LBS question

[SouthernBelle]

I spent most of yesterday afternoon at my LBS. There was another woman there, a graduate student student getting her new bike to go to Duke.

Anyway, as I was finishing up, and the student had already left, the LBS guy said he had had a really good time with the 2 of us (neither of us were reticent). We then got into a discussion about women, bikes, etc. He is making a big effort to get women into his shop and to make them comfortable. He is already getting in more women's clothing, etc. He took the time to show us how to change a flat and answer Qs (I had several about maintenance). He remarked that some women are obviously uncomfortable with him even watching them test ride a bike. He wanted to know what to do to make women come to and be comfortable in his shop.

Responses?

[mimitabby]

Sounds like he's already doing it. But add bikes fit for women to his inventory would be a good idea.

[DebW]

Hire a woman. Sponsor women's rides or classes.

[DDH]

I like the sponser womens ride idea!

I think that catering a little more to women regarding inventory would be a nice thing. My LBS is small to begin with so they have very little to choose from regarding, shorts, tops, shoes, helmets, and even bikes.

I think classes that are specifically designed for women, as far as changing tires and maintenance would be nice. Just like the fact that I have a problem filling my tire completely when I change it because it gets very hard to pump those little hand held air pumps.

[SouthernBelle]

These are good. Some match what I suggested, some he has done.

Anything else??

[li10up]

He's already doing the most important thing - actually talking to the women. I'll bet a lot of women are basically ignored in LBSs until they walk up to a cash register with item in hand.

Also, sponsoring a Women's Clinic would be a good idea. The LBS here did that last year and it was a HUGH success. They expected about 40 people and ended up with about 200. It was a mtn. bike clinic. They had you rotate through stations. There were bike handling skills, ie. learning how to bunny hop over logs, maintenance skills, etc. Even had a pro racer at the clinic who gave a talked to us and did trail rides with us. It was very cool. They are doing it again this year.

[CorsairMac]

He is already getting in more women's clothing........

really?.....do they fit him ok??...how does he like the womens chamois vs the mens?




(ok...I just finished lunch and the sun is shining Finally....sry, I"m feeling a little fiesty this afertnoon! LOL)

[pooks]

Something else -- he should offer lots of "fun stuff" for bikes, some "girly" stuff, some macho (since as girls we get to like both, ya know -- either buff our bikes up to be all tough and gritty, or doll them up). Because (excuse the generalization) we do love to accessorize!

Try and find a female employee or customer who is willing to help start a women's biking club. I've seen the websites for the Velo Girls and the Pedal Queens and I'm jealous!

Create a really cool women's section (whether it's for clothes only, or includes other stuff -- even if it's small, it could still be displayed in an attractive/funky way) and then advertize it out front in a bold, attractive way: "Come in and check out our new women's cycling products!" (Or whatever it would say. In other words, have the signage reflect that he has women-specific products.) He may pull some people in out of curiosity, and may pull in some women who had been curious but thought maybe only guys shopped there.

In other words, don't just have women's stuff, but make it clear he values women customers enough to create a space for them, and to invite them in.