The National Bicycle Dealers Association (NBDA) has released its 2026 Cost of Doing Business (CODB) Study, providing financial and operational benchmarks for specialty bicycle retailers. The study is based on confidential financial data submitted by North American retailers and reflects business performance for the 2025 calendar year.

The study allows retailers to compare their performance with similar businesses based on revenue size, geographic region, number of locations, store type, and the industry’s highest-performing retailers.

Key financial metrics covered by the study include gross margin performance, payroll and operating expenses, net profitability, inventory management, service department performance, occupancy costs, expense ratios, and other financial benchmarks.

The study was independently compiled, tabulated, and analyzed by Industry Insights, Inc., a research and consulting firm specializing in financial benchmarking and operating performance studies. NBDA said retailer information was collected confidentially and processed through financial validation and statistical analysis.

Heather Mason, executive director of NBDA, said the CODB Study provides retailers with industry data they can use to compare their performance with peers and establish key performance indicator (KPI) standards.

The 2026 CODB Study is available as a downloadable PDF. The report costs $99 for NBDA members and $399 for non-members, while retailers that participated in the survey receive a complimentary copy.

NBDA will also host a webinar, “How to Use the 2026 Cost of Doing Business Study,” on September 14 at 1 p.m. ET. Michael Forte of Bike Shop List and Jay Townley of Human Powered Solutions will review the report and its key financial benchmarks.

Photo: NBDA