PRESS RELEASE: River City Bicycles of Portland, Ore. – long known by savvy cyclists as the bike shop in the Rose City – was recently recognized by Bicycle Retailer and Industry News (BRAIN) as 2010 “Bicycle Retailer of the Year.” The award was presented to store owner Dave Guettler at BRAIN’s Top 100 Retailer reception at the Interbike trade show in Las Vegas.
The award is selected annually from among BRAIN’s Top 100 retailers throughout the country. Retailers are nominated by manufacturer sales representatives, who in turn judge the retailers on three criteria: market share, community outreach, and store appearance.
“Among the top retailers,” explained BRAIN Editor Megan Tompkins, “River City Bicycles far and away received the most votes.”
Guettler was honored and humbled to receive the award: “It’s an amazing honor for all of us who work here at River City Bicycles,” he said. “It’s also an honor for everyone who has ever worked here over the years and contributed to our reputation and success. Our formula is simple – we treat people the same way we would want to be treated as customers. And thanks to Portland cyclists for supporting our efforts. We will continue to work hard to earn their business.”
In addition to stocking one of most diverse collections of high-end road and mountain bikes in the region, River City also offers unique features that set it apart, such as an indoor bike demo “track” located upstairs on a 90-year-old wooden floor, a whimsical artsy cycling sculpture fashioned to the roof, and a display honoring cycling legend Eddie Merckx.
Guettler’s affection for Mr. Merckx created a poignant moment at the Top 100 dinner, when Guettler was presented the Best Retailer of the Year trophy by none other than “The Cannibal” himself.
River City Bicycles is located at 706 SE ML King Blvd., Portland, OR 97214, (503)233-5973. You can also visit them on the web at www.rivercitybicycles.com.
