Life on the frontline:
#2 in a series of 6
A bike shop’s perspective -
73 Degrees Bicycle Shop,
Bristol
Words: James Cartridge
Photography: Ian Harris
While most of us have adapted spare rooms, second bedrooms or a vacant table in a living room as a makeshift workspace in order to carry on our 9 to 5 work, cycle shops have remained opened throughout the Coronavirus pandemic. Deemed by the Government as an ‘Essential Retailer’ all cycle shops were promoted to the frontline.
We wanted to find out more about how bike shops are functioning during Lockdown - how easy is it to work with social distancing in place, and if bike fits were a temporary ‘no-go’?
We asked Bristol based bike shop 73 Degrees for their perspective on day-to-day life in store.
Q. How/when did your find out you could remain open?
A. Unsure of the date but the morning after the government announced the lockdown.
Q. Do you think it's a good decision alongside the likes of General Stores and Off-Licences for Bike shops to stay open?
A. I was unsure at the time. It was a hard decision as I have a young family and didn’t want to put them at any risk, as well as the staff, which would be required to work, but on reflection I think it was the correct decision. From all the 'new' customers we have seen, if anything good can come out of this, is people will continue their 'daily exercise’, whether it cycling, walking or running.
Q. What footfall are you seeing, less than normal, normal or maybe more than normal?
A. We are open restricted hours, so footfall is down, but we have a dedicated WhatsApp phone as a result of this and we have seen crazy amounts of enquiries - especially workshop enquiries.
Q. Any standout buying trends (other than Indoor Trainers) - N+1 refresh items (maybe handlebar tape) and Summer clothing for instance? Workshop vs sales?
A. Cheap hybrids - we don't usually sell this type of bike but have adopted our visit model (supply and demand and all that), also cheaper components, 26inch MTB tyres, 8 speed chains etc.
Q. Is social distancing proving a problem with customers needing advice, trying on clothing and bike fitting etc?
A. We have said no to trying on clothing and helmets. Bikes are being shown by appointment only, and then the customer is given gloves to view the bikes.
Q. What safety measures/practices does the shop have in place i.e two meter markers and protective screening at tills?
A. Customers in general aren't allowed in the shop. The door is locked and they are encouraged to use the phone, email, WhatsApp to contact us prior to visiting. We then get their goods ready and send a PayPal invoice and they simply then knock on the door and we hand them their goods. Bike sales are the only time customers can come in to the shop, and then it's only to the front of the shop where a variety of bikes that may suit them are waiting to be viewed.
Q. Whether virtual link ups/conference calls with customers or just increased email traffic frequency - what route(s) is the shop taking?
A. WhatsApp seems to be the favourite, followed by email and Facebook.
Q. What highlights or appreciation stories has the shop experienced during its COVID-19 opening?
A. Staff. Without doubt, whether it being furloughed, different hours, but the willingness to help the business through this has been exceptional. Customers have been on the whole more understanding when parts have not been as readily available.
https://www.73degreesbicycleshop.com