Dealernews Names 'Top 100' Powersports Retailers in North America; Dealerships Honored...

INDIANAPOLIS -- Dealernews, the premier business-to-business magazine for powersports retailers, announces the winners of the 2005 Top 100 Awards, the industry's largest, longest running and most prestigious store design and marketing awards program. The Top 100 competition, now starting its

"The Dealernews Top 100 competition isn't a recognition of high-end, major retail outlets," said Mike Vaughan, publisher and award program director. "Rather, it was created to provide powersports dealerships with a template of how to do things right."

A multi-line dealer from Canada this year took home top honors. Hully Gully, The Ultimate Toy Store, based in London, Ontario, won the Grand Prize Trophy by scoring top marks in all categories. "Hully Gully has put together a total retail experience," said one Top 100 judge. "The store is a destination point for any enthusiast."

Doc's Harley-Davidson of Kirkwood, Mo., and Hal's Harley Davidson and Buell of New Berlin, Wis., nabbed first and second runner-up spots, respectively. Honorable Mentions went to Grand Prix Motorsports, Littleton, Colo.; PowersportsPro, Omaha, Neb.; and Route 66 Harley-Davidson, Tulsa, Okla. Dealerships receiving special category awards included Cowboy Harley-Davidson/Buell, Beaumont, Texas (Best Exterior); Woods Fun Center, Austin, Texas (Best Retail Display); Mies Outland, an ATV dealership in Watkins, Minn. (Best Store Theme); MotoExotics, Brea, Calif. (Best Use of Space by a small dealership); and Throttle Wear, Folsom, Calif. (Best Independent/Non-Franchised Dealer). A complete list of the Top 100 Dealers follows.

The 2005 Top 100 were honored during an awards gala Feb. 18 in Indianapolis. The Top 100 winning entries will be showcased in a three-day photo gallery exhibit during the 39th Annual Dealernews International Powersports Dealer Expo, held Feb. 19-21 in Indianapolis. Winners also will be celebrated in a special Top 100 Yearbook to be published in April by Dealernews.

Dealernews is the official sponsor and organizer of The Top 100 Program. Participating industry sponsors for 2005 include Custom Chrome, Cycle Country Accessories, FTM Enterprises Inc., Girlyz Co., M2R Helmets, Motorcycle Stuff, Universal Underwriters Group and Wilex X Eyewear. For more information on this year's winners or details on how dealers can enter the 2006 competition, contact Dealernews at 201 Sandpointe Ave., Suite 600, Santa Ana, CA 92707-8700; tel. 800-854-3112 or 714-513-8400; FAX 714-513-8414; www.dealernews.com.