You are reading a single comment by @vilms5000 and its replies.
Click here to read the full conversation.
-
–agree that there's maybe a small benefit that will be had for LBSs, but I can't help thinking that LBSs are invisible to most punters who would walk into an Evans store without a second thought. For better or for worse, there's implicit trust that you have with brands like Evans especially if you're not invested in 'shop local', the same thing that sends you to Sainsbury's instead of the local greengrocer, fishmonger, butcher, street market &c.
Also: Going to a local bike shop is a bit like trusting a tradesperson; you go on reputation, but if you don't know any better, you probably assume you're going to be ripped off.
vilms5000
Love all the armchair pundits on twitter saying 'how could Evans fail, cycling is booming, look at all the mamil's getting in the way of my 4x4 in Surrey'
Without making the connection that most of those guys are not buying there bikes through bricks and mortar shops anymore - the cycling industry is facing the exact same problem as other high street retailers - Rise of online shopping habits, expensive rent/rates for physical shops
Feel sorry for the staff facing the axe, but might be a Silver lining for London, if they choose to close a few of the stores (seems over-saturated in central) it will give LBS's a bit of breathing space, even if just for an increase in workshop jobs could give a much need boost in the short term.