A local bike shop or local bicycle shop is a small business specializing in bicycle sale, maintenance and parts. The expression distinguishes small bicycle shops from large chains and mail-order or online vendors is abbreviated LBS.[1] In the UK and Ireland, the expression independent bicycle dealers (IBDs) is also used.[2]
The local bike shop is a key component of the bicycle industry and, in recognition of the value that local bike shops provide, some manufacturers only sell their bicycles through dealerships.
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Beyond bicycles, a local bicycle shop may offer clothing and other accessories, spare and replacement parts, tools, and a variety of services.[3]
Services may include expert fitting and custom bike building or ordering,[4] maintenance and repairs from experienced bicycle mechanics, and organized group rides and classes.[5] A self-service work area may be available.[6]
Shops may also specialize on one or more aspects of cycling: bicycle racing,[7] triathloning, bicycle touring, BMX,[8] mountain biking, etc. Similarly, shops may carry a diverse range of bicycles, from single-seat upright bikes, to more specialized types such as tandem bicycles,[9] recumbent bicycles,[10] folding bicycles.[11] Many shops also carry related items such as unicycles[12] and skateboards.[13]
Shops located out of temperate climates may have a secondary line in order to keep busy in the off season (winter). These include goods and services for skiing,[7] camping, and physical fitness.[14] Some shops keep their regular customers coming in through the winter by offering group training sessions.[15]
A small but growing trend in bicycle retailing is called the bicycle studio, which offers service in an intimate environment by appointment only. A list by Bicycling Magazine shows five studios founded before 2000 and 13 since. These are seen as more complementary to, than competitive with, traditional bike shops.[16]
The primary competitors to local bike shops are the mass merchants such as Wal-Mart or Target, representing 73% of the units and 36% of the dollars in 2007,[17] full-line sporting goods stores such as Dick's Sporting Goods, multi-sport stores such as R.E.I., representing 7% of the units and 9% of the dollars in 2007,[17] and mail order and on-line vendors representing 3% of the units and 6% of the dollars in 2007.[17] There are also chains of bike shops, though most LBS are singly owned, 91% of them have one location.[17]
The lines between local bike shops and on-line vendors is blurring as local bike shops begin to sell products on line[18] and traditional mail order vendors open their own retail bike stores.[19] [20]
A recent development is the introduction of brand specific stores from bicycle manufacturers such as Trek Bicycle Corporation.[21] Other manufacturers, such as Specialized are strengthening their channels with concept stores.[22]
According to the National Bicycle Dealers Association, in 2007 there were approximately 4,400 "specialty bicycle retailers" in the USA; down from 4,800 in 2005. Although they sold only 17% of the bikes, up from 16% in 2005, they collected 49% of the dollars, up from 47% in 2005. In 2004, the average specialty bicycle retailer had gross sales of $550,000 per year, 91% of them had one location, and average store size was 4,822 square feet.[17][23]