Customer Service

[RoadRaven]

But please don't put the "women's" helmets in there, or the pink Serfas floor pumps, or the pink pedals or baby blue cranks, or the wider "T" shaped saddles. Mix those in with the rest. Some women don't *need* a wider saddle. Some men do. Some don't *want* the uber-phallic pink floor pump. Some women have heads that don't fit in tiny helmets. Some men have heads that are too small for a "man's" helmet. Some men really like the hot pink cranks. Make women welcome through-out the entire store! The chickie on her way to buy her helmet might discover BuddyFlaps. (cha-ching!) The gal perusing the saddles might catch a glimpse of a rack. (cha-ching!) And then she'll see the Ortleib Backroller panniers and start really thinking (BIG $$$ cha-ching!)

Knot!!!! +1!!!!

Make women feel welcome throughout the ENTIRE shop... don't segregate them into a corner or subsection... and please (as others have said) don't assume we all go for pink!

Ammount of pink Raven owns... zero

Men and women come in all shapes and sizes, with a huge variation of colour and style preference...

Make sure it is a people store... but do emphasise the support/availability for women, with whatever interest to feel welcome and competent in your store.

And congrats - what a very cool way to make a living

[indigoiis]

Workshops / classes / special events / rides for women. ? Just some ideas.

Or a really cute young man who speaks no English walking around with freshly made fruit smoothies?

A manicurist on site?

[WhirlyGirl]

Thank You Thank You, to all who took the time to share on this thread! An update to my progress

My Space consisits of
Clothing: Shorts, Jerseys, Tights, vests, Jackets, Gloves and Socks.NO PINK! Good size range.
Some literature: WSD bikes: do you need one, Riding to lose weight, Benefits of cycling.
All Natural Sunscreen, muscle balm and sore salve.(we let the men buy these too )
Yoga for Cycling DVD for sale.
Flyers for our Whirly Girl weekly Rides
I do have a couple of helmets and pairs of shoes as examples, however the inventory is with all other helmets and shoes.

We have classes set up as well
fix a flat
Road biking 101
Tri-Umph Whirly Girl style (fun triathlon training)
Mountain Basics: we have great mtn biking in our area as well.

Like I mentioned before we are an established store, but with the extra space my intention is to pull in newbies, those gals that are weary of riding for whatever reason, give them a comfortable space to shop, carry items of neccessity to start riding comfortabally and with the most enjoyment possible. I don't want a newbie coming in and feeling overwhelmed by having to sort through the entire store.

And as far as eye candy...well my husband is quite hot and an amazing cyclist and a great mechanic, and his partner is Scottish, so the accent is easy on the ears. They both ride almost everyday and have been semi pro racers in both ATB and road so their combined experience is a great benefit for repair, purchasing and training. And they would NEVER talk to down to anyone including women, they are great men and married as well

If you are ever in very southern AZ, come check us out. And again, thanks for all the great input.

[Running Mommy]

WG-
I'm actually in the middle of opening a new store in Goodyear (west of phoenix).
One thing that I've always kept in mind is that a store that is pleasing to the eye will make you want to spend time in it.
With that in mind we are really paying attention to our merchandising. And my womens clothing is going to be front and center.
Women account for 80% of a houeseholds buying decisions, so it makes sense to make the entire space pleasing to a womans eye.
Also remember that studies show that when entering a store most people look to the right first. Why? I dunno, but they have actually studied this.
So have a focal point that is on the right side.
I'm also going to stock brands that you won't neccisarily see in Performance, or the other chain stores. That means NO Pearl Izumi!
Sugoi is our main brand for both men and women. Women specific I'm going with shebeest shorts (their jerseys are HORRID for the spring), Hincapie, and some smaller lines. Vanderkitten, Dude girl, Loeka,Zoic, and skirt sports to name a few.
Hope this helps.
So where are you in southern AZ? Tucson area?? Did you just buy this store?

[Zen]

Why not use that space for group spin (bring your own trainer) classes or a coffee/beverage area with sofas and cycling movies?

[sundial]

Why not use that space for group spin (bring your own trainer) classes or a coffee/beverage area with sofas and cycling movies?

Great idea! Or designate the corner as the bike fit/diagnostics corner.

My DH is in retail and he has established a set of rules that have worked for him.
1. No clutter--ever!
2. Dust weekly.
3. Make the aisles wide enough to maneuver around the merchandise with a walker or wheelchair.
4. Organize items by groups with the most popular items at eye level.
5. Always assist a customer. Don't point to a general direction and let the customer find it on their own.
6. Don't cram merchandise in too small an area. Display it where it's easy to see and handle.
7. Offer personal service.
8. Keep restrooms clean and stocked with paper goods.
9. Vacuum the floors and clean the windows daily.
10. Put misplaced merchandise back.