Another first for Louis Garneau

Manufacturer and world-class cyclist opens first U.S. factory store

Thirty years ago, he placed first in the Mount Washington Bicycle Hill Climb.Last week, Louis Garneau, a world-class cyclist and a manufacturer of cycling and triathlon products, opened his first U.S. factory store in North Conway.The Louis Garneau store is located in the former Dansk building on Route 16. The headquarters for Louis Garneau USA Inc., is Newport, Vt., and North Conway was chosen as the site of the first factory store in part because of its proximity to the main office and also because the area is "rich in history" for Garneau."It's a special area for him," said communications coordinator Heidi Myers. "He won the Mount Washington Hill Climb in 1976, and he also honeymooned there."Garneau's cycling career has included over 150 victories. He was a member of the Canadian Cycling Team for seven years and participated in the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.Garneau started his manufacturing company more than 20 years ago in Canada, expanding into the United States in 1988. The company specializes in cycling clothes and equipment.In 2003, Louis Garneau purchased Chlorophylle, a supplier of technical clothing for climbing, mountaineering, kayaking and other outdoor recreation.The North Conway store features products from both.According to a press release, the 4,200-square-foot store "will serve as laboratory for gaining insight into the retail marketplace."Louis Garneau is working on plans to open several Louis Garneau Boutiques within key independent retailers' existing storefronts throughout the United States. In addition, the Louis Garneau Chlorophylle factory store will serve as the introduction of the Chlorophylle brand in the United States."The official grand opening for the store is April 19.More information on the company and its products can be found at www.louisgarneau.com.