Trade News Briefs – November
Norco to Set Up Direct Australian Distribution to IBD’s
After 13 years with Australian-owned and operated Advance Traders, Norco has decided to go direct in the market.
In a press released issued on 29th October Norco said, “We would like to thank Advance Traders for their partnership.
“The transition will take place October 2025, and Chris Hennessey who has been managing the Advance Traders business and has over 30 years of tenure with Norco will be making the move to Australia to lead our team and set up the Norco branch there.
“The sales strategy in Australia is 100% IBD focused, with a broader range of Norco products, and tailor-made marketing to align the Australian market with our other global direct markets for new bike launches.
“We are excited for this next chapter, and to continue strengthening our relationships in the Australian market.
“We will be hosting a Norco Australia town hall online meeting to share more details of our plan in the weeks and months to come. Please drop Chris an email and he will make sure you get an invite.
“Please email Chris Hennessey at chrish@norco.com for more information.”
Norco also said they will be ramping up race representation in Australia and planning to launch more new products in model year 2026 than they have in the previous 10 years.
Veteran Bicycle Retailer Bill Hocking Dies
Bill Hocking, former owner of Fitzroy Cycles which he founded in 1989 and also ran in a number of other stores and locations over the years, passed away recently. Apparently the cause of death was MND (motor neurone disease.)
Bill was a big supporter and sponsor of cycling and triathlon as well as a former top level rugby league player. His funeral was held on Thursday 10th October in Elsternwick, Victoria.
We wrote a lengthy article about bill and his store when he put the store up for sale a couple of years ago. You can see that article here. Bill was 71 years old at the time of that article in April 2022 so would have probably been 73 at the time of his death.
We Ride Australia’s AGM and Cycling Luminaries Awards Details Announced
Australia’s bike industry funded national advocacy organisation, We Ride Australia will be hosting it’s annual general meeting followed by a celebration of riding and networking with the announcement of the Cycling Luminaries Awards winners, and the launch of the RideScore evaluation.
The event will be hosted by Deakin University at their Downtown campus at level 12 727 Collins St Melbourne
Tickets are free, but need to be booked prior to the event. The event will start with the AGM at 5:30 pm on Wednesday 27th November, followed by networking drinks at 6:30 pm.
For further information contact yes@weride.org.au or 1800 937 433.