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

[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!

[crazycanuck]

RM,

In regards to bike shop hours: Perth & most of Western Australia have backward shopping hours and most bike shops close at 6pm. Thursday night most shops are open until 9pm including bike shops

Congrats again!

C

[Bklynmom]

So great - congrats, and I wish you were closer to NYC! How exciting!

You got so many great suggestions. Here's one that could apply to a lot of businesses:

I think customer service and staff training is really important. We have a great local running store that treats everyone like a serious athlete, in a really nice way - even the slacker looking teens are really nice and helpful. I don't know if they do a lot of training, but they do all seem to be functioning under a great philosophy -- the manger is very nice and treats his employees kindly and firmly in front of customers.

[sgtiger]

Congratulations, Running Mommy! I'll think you'll do fine.

BTW, BIAK's buddy from high school and his wife are local LBS owners. They have a vending machine in front of their store stocked with tubes, patches, and other things that customers may need in a pinch.

[DirtDiva]

How exciting! All the best with the new shop.

Re: the saddle library idea...
WTB produces a set of test saddles for bike stores to lend out. I think it cost the shop I went to NZ$600 to get a set (about 8 saddles, IIRC). From personal experience, being able to take these saddles for a test drive and bring 'em back wet and muddy and all is great. Made me spend twice as much as I meant to on a new saddle for my mtb, but the new one is so kind to my bum that I just don't care. Now, people coming in and spending twice what they meant to and not being bothered by it is just what all shops like...

[Jo-n-NY]

Wishing a much congratulations and the best of luck!!!!

I hope hiring decent help is better for you than it is here on Long Island at least. That has been the major problem with our business for 53 years, it stemmed from father who is now "suppose" to be retired and now owned by my husband and brother.

The most important advice that I can offer is try to keep balance in your life also and try to fit in riding for yourself.

~ JoAnn

[Tri Girl]

Love the name and logo of your store, RM. Thanks for posting it!!!


LOVE the idea of the vending machine with tubes, patches, etc. How clever!!!

[KSH]

You have had more than enough suggestions in this thread... so I'll just say... CONGRATULATIONS!

[RoadRaven]

Re: the saddle library idea...
WTB produces a set of test saddles for bike stores to lend out. I think it cost the shop I went to NZ$600 to get a set (about 8 saddles, IIRC). From personal experience, being able to take these saddles for a test drive and bring 'em back wet and muddy and all is great.

I LOVE this idea..... a saddle library is an excellent idea... I am going to suggest it to a couple of the LBS' here!