Bike Shop Design

[Electrifying Cycles]

Hi All,

We are going to be moving to larger premises. Therefore we would love to know your pet hates for poorly designed shops and any particualr features which you like in your favourite bike shop. We have some ideas but always interested to learn from others.

Dave

 

[trex]

I like bike shops with a 'see through' workshop area, easy to see how your mechanics treat the bikes.

 

[flecc]

Hate overcrowded, densely packed bikes on show which are difficult to get out to pick up, look at and sit on.
.

 

[mike killay]

For my money, knowledgeable employees who are available to chat/discuss problems are most important rather than the 'I'm busy, be with you in a moment' that turns out to be 10 minutes.
Obviously this does not apply if they are already serving another customer.

 

[Deleted member 4366]

When I go into an ebike shop to buy a bike, the thing that makes me happy is low prices

Seriously, though. I really hate it when there's no prices on the goods, especially when the staff are busy with someone else, so you can't do anything but wait. Apart from that, the layout of the shop doesn't bother me. It's how the staff treat you that makes the difference.

 

[KTM Bike Industries UK]

I like bike shops with a 'see through' workshop area, easy to see how your mechanics treat the bikes.

Having worked in a shop with a massive glass window in it, and I can confirm that a large number of work shop jobs that involved big hammers were then done in the toilets!

 

[flecc]

Having worked in a shop with a massive glass window in it, and I can confirm that a large number of work shop jobs that involved big hammers were then done in the toilets!

. Indeed, I was tempted to post that hammers are reserved for when there's no customers in the shop. I know that's what we did when they were necessary!
.

 

[Jimod]

Hi All,

We are going to be moving to larger premises. Therefore we would love to know your pet hates for poorly designed shops and any particualr features which you like in your favourite bike shop. We have some ideas but always interested to learn from others.

Dave

As has been said: Prices on show, not all crammed together and knowledgeable staff.
I also prefer a place where you can park. I hate city centre places that you can't park near. Being an ebike shop, a lot of your customers probably travel a fair distance, parking is always welcome.

Since I'm getting to make a list, I'll add. A place where you're made to feel like they actually want you in the shop. Not all shops have that feel.

 

[mike killay]

I agree to being made to feel welcome.
Some bike shops seem to only want the Lycra brigade.
Reverse ageism can help with a 50 year old on the shop floor, and obviously not looking at all sporty.

 

[Electrifying Cycles]

I agree to being made to feel welcome.
Some bike shops seem to only want the Lycra brigade.
Reverse ageism can help with a 50 year old on the shop floor, and obviously not looking at all sporty.

Our other business is Mobility Products so probably quite a good fit. Also I think specialising in electric bikes or another particular type of bike helps as you are not trying to be all things to all people.

 

[RobF]

A welcome for customers who arrive on, er, bikes.

By this I mean permission to park your bike inside, a door that allows easy access for someone pushing a bike, and somewhere to park it once inside.

 

[jonathan75]

Prices on the website. Charges tiny prices or zero for nothing jobs which would otherwise see me spending hours on eBay buying tools. Habit of giving away tiny parts for free. Not design features I know but the latter two make me feel incredibly grateful to my local bike shop By Cycle in Potters Bar.

 

[timidtom]

For my money, knowledgeable employees who are available to chat/discuss problems are most important rather than the 'I'm busy, be with you in a moment' that turns out to be 10 minutes.
Obviously this does not apply if they are already serving another customer

Hi All,

We are going to be moving to larger premises. Therefore we would love to know your pet hates for poorly designed shops and any particualr features which you like in your favourite bike shop. We have some ideas but always interested to learn from others.

Dave

Coffee, cake/biscuits, newspapers & magazines, comfy chairs ... well, a fellow can dream ... I'll get me coat ...

 

[EddiePJ]

Trying to focus on positive suggestions than negative.​

• Clinically clean inside and just as importantly outside, including washing down pavements.
• Un cluttered window displays. Keep it simple, and other than the border, no stickers on the glass.
• As much lighting as possible, preferably natural, with sunken spots to highlight stock.
• Grey flooring and raised stands.
• Stock arrange by use.
• Room between stock, with wide aisles.
• I'd sooner see a shop have a low stock comprising of well made and finished quality cycles, than rammed solid with poorly made low quality cycles.
• Clearly displayed pricing.
• Empty of clutter counter.
• Separate and unseen workshop area. The customer does not need distraction, neither do workshop staff.
• Corporate clothing for staff.
• Turbo trainer to help with bike sizing and set up.
• Decent selection of demo bikes on offer.
• Printed brochures for bike ranges.
• Un imposing background music and or possibly a tv showing bike related loops, but this could distract customers from buying.
• If space permits, capitalise upon hot drinks and snacks.
• In store cycle parking for customers is useful, and one local bike shop here, always requests that you do bring your bike into the store.
• Balanced range of clothing and accessories.
• Clearly displayed opening hours.
• Empty and full bike boxes to be stored away from public sight.
• Don't just keep bike components hidden away and out of sight. Display a limited range in free standing glass cabinets (not too big in section size)
• Energy products seem big business, capitalise upon that at the counter area, but remembering to keep it uncluttered.
• Keep must have impulse buy items such as bike computers etc close to the counter in eye line as well.
• Offer a simple evening maintenance course. This could re pay itself over and over.
• Don't have customer repairs on the shop floor.
• A drop in non appointment afternoon could also be useful for quick fix problems. This of course would mean having to free up one technician.
• Insurance issues accepted, offer a short rider familiarisation session to new bike owners.
• Stock a range of cycle related books.
• Stock quality tools, not crap 'market stall quality' tools. Don't make the range daunting.
• Use Youtube as a marketing tool to show new stock and reviews. Damion Harris seem to score well at this.
• Offer a loyalty card scheme, even it only offers a free coffee in the shop next door. A free coffee can go a long way.
• A cycle club from the shop can work, but I've also noticed that this isn't without it's political problems. An annual ride out, with a bbq at the end might prove a safer bet.
• Ensure that the place has a friendly and happy atmosphere. Don't invade the customers personal space. Be there to offer advice if it is sort after.
• Move down here, and offer me a job!

I think that the best cycle shops appear to be in places such as Germany and the likes of. UK cycles shops often appear to believe the more that the more that is crammed in the better. It isn't.
Take a look through Google images, there are some nicely laid out places to be seen.

I'll try and come up with more later.

 

[Electrifying Cycles]

Thanks for all the comments, much appreciated!

 

[shemozzle999]

A small kids window play area with miniature model bicycles - maybe free give away models - to get the children/grand children to drag the adults into the shop.

e.g.

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/High-Quality-Fuctional-Finger-Mountain-Bike-Bicycle-Toy-Creative-Game-Gift-Decoration-Toy-Cycling/32250302155.html