Apart from the major retail chains (REI, etc.), I have had a devil of a time trying to find XC ski equipment in the Greater Boston area. Even the chain stores had sold out of most of their merchandise by Christmas, and of course, none could offer any expertise at all in selection or fitting.

As for bike stuff, an extensive selection of women's clothing is always a plus. I would also be interested in a store that could cater to women's informational needs (sort of like this board): for example, links to mtb and road skills classes for women, perhaps bike maintenance clinics, bike fittings, etc.

The notion of a bike store catering (wholly or partly???) to women's bike lines sounds like a riskier proposition to me. While I own one WSD bike (my mtb), I was not entirely sold on the concept initially, and even now I might hesitate before buying from a shop that was too narrowly restricted to the 'women's-only' segment of the market. I have the luxury of an exceptionally well-stocked LBS in my vicinity (Belmont Wheelworks), and while I don't always love the attitude I seem to pick up from many of their employees (actually, I rather hate it), I do value their selection and expertise.

In terms of bikes, I do love the pizazz of Specialized (my mtb) and Cannondale (my road bike). Both have women's lines, although I have never tried the C'dale in a women's frame. If you do go the WSD route, at least stock plenty of bright, flashy colors! No dainty pastels, please.