SQlab Sends a Strong B2B Signal With The iQlab Training Tour
Around 1,000 specialist retailers – ergonomics becomes a strategic consulting tool
04.03.202615 locations across Germany, around 1,000 participants: the 2026 iQlab training tour by SQlab clearly demonstrated the growing importance of expertise in the specialist retail sector. In a saturated market with a high level of product comparability, the focus is shifting from pure product features toward structured consultation, transparent reasoning, and solid expertise.
The tour was perceived by participating retail partners as a training and knowledge-sharing format rather than a sales event. The opportunity for personal exchange among retailers was highlighted as a particular added value. In-person formats continue to be regarded as especially valuable in terms of quality, particularly when it comes to practical classification and concrete implementation in day-to-day sales.
Changing demand in everyday retail
One of the central topics discussed was the shift in customer demand. Retailers increasingly report customers using bikes for everyday mobility and commuting. Comfort is being differentiated more strongly according to usage scenarios, particularly in the urban and short-distance segment. In this sense, the training also served as direct feedback from the market: ergonomics is no longer interpreted exclusively in a sporting context but is increasingly understood as a holistic approach for different areas of use.
Ergonomics as a key factor
In specialist retail, ergonomics has long since moved beyond being a niche topic. Most participants already possessed a solid basic understanding. However, what is increasingly required is less detailed product information and more clear argumentation tools for customer conversations. Measurement is increasingly used as a structured entry point into the consultation process. It creates transparency, objectivity, and facilitates product recommendations. Practical tools such as POS materials and bike stickers were particularly well received, as they enable easy implementation in-store. Retailers are looking for concrete solutions rather than theory.
Digitalization with economic considerations
With Smartfit, digital measurement was firmly integrated into the training concept. The response was consistently positive. Digital analysis tools are seen as a meaningful way to make consultation more interactive and easier to understand. At the same time, the level of investment remains a relevant factor. Digitalization is welcomed but evaluated from an economic perspective. The connection between measurement results and specific product recommendations offers further potential.
Know-how, expertise, and consultation
The 2026 iQlab training tour illustrates how ergonomics in specialist retail is evolving from a technical product feature into a structured consultation tool. In a market with high product comparability, know-how is increasingly becoming the key differentiator. Expertise becomes currency – and consultation the decisive added value in stationary specialist retail.
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In addition to the iQlab training tour, here is a short dealer survey:
SQlab Partner-Check 2026
