of four shops. Every subscription includes an optional point of sale at no extra cost. Workstand helps local bicycle retailers leverage the power of our industry-leading data network to run a more efficient business and expand sales opportunities.
We offer the most complete catalog of product data, including images and descriptions, expanded sales potential, and improved efficiency for both retailers and suppliers. Included drop shipping and brand marketing partnerships to build powerful relationships.
To complement our software services, Workstand is also a complete digital marketing partner. We work with over 400 bike shops, including many of the nation’s largest, offering website maintenance, Google Ads, SEO, graphic design, custom websites, and more.
Contact us anytime for more information: podcast@workstand.com
Around the Workstand
April data and trends with Ryan Atkinson, upgrade to product pages, and NBDA webinar
Look back at April data and help share some actionable items for helping retailers capture more business
- Ryan was back in Colorado last week and saw a lot of our team based out of there. We did a pinball happy hour on Thursday, a gravel ride on Friday, and went to the Supercross race in Denver on Saturday.
- We are stoked about the big software enhancement we released last week. The product detail pages now have a super modern visual interface for customers to select size and color variations. The shopping experience is comparable to REI. We expect to see an increase in add to cart rates just in time for summer website traffic.
- Looking at the bike industry, most retailers and suppliers are putting a lot of weight on the market performance in May. The spring was pretty erratic and we’re looking for stability entering the summer.
- Promising indicators coming out of April.
- Google search volume for bike shops has been steadily growing on an expected seasonal trend after a slowdown in March.
- Google search volume for “best bike” was at the highest level in the last 18 months in the first week in May. This is great news about consumer demand but it’s also noteworthy that volume for this term is outpacing “bike shop”. This consumer shift to online shopping is continuing - it isn’t going to retreat after COVID. The long term trend is holding, growing about 1% share of total retail sales every year.
- April website traffic for bike shops using Workstand was up 9% over March and up 11% compared to last year.
- Average Order Value online in April was up 12.5% compared to last year as more consumers are buying bikes online.
- Paying attention to headlines about supplier financial health. Obviously Trek’s cutbacks earlier this year were eye opening but I trust that their leadership team is more than capable of managing through the situation. The news about Kona was more troubling because the company is up for sale. Kona is an important brand for our customers and I’m hoping that the right buyer comes in and stabilizes the company.
What’s coming up next
- NBDA webinar with Suzie and Ryan this Friday
- Ryan attending the NBDA Retailer Summit next week
- Client Success Summit in June
Be sure to email your questions to podcast@workstand.com. We read all emails sent and we look forward to hearing from you.
If you're a Workstand client with questions about your subscription, email support@workstand.com or call 303-527-0676 x 1. If you are not currently a Workstand client with questions about how our programs work, email info@workstand.com.
Find Us on LinkedIn
Ryan Atkinson, President + Co-Owner
Suzie Livingston, Marketing + Communications
Mark Still, Business Development
We also publish Around the Workstand on our YouTube channel if you'd like to watch while you listen. Here is our Around the Workstand playlist.
If you have any questions about the topics discussed in this episode of Around the Workstand or if you have ideas for new topics we can cover, schedule a time to meet with Mark Still here or email mark.s@works...