Originally Posted by
prairiepedaler
Q:?
Anyone aware of a brick n' mortar LBS that is thriving in their area and any idea what they are doing to make it work?
Several here in Philadelphia. My LHT is being worked on by one right now. That shop borders a residential neighborhood that is home to many students and younger people as well as people with money. It's also close to the main business district. Great mechanics. Lots of accessories like cleats, bar tape, helmets, etc.
There is another shop that is owned by a one-time junior high classmate of mine. He started back in the mid-90s with a tiny shop in a pretty run down building. As business began to boom and moved across the street to a nicer spot. Later, the store doubled in physical size. That shop is also located in a residential neighborhood that has a mix of affluent and middleclass people. At one point the place was the place to go in the area if you wanted something high end, like a Colnago or DeRosa. The place is more "mainstream" now but still caters to people looking for pricier rides. The shop also leads rides for exposure.
Another shop is a popular residential neighborhood with a good mix of people caters more towards the urban riding and touring crowd. During the height of the summer you can usually find multiple Surly models in stock. The shop also carries Brompton and at one point was one of the larger Brooks retailers.
There is a shop in the tony Chestnut Hill section of the city. Great mechanics, families and others with lots of money, and the owner knows bikes. He built me one of these:
Engin Cycles | Handmade Titanium Bicycles Philadelphia, PA May actually be heading up there this afternoon for some tires.
I could go on. In fact, several new shops have opened in the city over the last several years. One also has a café and is just outside the city right on a very popular trail. Don't know how much bike business it does, but the food and beverage business appears to booming. There is no completion close, and several knew apartment developments catering to younger people have sprung up in the immediate area, so I will bet the bike end of things is doing well. It's probably bolstered by people needing emergency service while riding the trail.