Forum menu
No, Switzerland unfortunately.
Whatever people say about service attitude cake and coffee
It all boils down to price.
The industry is overcharging for the products.
The online retailers have circumvented the traditional retail model.
And that is the end of the lbs.
Just a matter of time.
Closed mine after 15 years and it's amazing being a customer again.
You just can't beat the online guys.
I am not sure what the future of cycle retail will be.
But I hazard a guess it will be like the car trade. Where you buy on lease and are then tied to the brand as their products will become less compatible with other companies.
That is where I find Giant interesting?
Brand stores offer finance directly through Giant UK, bike shipped to store. Comprehensive click and collect on all giant goods. Servicing packages being offered with sale to tie customer to the store. In store bike fitting systems. Consignment stock I.e. 150 bikes on display, owned by Giant UK with no risk to retailer. All other stock pulled next day from warehouse. Imagine the financial muscle needed to put that many bikes into 20+ brand stores with no upfront cost to retailer?
A Taiwanese business man told me whilst talking about China and Taiwan, "we are Chinese with faster calculators". He told me think and plan in the long term, unlike the West.
Long term plans may include taking a short term hit to knock out competitors, for long term gain. Who knows?