General Cycling Discussion - LBS went out of bussiness

So I was on my way to church last night, which my LBS is en route to. As I'm passing it, I look over and it looks empty. So on my way back I pull in and sure enough the place is empty with a sign on the door reading "Went out of bussiness".

The thing that stunned me about this was that I didn't have any clue they were closing up. The place was always packed during the summer, and the last time I was in there (three weeks ago?) the owner, whom I was chatting with for a bit, made no indication that they weren't doing so well.

So now I have to make the trek out to my FBS when I need stuff, which is a 20 minute drive compared to 5 minutes. The further shop is excellent, with excellent people running it, and I try to shop whenever I'm in the area and need something, but it was nice to have a good shop nearby, just for the quick things.

Well, thanks for listening to my rambling!

The internet, and price cutting will be putting even more among the unemployed.
15 years ago there were more than 10,000, shops in the US. Now there is just a few over 5,000.

chrisk,

it's always sad when a shop you like goes under. I wonder sometimes if the owners know fully what is developing but yet put on a brave face, a smile, a good welcome when you go in? Maybe the economics of the business went against them. One really good week a month, one really good month a year does not necessarily protect for the lean times inbetween. Inevitably, you have to go where you can. That might not necessarily be the best choice or location, but support the shops you go to - avoid the ones that really suck (yes, there are some like that). A good lbs means more than a place to spend a fistful of bucks.

Peter.

The internet, and price cutting will be putting even more among the unemployed.
15 years ago there were more than 10,000, shops in the US. Now there is just a few over 5,000.

This is one of the reasons I prefer to shop at small bussinesses rather than large corporations, even if it costs me a little more. It's good to know that I'm supporting somebody's livelyhood, and something they have worked hard to make.

As Bokkie said, the shop is more than a place to spend money, it's a vital part of the cycling community. I for one have gone to the shop for some small part and ended up talking to the owner for an hour and a half; talking about the latest races, newest and shiniest gear, and sharing stories about great rides or accomplishents we have made. It always serves as motivation for me to keep riding and learning new things.

But, life goes on, doesn't it.

Big chains like Walmart and internet companies selling a lot've junk products from the Far East are taking out small businesses everywhere. I'll continue to purchase bikes and accessories made in America (and some stuff from Europe) since I'm pleased with the better quality.

Regards.

Seeing that you're in NJ, what store is this? Not that I go to any LBSs in the Hoboken area, I'm always keen on bike shops in the area....

Jay

I just found a new bike store opened about 15 minutes from me. The owner moved the shop from another location to this new one because it is the only bike store in a city of about 90,000 people. I talked to the guy for a while and he seemed cool. He is adding more manufacturers to his line of bikes to cater to more people. I may have found a new lbs.

Seeing that you're in NJ, what store is this? Not that I go to any LBSs in the Hoboken area, I'm always keen on bike shops in the area....

Jay

It was Vernon Bicycle in Vernon, NJ.

To be honest with you I don't know where the bike shops in the Hoboken area are. But it doesn't really matter since I don't ride too often, if ever down here. :(

Ahhh, so you're up there. (Your profile lists both) I'm just a bit a south of you in Passaic Cty. There's a big bike shop on Rt 206, somewhere north of Andover but my friend doesn't recommend them.

The bike shop I deal with usually is Town Cycle in West Milford, I got my Seven from them and have had a bunch of wheels built to commute in when I bike to work.

Was recently just checking out that short 2.6 mile path on Hamburg Mtn up there a few weeks ago, got a great view of the tower on High Point. This winter, a friend of mine want to do some ski touring in Stokes when they close the roads, I just got a pair of cheap Pavo X-C skis this past march and looking forward to getting better and doing some winter camping.

Jay