A bicycle shop is a retail business that deals in cycles and cycle related merchandise. The key to success for a bike shop is to focus all marketing on the ideal consumer and provide exceptional in-store experiences and services. Before opening the doors, get business training from a community college program, a small business consultant or a trusted local business mentor who can help you avoid common pitfalls and learn from other business owners’ mistakes. Thorough market research will provide valuable data to determine if your business can survive in your geographic area and provide insights for shaping your business plan.
Offer a wide variety of bike brands to meet the needs and interests of all riders. Quality shops are well-versed in the technical details of their major brands and are able to answer customer questions about specifications, geometry, component compatibility and performance.
Great bike shops sell accessories and bike parts to complement their primary product lines. They also offer repairs and maintenance in-house or through a mobile repair service. Mechanics must be highly skilled to spot and fix issues as they arise. Bicycle technology is evolving rapidly and great shops invest in ongoing education to stay current.
A bike shop’s atmosphere should be warm, welcoming and energetic. They should have secure bike parking and ample space on the walls to display cycling memorabilia and posters. Live or replays of cycling races on TV can be entertaining and inspire customers to take to the road or trails.