LBS make front page of local paper

[Fredwina]

Not in a good way.
we used to have a LBS in city of 150,000. Now, we have two. In the same strip mall And a third on the way (but in a different mall)
http://www.dailybulletin.com/news/ci_14156126

[Zen]

Why would those [new] guys do that? What idiots. I guess they think the Trek name will carry them.
You keep it classy, new guys.

[Aquila]

We have three bike shops in a town of about 50K; they all do something else in addition (ski stuff, hockey/skate stuff, and so forth). Two are within spitting distance of one another. And that doesn't count the big box sporting store at the mall. None has a great selection, but they all seem to stay in business.

[Zen]

Yes, but did you read the story?

[Fredwina]

To make things more fun , the third(Incycle) store sells Treks(cyclery USA) ,and is the 3rd largest Cannondale dealer(Comp edge) All three sell Specialized.
I've heard that a lot of it is sour grapes from Comp Edge turning down C-USA's offer

[Running Mommy]

I have another spin on this...
WHY did the owner of the original shop not put a clause in the lease that the property owner/mgr/etc not be allowed to put another bike shop or similar store in the same plaza?
We didn't know a THING about commercial leasing when we signed our lease- and we knew that, so we sought advice from someone who did. As a result the owner of our plaza is not allowed to put another bicycle or triathlon shop in our plaza, or we can break the lease.
I'm sorry but the way I see it is this- sux for you, but you got caught with your pants down!-
I know that sounds harsh, but business is business, and it is not always pretty.
I have made more than my share of mistakes, but after fuming for awhile at the injustice of it all I have to admit that I messed up. In life sometimes poop just happens!

Now do I think guy #2 is a schmo- oh heck yes! IMO he does business with the same ethical standards as Specialized. Out for blood no matter what. (sorry big S fans, but I just refuse to hold my tongue on my feelings for that company, and I'm sorry if I offended you. The bikes are nice, I will say that.)
And Ironically guy #1 is a big S dealer... So I have to wonder if Specialized will help him in some way to squash the new guy.
IMO
Guy #2 knew exactly what he was doing, and upon finding out how well guy #1 was doing in his location he figured he'd try to get a piece of the pie.
Something similar to that happened to me, but I stood my ground and ultimately won.
-a mutual customer went into a shop thats located about 15 miles north of me. He was questioning the customer about me- what I sold, if I was doing anything at the bmx track, etc. Innocent customer who happens to also be a friend doesn't see whats happening and says "oh they do a TON at the track! They are killing it out there with their Intense bikes! Every other kid is on one." - which was kinda true...
Next thing you know the guy shows up at the track w/a bunch of bmx bikes and is advertising them at just over cost.
I know my dealer agreements, so I call the bike manu and bust the guy. He calls me and tries to intimidate me, I stand my ground, and that is that..
Two years later he is STILL bad mouthing me to customers, but I refuse to play along.
Guy #1 needs to put on a nice face, stop talking(whining) to the press, and just make sure that he comes with his A game every day. He will have nothing to worry about.
And guy #2?? Well I am a BIG believer in bike Karma, and that is some bbaaaaaddd bike karma right there..
I'm just sayin'