LBS make front page of local paper

[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'

[Loraura]

Austin has like 20 bike shops. At least.

I actually LOVE going down to Barton Springs and Lamar and hitting Bicycle Sport Shop, Jack and Adams, and Austin Tri-Cyclist on a Saturday afternoon. They are all within half a mile of each other. There is nothing but a McDonalds between BSS and Jack and Adam's.

Can hit Austin Bikes on the way in and Mellow Johnny's on the way out, and I'm a happy bike shopper. There is even an REI there too. These are all within a small area in downtown Austin. Walking distance to all.

It's like going to car dealerships that build all together. The call it the motor mile in south austin. A whole bunch of car dealerships all next door to each other.

I'm more likely to walk into ANY of these bike shops because they are ALL right there. They all get a little of my money. =)

[sarahspins]

I actually LOVE going down to Barton Springs and Lamar and hitting Bicycle Sport Shop, Jack and Adams, and Austin Tri-Cyclist on a Saturday afternoon. They are all within half a mile of each other. There is nothing but a McDonalds between BSS and Jack and Adam's.

I don't think there's anything wrong with some healthy competition, and Austin certainly has PLENTY of that (which is a good thing IMO) The difference with our shops though, is that they're not right in the same shopping center. It would be like someone setting up shop right next to VO2 in Cedar Park (which is a relatively new shop and somewhat isolated from other local shops) and targeting the same customers... I doubt that would be received very well. Down the road would be a different issue.

[Biciclista]

gee, just like Yehuda Moon again. hopefully both shops will benefit. sad story.