May 23, 2007 (Magog, Quebec) – Ski Vélo Vincent Renaud officially became Canada’s first Specialized Concept Store, bearing the name of the high-end bicycle brand, on May 18. Transformation of the Ski Vélo Vincent Renaud shop, a fixture on Magog’s Rue Principale for over 15 years, has required an investment of several hundred thousand dollars.

Vincent Renaud, president and founder of Ski Vélo Vincent Renaud, emphasized that the shop has not become a Specialized Canada retail store or been sold to the company. “Partnering with Specialized will let us offer one of the broadest selections of bikes, helmets, and accessories from this leading brand in Canada, but we also will continue to carry other brands, with bikes, clothing, and related products carefully chosen to satisfy our customers’ needs.”

During the summer about 80% of the sales floor and inventory will be devoted to cycling, with Specialized products leading the pack. As the new season starts, customers will find more than 75 new Specialized models at Ski Vélo Vincent Renaud.

Renaud added, “Having stronger connections with fewer suppliers means that our sales consultants can improve their product knowledge to give customers more personalized service. At the end of the day, customers will benefit most from this new concept.”

A leading edge shop The Specialized Canada team has helped Ski Vélo Vincent Renaud completely redesign and redo the interior of the store.

The new Specialized concept store also has a “Designs for Women” section dedicated solely to women’s products. It includes raod and mountain bikes, helmets, equipment, accessories, and clothing designed especially for women cyclists.

Display units also have been replaced with stylish new better-designed models that let Ski Vélo Vincent Renaud show a wider variety of bikes. The store has retained its distinctive interlocking stone floor and elevated wood-constructed spaces.

The decor was redone and lighting fixtures replaced with new models that meet the highest environmental standards for energy efficiency. With an ongoing commitment to the environment and social causes, the Vincent Renaud shop will continue to accept used bicycle tires to be recycled or sent to developing nations through the Cyclo Nord-Sud organization.

About Specialized concept stores

There are also concept stores in the United States. Unlike the custom arrangement developed with Ski Vélo Vincent Renaud, they sell only bikes and accessories, year around.

“Vincent Renaud visited several Specialized concept stores in the U.S. a year ago and contacted us as soon as he returned home with a proposal to become the first special retailer of this kind in Canada. It obviously wasn’t an overnight decision, since a number of factors had to be taken into consideration given the reality of our climate. But Vincent Renaud’s values, convictions, and vision are in lockstep with those of Specialized. Strengthening our partnership was therefore a natural step, and we are convinced that he is destined for success,” said Larry Koury, managing director of Specialized Canada.

One characteristic distinguishing the format used in Canada from that of the United States is undoubtedly its extreme flexibility. For the winter season, Ski Vélo Vincent Renaud has entered into a similar partnership with a ski equipment supplier. The store will remain a Specialized concept store all year, and will continue to sell bicycles and equipment models during the winter months, although most floor space during that time will be dedicated to winter clothing and skiing or snowboarding equipment and accessories.