It's OFFICIAL! I'm going to be an LBS owner!

[Kano]

Congratulations!

So, here's my suggestion: clothes for people bigger than matchsticks!

Karen in Boise

[Hub]

Congratulations!

So, here's my suggestion: clothes for people bigger than matchsticks!

Karen in Boise

Double Ditto!
and congrats!

Are you buying an existing shop? Starting a brand new one? Going to have a shoppable web-site to go with?

[Running Mommy]

I'm LOVING it!! Keep em coming!

And for those who asked.. Tri girl??

The name is Estrella Mountain Cyclery. (pronounced Es-STRAY-a)

Goodyear is at the base of the Sierra Estrellas. A rugged desert mountain range southwest of Phoenix proper.
There is a large master planned community that's in the foothills of the Estrellas called "estrella mountain ranch" or "estrella".

You can get an idea of the area by checking out this link.

http://estrella.com/

This is actually where I live.
I'll try to attach our logo, but don't know if I can....

And yes we have a website, but it was a very quick affair set up in about an hour to satisfy the folks at Interbike that we ARE legit. I'll have it fixed up once we get going. I'm not sure about web sales tho, esp. bikes. Bike companies are very strict about that.

[Flybye]

You are in for such an adventure! How you must feel.... I would be willing to bet that your thoughts are racing a million miles an hour trying to think it all through! I am very excited for you and yours!

We have a LBS that is called Alpine Cycle and FITNESS!!!

I can not believe the number of fitness items that fly out of the shops- they carry NICE ellipticals - not like the ones you'd purchase at a Wal-Mart. They also have spin bikes, treadmills, recumbent stationary bikes, stationary bikes, etc. I have only been in the shop twice when there was no one interested in the fitness end of the store. I guess it is the old adage "don't put all of your eggs in one basket" If it were me, I'd make sure to offer the fitness equipment.

I love the idea of club rides from the shop. It builds a sense of community and loyalty. Just like us here at TE - we use the forum, but Team Estrogen is also building for themselves an excellent base of customers.

I would have to think a bit about selling used bikes, especially if it narrowed my profit margin. I suppose that I would be more likely to sell them on a consignment basis, that way I wouldn't be buying a used bike that I couldn't sell.

I like your logo but I'd make sure to use BRIGHT colors for the window and door decal's - black isn't that visible on a window.

There's my $.02

CONGRATS

[Rakekay]

Congratulations!

So, here's my suggestion: clothes for people bigger than matchsticks!

Karen in Boise

Yes, yes, yes. What SHE said! I can't tell you how much money I've wasted on shipping trying to order larger size jerseys online (and then having to send them back when they are either too small or too big.

[elk]

HIRE SOME WOMEN!!!!!!
and make sure your staff understands that the weeniest looking dork walking in the door could become tommorrow's avid cyclist...IOW...treat EVERYONE with equal respect.

I second KNot's idea about a saddle library so people can try out saddles before they order them.

Maybe be a Waterford or a Rivendell dealer?

Oh...and Electra bikes are hot hot hot and hip.

Also carry NICE bags...not just the polysuperpoopoo ones, but some nice waxed canvas/leather/"retro" stuff...
Clothing choices...not just lyrca spandex...

allow well behaved dogs ;-) and carry: http://www.bikerdog.com/

You''re gonna be great...DOn't FORGET your coffee bar!!!

nice logo BTW!

[blueskies]

and make sure your staff understands that the weeniest looking dork walking in the door could become tommorrow's avid cyclist...IOW...treat EVERYONE with equal respect.

Actually, the weeniest looking dork could be today's avid cyclist. I know some women who race as Master's who look deceptively un-racey in ordinary clothes.

Congrats!!!!!! Much joy! And success!