Portland-based International Cycling Apparel Retailer Announces Relocation and Expansion

Despite uneven economic terrain, bicycling industry sales steadily continue to climb

Soon, 642 SE Stark St. will be welcoming another member of Portland’s growing bicycle-based businesses into the fold. “Do one thing and do it well," advises Douglas Duguay, owner and Sales Manager of BicyclingHub.com, an Internet-based company selling high-performance technical cycling gear throughout the U.S. and over 40 countries internationally, including Canada, Australia and Japan. “And no one knows cycling clothing better than our staff. Our new space will help us live up to our full potential."

Stationed near the corner of 7th Ave. and Sandy Blvd., two main corridors for bicycle commuters in the city’s well-mapped bicycle route network, Duguay expects walk-in business to increase significantly after the move, scheduled for November 30th, 2010. With 4,000 square ft. of warehouse and office space and a designated retail area, customers will feel welcome to browse and try items on before purchasing. “I’ve already submitted a request to the City to install a bike rack in front of the new building. It’s free for businesses, and it’s a terrific way to encourage more trips by bike,” says Duguay.

Located in the Platinum-Level Bicycle Friendly Community of Portland, Oregon, BicyclingHub.com has been selling top-quality cycling apparel on the Internet since 2001. From humble beginnings as a one-man operation selling cycling jerseys on EBay out of Duguay’s spare bedroom in Southeast Portland to the company’s current standing as a successful online retailer in the global marketplace, a strong commitment to customer satisfaction has always been the cornerstone of its mission.

(photo, right: BicyclingHub.com team members enjoy the metric century route of the 2010 Oregon Tour de Cure.) While the economy continues to make tentative steps toward recovery from what pundits have dubbed “The Great Recession,” BicyclingHub.com has enjoyed a significant growth rate in sales during 2010. Although the majority of sales are conducted online, customers in Portland have been requesting a retail showroom for some time; its Annual Warehouse Clearance Sale remains a perennial favorite amongst local cycling clubs, regional teams and OBRA (Oregon Bicycle Racing Association) members. Stocking such well-known brands such as Castelli, Pearl Izumi, Louis Garneau and Showers Pass, the site specializes in hard to find items, such as the Thor Hushovd Norwegian Champion jersey, the “28 Million” Team Radio Shack-LIVESTRONG Jersey, and the limited edition Cervelo Test Team Tour de France team kit. Routinely ranked “exceptional” in its customer service ratings and known for its friendly, knowledgeable, and reliable attention, staff are heavily encouraged to commute by bike and ride in the products they sell in order to give direct feedback to consumers and manufacturers.

(photo, left: Portland's Sunday Parkways program fill the streets with thousands of bike riders, from the very young to the very young at heart.) Portland, Oregon might well be considered the ultimate testing ground for cycling apparel in a wide range of weather conditions. Portland Development Commission, Business Oregon and Oregon Business Council cite “Portland is force to be reckoned with in the Activewear and Outdoor Gear world for the last thirty years,” in the recently-released Portland Economic Development Strategy. Appreciative to be headquartered in the same city as manufacturers like Castelli, Retro Image Apparel and Showers Pass, and it's a rare day that goes by that staff don't spy a cyclist wearing one of the products they sell. Ed Dalton, Co-President/Principal of Showers Pass remarks, “For us, [Portland] is the perfect proving ground for our product. It would be a challenge for us if we were…. based in Southern California." As the first Internet retailer to sell Showers Pass outerwear directly to consumers, since 2005 BicyclingHub.com has sold upwards of 1,500 Showers Pass products alone and can authoritatively speak on behalf of the brand's quality, durability, and loyal fan base.

BicyclingHub.com’s new brick-and-mortar location at 642 SE Stark St. will allow the company to expand its local retail presence while continuing to offer outstanding customer service online and by phone. Customers may continue to shop online throughout the holiday season; a grand opening of the retail space is planned for February 2011. After nearly a decade in the bicycling industry, BicyclingHub.com proudly stocks the largest selection of quality men's and women's cycling clothing in the Pacific Northwest and remains committed to continuing its platinum-level standards of service, quality and prompt delivery.