My LBS is closing/sad day

Muttly1981
Muttly1981 Posts: 815
edited October 2011 in MTB general
I found out today that my LBS is due to close down on Friday after 70 odd years, now it's always been a small shop on the outskirts of town but has always been a bit of a specialist towards BMX and mountain biking instead of the other more popular shop in town that sells a bit of everything, he said a few months ago that he was stuggling to compete with internet stores. It's sad to see him shutting up shop after all that time but i'll be heading in on friday dinner to see what bargins are left hopefully pick up some rotors, adaptors, tyres.
What if your dreams and fears existed in the same place? What if to get to heaven, you had to brave hell? What if everything you've ever wanted cost you everything you've ever achieved? Would you still go there?

Comments

  • Briggo
    Briggo Posts: 3,537
    You vulture.
  • Muttly1981
    Muttly1981 Posts: 815
    Briggo wrote:
    You vulture.

    TBF i should have gotten discount with the ammount i've spent in there over the years :wink: If i don't pick up the bargin some bike shop will just buy the lot in bulk anyway
    What if your dreams and fears existed in the same place? What if to get to heaven, you had to brave hell? What if everything you've ever wanted cost you everything you've ever achieved? Would you still go there?
  • MountainMonster
    MountainMonster Posts: 7,423
    Always sad to see a decent LBS getting shut down, especially when people are greedy and only worry about saving themselves an extra 3 pound rather than supporting a local shop.

    TBF, I hate shopping from the internet, and my LBS happily gets the extra few euros from me, as then I have a shop near me, who knows what I need, when I need it. Where is the personal interaction with an internet shop? Theirs none, and thats the depressing thing about it, as people are only worried about themselves these days.
    My London Road
  • diy
    diy Posts: 6,473
    I wouldn't miss mine, I've tried hard to be loyal to them, but they consistently tell me rubbish in order to sell whatever they have in stock.

    They do however set-up bikes better than halfords, not that, that is hard.
    Guide to cheap bike lights Turbo Trainer Vids Play list
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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,666
    Key to succeeding with an independent LBS these days I think is to be located near to trails and have staff knowledgeable about the trails and are keen riders there themselves, offer proper demos where you can take them out on the local trails not round the car park, and maybe even do local events, guided rides, etc.

    An LBS sat somewhere miles from any riding and just selling stock is going to struggle even if they offer a good service.

    Otherwise it's chain stores, staffed by Dixons rejects and school kids, flogging BSOs. They succeed as there are far more people who will pay money for a cheap BSO that's ridden once or for the kids to scoot around their house, than there are who will buy a decent bike and actually ride it.
  • paul.skibum
    paul.skibum Posts: 4,068
    I blame Wiggle.
    Closet jockey wheel pimp whore.
  • gmacz
    gmacz Posts: 343
    I am a big fan of a good wiggle.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iF7qtyrtq9M
  • pjm-84
    pjm-84 Posts: 819
    I wouldn't miss mine, I've tried hard to be loyal to them, but they consistently tell me rubbish in order to sell whatever they have in stock.

    +1
    Paul
  • Eranu
    Eranu Posts: 712
    I blame Wiggle.

    Wiggle used to be my LBS before they went all mail order.

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