Support Local: Why Shopping Local Bike Shops Matters

It is important to support local bike shops as well as all local businesses. This will help create a stronger community. There are many ways to get parts and gear. We are a bike shop. It’s not something unique to the cycling industry. And it’s certainly not something that will change. However, local businesses can still be supported. This is a great way for northern Michigan to make money and to ensure the success of many events.
What is a Small Business?

What is small? What is considered local? What is local? Although it varies from industry to industry, a small retail company is defined as one with less than £5,000,000 in annual revenue. These businesses usually have less than 150 employees. However, the national average of 10 full-time workers is significantly lower.

Shopping in your local community will ensure that more of your money stays locally. A study shows that 48% spends in local economies, while 14% go to corporate stores.

Here are some ways you can support your local bike shop no matter where it is located

We are advocates for all local bike shops. Even if they are not us. Our bike shop Edinburgh competes with small businesses like all small businesses. We have a lot to lose to online retailers that can purchase parts and bikes at lower prices and sell them at lower prices, sometimes even below the Minimum Advertised Prices (MAP), to which we are bound by in agreements with our distributors.

There are many options to support your favorite local businesses and bike shops. Here are a few examples:

1. Give Us a Chance. You found something online? Send it to me! We may have it in stock and be able get it here as fast as Bezos. We do our best to communicate well and source what you need, even if there are challenges in the supply chain.

2. Let Us Wrench. You can save time by having a professional bike technician do your repairs. A local bike shop can handle all repairs from full tune-ups to wheel builds and suspension service. We can also verify compatibility and make suggestions that could improve the quality and even save money.

3. Snacks. Buy nutrition items that you use often at a local store. You can find great reasons to visit your local shop and buy Fizz or gels.

4. Give gift cards. A gift card to a bike shop that you love is the best way to encourage someone to take up cycling.

5. Share and Like. Social media can be powerful. Follow, Like, and Share their posts. Don’t forget to tag your local bike shop when you go in, or if you use their bikes and services! (Pssst…you may also follow us via Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook)

6. Register for their newsletter. Newsletters can be a great way of finding out about shop rides and upcoming events. (Yes, we also have one.)

Local Matters Let’s all join forces to make a difference.

While we are happy to be your bike shop – more than anything – we encourage all cyclists and their families to support small businesses as well as non-profit organizations serving our cycling community. We can help you with all your cycling questions. We are looking forward to meeting you on two-wheels!