Originally Posted by
shoota
Something is going to have to give. LBSs are shutting down in droves at the moment.
Looks like something did give- brick and mortar retail. If shops are shutting down in droves, then that is what gave.
Less local shops, and the remaining shops now have to service a larger geographic footprint with presumably less buyers per sqmi than before direct retail sales.
The other thing thats happening is shops are adjusting with online sales of their own. Also, they are focusing on segments of the market like triathlons. Being a specialty retailer helps mitigate the general online retail sales trend. Some shops have opened mobile repair divisions to come to the consumer for convenience.
Also, bike sales is only a segment of the local shop's profits, and from what Ive read its typically a small portion. Accessories and service have higher margins, so focusing on those could help offset smaller new bike sales.