business plan bike store

Bicycle Shop Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Bicycle Shop Business Plan

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 500 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their bicycle shops. We have the experience, resources, and knowledge to help you create a great business plan.

In this article, you will learn some background information on why business planning is important. Then, you will learn how to write a bicycle shop business plan step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here >

What is a Bicycle Shop Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your bicycle shop as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategies for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.

Why You Need a Business Plan for a Bicycle Shop

If you’re looking to start a bicycle shop or grow your existing bicycle  shop, you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your bicycle shop to improve your chances of success. Your bicycle shop business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes.

Sources of Funding for Bicycle Shops

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for a bicycle shop are personal savings, credit cards, bank loans, and angel investors. When it comes to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to ensure that your financials are reasonable, but they will also want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business. Personal savings and bank loans are the most common funding paths for bicycle shop companies.

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How to write a business plan for a bicycle shop.

If you want to start a bicycle shop or expand your current one, you need a business plan. The guide below details the necessary information for how to write each essential component of your bicycle shop business plan.

Executive Summary

Your executive summary provides an introduction to your business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key section of your plan.

The goal of your executive summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the kind of bicycle shop you are running and the status. For example, are you a startup, do you have a bicycle shop that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of bicycle shops?

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan.

• Give a brief overview of the bicycle shop industry.
• Discuss the type of bicycle shop you are operating.
• Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target customers.
• Provide a snapshot of your marketing strategy. Identify the key members of your team.
• Offer an overview of your financial plan.

Company Overview

In your company overview, you will detail the type of bicycle shop you are operating.

For example, you might specialize in one of the following types of bicycle shops:

• Custom bicycle shop: This type of bicycle shop specializes in designing and building custom bicycles for customers.
• Full-service bicycle shop: This type of business sells a wide range of bicycles, parts, and accessories as well as providing services such as bicycle maintenance and repair.
• Specialty bicycle shop: This type of business specializes in  a particular type of bicycle such as mountain bikes, tandem bicycles, unicycles, or racing bicylces.

In addition to explaining the type of bicycle shop you will operate, the company overview needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to questions such as:

• When and why did you start the business?
• What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include the number of customers served, the number of bicycles sold, reaching $X amount in revenues, etc.
• Your legal business Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

In your industry or market analysis, you need to provide an overview of the bicycle shop industry.

While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the bicycle shop industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating.

Secondly, market research can improve your marketing strategy, particularly if your analysis identifies market trends.

The third reason is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section of your bicycle shop business plan:

• How big is the bicycle shop industry (in dollars)?
• Is the market declining or increasing?
• Who are the key competitors in the market?
• Who are the key suppliers in the market?
• What trends are affecting the industry?
• What is the industry’s growth forecast over the next 5 – 10 years?
• What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential target market for your bicycle shop? You can extrapolate such a figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population.

Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section of your bicycle shop business plan must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments: individuals, schools, families, and corporations.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of bicycle shop you operate. Clearly, individuals would respond to different marketing promotions than corporations, for example.

Try to break out your target customers in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regards to demographics, including a discussion of the ages, genders, locations, and income levels of the potential customers you seek to serve.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target customers. The more you can recognize and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers.

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Competitive Analysis

Your competitive analysis should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.

Direct competitors are other bicycle shops.

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from that aren’t directly competing with your product or service. This includes other types of sports shops, do-it-yourself bicycle repair tutorials, or big box retailers that sell bicycles. You need to mention such competition as well.

For each such competitor, provide an overview of their business and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as

• What types of customers do they serve?
• What type of bicycle shop are they?
• What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
• What are they good at?
• What are their weaknesses?

With regards to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective. And don’t be afraid to ask your competitors’ customers what they like most and least about them.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

• Will you make it easier for customers to acquire your product or service?
• Will you offer products or services that your competition doesn’t?
• Will you provide better customer service?
• Will you offer better pricing?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.  

Marketing Plan

Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a bicycle shop business plan, your marketing strategy should include the following:

Product : In the product section, you should reiterate the type of bicycle  shop that you documented in your company overview. Then, detail the specific products or services you will be offering. For example, will you provide bicycle repair services, custom builds, or bicycle accessories?

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections of your plan, you are presenting the products and/or services you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the site of your bicycle  shop. Document where your company is situated and mention how the site will impact your success. For example, is your bicycle  shop located in a busy retail district, a business district, a standalone store, or purely online? Discuss how your site might be the ideal location for your customers.

Promotions : The final part of your bicycle shop marketing plan is where you will document how you will drive potential customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

• Advertise in local papers, radio stations and/or magazines
• Reach out to websites
• Distribute flyers
• Engage in email marketing
• Advertise on social media platforms
• Improve the SEO (search engine optimization) on your website for targeted keywords

Operations Plan

While the earlier sections of your business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your bicycle  shop, including answering calls, greeting customers, cleaning the shop, collecting payments, and organizing inventory, etc.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to acquire your Xth customer, or when you hope to reach $X in revenue. It could also be when you expect to expand your bicycle  shop to a new city.  

Management Team

To demonstrate your bicycle shop’s potential to succeed, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company.

Ideally, you and/or your team members have direct experience in managing bicycle shops. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act as mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in managing a bicycle shop or successfully running a small bicycle repair operation.  

Financial Plan

Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statements.

Income Statement

An income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenue and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, will you employ 3 sales associates, and will each associate sell 10 bicycles per day? And will sales grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.

Balance Sheets

Balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. While balance sheets can include much information, try to simplify them to the key items you need to know about. For instance, if you spend $50,000 on building out your bicycle shop, this will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a lender writes you a check for $50,000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

Cash Flow Statement

Your cash flow statement will help determine how much money you need to start or grow your business, and ensure you never run out of money. What most entrepreneurs and business owners don’t realize is that you can turn a profit but run out of money and go bankrupt.

When creating your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing a bicycle shop:

• Cost of equipment and supplies
• Payroll or salaries paid to staff
• Business insurance
• Other start-up expenses (if you’re a new business) like legal expenses, permits, computer software, and equipment

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your bicycles shop location lease or a list of brands you carry.  

Writing a business plan for your bicycle shop is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the template above, by the time you are done, you will truly be an expert. You will understand the bicycle shop industry, your competition, and your customers. You will develop a marketing strategy and will understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful bicycle shop.  

Bicycle Shop Business Plan Template FAQs

What is the easiest way to complete my bicycle shop business plan.

Growthink's Ultimate Business Plan Template allows you to quickly and easily write your bicycle shop business plan.

How Do You Start a Bicycle Shop Business?

Starting a bicycle shop business is easy with these 14 steps:

• Choose the Name for Your Bicycle Shop Business
• Create Your Bicycle Shop Business Plan
• Choose the Legal Structure for Your Bicycle Shop Business
• Secure Startup Funding for Bicycle Shop Business (If Needed)
• Secure a Location for Your Business
• Register Your Bicycle Shop Business with the IRS
• Open a Business Bank Account
• Get a Business Credit Card
• Get the Required Business Licenses and Permits
• Get Business Insurance for Your Bicycle Shop Business
• Buy or Lease the Right Bicycle Shop Business Equipment
• Develop Your Bicycle Shop Business Marketing Materials
• Purchase and Setup the Software Needed to Run Your Bicycle Shop Business
• Open for Business

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Other Helpful Business Plan Articles & Templates

Bike Shop Business Plan: Forging a Strategic Path to Success

• by Iskouhie Poladian
• December 19, 2023

In the biking realm, where trends continuously evolve and customer demands shift, having a clear plan of action for your business is really important. This guide on an electric bike business plan illuminates the steps and tools crucial to ensure profitability, sustainability, and success in the cycling industry. Ensure you’re well-prepared for the journey ahead.

Significance of a Well-Structured Bike Shop Business Plan in the Industry and Its Role in Guiding Success

In the ever-evolving world of entrepreneurship, the significance of a well-structured bike shop business plan cannot be overstated.  The World Bank’s Entrepreneurship Survey and database  underscores the rapid emergence of new businesses year after year. However, the harsh reality is that only a fraction of these enterprises stand the test of time.

One of the main reasons cited across various studies is the “ lack of business planning .” Launching a business without a plan is like taking a long journey in a dense forest without a map. 

Considering the bicycle industry, which thrives on innovation, adaptability, and ever-shifting consumer demands, having a solid business plan becomes even more imperative. A business plan serves as a guiding light, illuminating the path forward, enabling bike shop owners to:

• Set Clear Objectives

A comprehensive business plan establishes clear objectives, providing both short-term and long-term direction. This foresight is crucial in industries like biking, which might face  seasonal demands  or trends.

• Optimize Resource Allocation

Bike shops, like all businesses, don’t have infinite resources. A well-structured business plan ensures  optimal resource allocation , be it for inventory management,  marketing campaigns , or staff recruitment.

• Enhance Viability

For bike shops, translating a concept into reality might mean launching a new product line or diversifying into bike maintenance and services. A business plan serves as a blueprint for such initiatives.

• Facilitate Decision-making

When faced with challenges like choosing the right supplier,  determining pricing strategies , or selecting an ideal shop location, a business plan provides invaluable insights, helping in informed decision-making.

• Attract Investors

As the biking industry continues to evolve, opportunities for expansion or diversification can arise. A robust business plan can woo potential investors, showcasing the shop’s vision, profitability, and prospects.

Studies by renowned institutions and researchers, including  Kraus and Schwarz  and  Chwolka and Raith  have reinforced the value of meticulous planning in  driving business success . For instance, pre-start-up planning has been linked to superior business performance. 

Moreover, the mere perception of business planning’s value can boost entrepreneur motivation, clarify goals, and ensure effective resource allocation.

Analyzing Market Trends and Customer Preferences

Analyzing market trends, customer preferences, and competition is vital in the biking industry. Why? The biking landscape is dynamic, with ever-evolving trends and shifting  consumer priorities , making a thorough market analysis indispensable. Just imagine navigating without a roadmap. Would you succeed? Probably not. 

Similarly, without an understanding of your customers, you’re pedaling in the dark. Are your bikers the adrenaline-seeking professionals or the leisure weekend riders? What’s their spending comfort zone? These insights will empower you to refine your product lines and sharpen your marketing tactics. So if you’re looking into how to start a bike shop, these considerations are fundamental.

Now, let’s switch gears to competition. In the expansive biking field, understanding competitors isn’t just beneficial – it’s essential. It’s not just about knowing who they are; it’s about delving into their  core strengths and vulnerabilities . Maybe one competitor shines with sleek designs, another with unbeatable performance, or perhaps one offers unmatched after-sales support. 

A SWOT analysis here can illuminate paths less traveled, highlighting potential business accelerators. Any business plan for a bike shop would stress the importance of such competitor understanding.

Lastly, staying in the lead means spotting  emerging trends . Be it avant-garde bike designs, breakthrough technologies, or the surge towards green and sustainable cycles, the biking industry is ever-pivoting so your electric bike business plan should not fall behind. By regularly updating market analyses, businesses can not only keep pace but potentially set the pace, driving the industry forward.

Focus on Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

After delving into market trends, customer inclinations, and sizing up the competition in the biking industry, the crucial next step in your business plan for bike shop is defining your Unique Selling Proposition (USP). But  what exactly is a USP ? It’s the golden thread that differentiates your offerings, making them not just products or services but distinct solutions that cater specifically to your target market.

A USP is more than just a marketing buzzword; it’s the backbone of your brand’s value proposition. It narrows down the essence of what makes your bike shop stand out amidst a sea of competitors. If you’re wondering how to start a bike shop, understanding the importance of a well-defined USP becomes your beacon, directing customers precisely to what they’ve been searching for.

To illustrate the power of an impactful USP, consider these renowned brands:

Patagonia asserts, “We’re In Business to Save Our Home Planet.” This is not merely about apparel but a commitment to a higher purpose.

Tiffany & Co. elegantly states, “The right one is worth waiting for.” This positions their products as more than just jewelry – they’re lifelong treasures.

Best Buy confidently challenges with, “Find a lower price and we’ll match it,” underscoring their unrivaled value proposition.

Think about your USP when drafting your electric bike business plan. Maybe your USP revolves around providing the most sustainable biking solutions or guaranteeing the widest range of electric bikes. It’s vital to remember that it’s not about  being everything to everyone  but being the perfect solution for someone. 

Your bikes, accessories, and services are undoubtedly crucial, but it’s your USP that will carve out a distinctive space for you in the market. Make it compelling, make it resonate, and most importantly, make it genuinely represent what your bike shop stands for.

The Importance of Branding for Your Ebike Business 

Branding and positioning form the very foundation upon which successful bike shops are built. These elements answer the vital questions: 

• Who are you in the market? 
• What do you represent? 
• Why should consumers choose you over others? 

Given the biking industry’s vibrant competition and the ever-evolving tastes of cyclists, establishing a strong, unique brand is non-negotiable.

Branding is the culmination of efforts to craft a distinct  image and perception  for your bike shop in the minds of consumers. It’s more than just a name, logo, or color scheme. It’s the emotional and psychological relationship you establish with your customers.

Positioning Your Bike Shop Right

Positioning  is an instrumental facet of branding. It refers to the unique spot you aspire to occupy in the consumer’s mind, determined through a strategic brand positioning approach. Why is this so important? Because it’s what sets you apart in the market.

Consider this : In an age where consumers are overwhelmed with choices, they crave simplicity. Your brand positioning clarifies their options. Instead of being another bike shop among hundreds, effective branding and positioning make you THE bike shop for a specific set of cyclists. They ensure you’re  not  just selling bicycles, but an experience, a solution, and a promise.

Within the vast spectrum of the bicycle industry, several brands have skillfully articulated their unique positioning, creating lasting impressions. Take, for instance, Brompton Bicycles, the archetype of  urban efficiency  with its signature foldable design catering to city commuters. 

Then there’s Trek Bicycles, championing environmental responsibility with their “One World, Two Wheels” campaign, underscoring the eco-benefits of cycling. 

Brands like Specialized Bicycles resonate with enthusiasts, emphasizing technological advancements and top-tier design, while Canyon Bicycles brilliantly leverage its direct-to-consumer model to offer premium bikes at unbeatable value. 

On the  innovative  front, Peloton seamlessly merges fitness with technology, selling not just a stationary bike but an immersive lifestyle experience. Lastly, VanMoof has revolutionized urban e-biking, integrating cutting-edge anti-theft technology, and positioning itself as the essential urban e-bike solution. 

These examples vividly illustrate how distinctive positioning can illuminate a brand in a densely packed market.

In a nutshell, if you’re trying to figure out  how to start a bike shop , remember this: A business plan for bike shop without clear branding and positioning is like a bicycle without a direction – you may move, but you’ll lack purpose and destination.

How to Market Your Ebike Business

Talking about  marketing channels . They function as the veins and arteries of your bike shop’s promotional campaigns, ensuring that your brand message and offerings reach the intended audience. 

Initially, marketing was largely limited to traditional pathways like billboards. However, the digital age has dramatically transformed this landscape as well. Nowadays marketing channels are a diverse blend of digital and traditional mediums, from SEO, content marketing, and influencer partnerships to conventional print and mass media promotions. 

The choice of channel hinges on factors like  target demographics , budget, and the nature of the message. The correct blend ensures not only brand visibility but also a deeper connection with potential customers, nurturing leads, and fostering brand loyalty. 

As the bike market becomes increasingly digital, understanding and leveraging these channels is as vital as the wheels on a bicycle. They ensure that your brand message travels swiftly and effectively to those who need to hear it.

Setting the Best Pricing Strategy

Pricing can make or break your bike shop business. Set your rate too low, and you’re just gifting profit away. Swing too high, and you’ll watch potential hallmark sales slip right past. The sweet spot in pricing? It’s all about  finding that strategy  that fits like a glove to your company’s narrative.

Understand this: a customer’s willingness to part with their money isn’t about  your  costs. It’s tied to how much they value what they’re getting. 

Dive into the  five strategies : cost-plus pricing has you tallying costs and adding a neat markup. Competitive pricing? It’s a game of keeping an eye on the competition’s tag. Price skimming starts high and mellows as time ticks, while penetration pricing is all about entering with a bang with low prices and then tuning it up. And then there’s value-based pricing, setting your price to the beat of the  customer’s perceived value .

Pricing is less a math problem and more an art. When you peg that price, it’s not about what you want, but what your customer sees. They have this mental range—a floor, where your costs lie, and a ceiling, their value threshold. Find that comfortable middle where they nod in agreement.

When steering towards that middle, think about operational expenses, stock levels, delivery fees, market whims, your unique edge, and how the customer feels about your price. After all, picking the right pricing strategy is more than crunching numbers—it’s about  resonating  with your market’s heart and soul.

Bike Shop Business Plan: Sales

A sales plan, distinct from the overarching business plan, forms the execution blueprint for your sales ambitions. It carefully charts out the strategies and actions to realize the revenue objectives you’ve set. 

By emphasizing realistic targets, tracking tools, future anticipations, commission frameworks, and pertinent training modules, it provides an  essential framework  for the sales team. 

Essentially, while a business plan for bike shop articulates the ‘what’, the sales plan explains  how  to start a bike shop that’s profitable. It elucidates the steps the sales department will adopt to realize broader company goals. 

For instance, if your business plan aims to sell a thousand e-bikes within the first year, the sales plan outlines the steps to achieve this goal. Being a critical tool, it not only helps in driving sales but also helps in risk assessment. The sales plan is essential in ensuring the growth of an organization and aligning the sales representatives with the  company’s priorities .

Sales Tactics, Promotions, and Customer Retention Strategies

For a thriving bike shop, it’s imperative to have an effective sales strategy. Begin with  Consultative Selling . Consider every customer as unique and centralize your selling approach around their needs. Initiate conversations with basic questions like “Where do you live?” or “Where do you work?” This not only  builds rapport  but provides clues about their lifestyle

Dive deeper by asking about their biking goals, their current bike’s limitations, or any specific adventures they’ve envisioned.

Next, implement a Three-Step Consultation. 

• First, initiate with open-ended questions. 
• Then, engage in a deeper consultation, inquiring about their biking preferences, needs, and any concerns. 
• Lastly, based on the insights gathered, walk them through a curated selection of bikes and accessories that align with their needs.

An emotional connection can also boost sales. Sell the experience, not just the bike. If someone is eyeing a commuter bike, share stories of others who’ve taken similar models on extraordinary journeys, tapping into the aspirational aspect of the purchase.

Moreover, always have a consistent  Upselling Strategy . While selling a primary product, like a bike, be ready to recommend complementary items. If a customer is keen on a bike for nightly commuting, suggest dynamo lights or hi-vis gear. By tailoring your upselling based on the customer’s needs, it feels less like a sales pitch and more like genuine advice.

By integrating these tactics into your business plan for bike shop, you can provide valuable, personalized service, driving both sales and customer loyalty.

Sales Promotions

Sales promotions play an essential role in driving the commercial success of any venture, particularly when working on a business plan for a bike shop. Recognized as a part of the promotional mix, they have an intense focus on delivering immediate and compelling results:

Capturing Attention

In the broad market of bicycles, from traditional to electric bikes, sales promotions act as your torch. They instantly increase your product’s exposure, ensuring your bikes stand out from the crowd.

Stimulating Demand

If you’re pondering on how to start a bike shop, know that promotions have the power to not just capture attention but also stimulate the desire for a purchase, nudging a customer to invest in a new bicycle.

Short-Term Sales Boost

Limited-time offers, when paired with a well-executed marketing campaign, create a sense of urgency. This strategy drives immediate sales and can also assist in offloading excess stock, be it mountain bikes, road bikes, or electric variants.

While sales promotions can be directed at either customers or trade entities like  distributors and retailers , the essence remains the same – providing an immediate value proposition to those involved in the bike industry.

Attracting New Customers

A standout deal on a new electric bike or a promotion on accessories can reel in someone who might have been unsure about upgrading their ride.

Encouraging Loyalty & Repeat Purchases

By offering exclusive deals to existing customers, such as those who’ve previously purchased from your shop, you’re reinforcing their decision to choose you over competitors.

Market Insights

Responses to promotions can offer valuable insights into customer preferences, from the type of bike they prefer to the accessories they find essential.

Reacting to Market Opportunities

Whether it’s gearing up for a biking season or launching a new line of electric bikes, promotions can be tailored to tap into these market trends.

Inventory Management

Got an excess of a particular bike model? Special promotions can ensure they’re sold faster, mitigating potential losses.

Customer Retention Strategies

While attracting new cycling enthusiasts is essential,  retaining  seasoned riders is equally, if not more, important. Customer retention in the bike world focuses on building and sustaining a loyal community of cyclists, ensuring they don’t pedal over to competitors.

Remember, a cyclist who’s satisfied with their purchase and the service they received not only remains loyal but often becomes an advocate driving more customers to your door.

The Financial Aspects of a Bike Shop Business Plan

Sales forecasts, revenue projections, cost estimation, and budget planning.

Riding ahead in the bike industry means knowing your numbers. Drawing insights from past sales data, shops and manufacturers alike can anticipate the demand for various bicycle models, accessories, and even repair services, tailoring their stock and offerings accordingly.

Revenue projections, on the other hand, delve deeper. By analyzing historical sales trends, coupled with an understanding of  current market dynamics  – from the rise of e-bikes to the latest cycling gear innovations – these projections will help your bike business gauge its potential earnings and adjust its strategies.

When launching a new bicycle model or introducing novel accessories, cost estimation comes into the spotlight. It involves a thorough  assessment of expenses and resources , ensuring that every facet of the project, from design to distribution, is financially feasible and aligned with the industry’s dynamics.

Not to forget, budget planning is the linchpin that holds everything together. For bike shops and manufacturers, budgets don’t just track revenues and expenses. They also offer invaluable insights, highlighting periods of peak sales (like summer months or holiday seasons), identifying investment opportunities (such as new tech or training programs), and ensuring your business plan for bike shop remains agile and adaptable in a competitive market.

Break-Even Analysis, Profit and Loss Statements and Cashflow Forecasts

Another critical tool in financial planning is the break-even analysis. This accounting method pinpoints the exact moment when your bike shop becomes profitable by offsetting production costs. In simpler terms, it answers how many bikes or services you need to sell before  surpassing overheads  and beginning to  make a profit . If you’re wondering how to start a bike shop, this is a fundamental concept to grasp.

To keep track of your company’s financial health, the profit and loss (P&L) statement is indispensable. Offering a summarized view of revenues, costs, and expenses over a certain period, the P&L statement stands alongside other essential reports like the balance sheet and cashflow statement, all of which are integral for businesses operating in a dynamic sector like the bike industry.

Lastly, predicting cash movement is crucial. Cashflow forecasting, or estimating the inflow and outflow of cash over a span, can be a short-term strategy for the upcoming 30 days, shedding light on immediate funding requirements or surpluses. For bike businesses, such forecasting ensures optimal financial management, facilitating smooth operations even in the face of unforeseen industry changes.

Navigating the complex landscape of the bike industry requires a decent business plan for bike shop. The significance of a detailed plan not only anchors a shop’s vision but also propels it to success amidst the ever-evolving entrepreneurial challenges.

Iskouhie Poladian

Iskouhi is presently engaged in pursuing her Master's degree in Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Additionally, she derives great pleasure from composing articles on various innovative products and topics.

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How to Start a Bike Shop: The Definitive Guide (2024)

January 22, 2021

Starting a bike shop is a rewarding career if you have the passion and skills. A bike business is a line of work where even a simple operation can generate substantial profits.

Want proof? We interviewed two business owners who took different approaches to starting a bike shop.

Armen, founder of the Glendale-based Bicycle Pit Stop , started his business in high school to make some extra money and fill his time. He used the common garage, a business strategy that many entrepreneurs use.

Meanwhile, Troy Rarick started Over the Edge Sports (OTES) using a business-minded approach that involved creating a business plan, securing investors, and developing a marketing strategy to pull people into his small town on their way to Moab, Colorado.

From there, Troy has expanded OTES to multiple locations across the globe.

Whether you are more like Armen or Troy, there is an opportunity for you to start a shop focused on bikes. We’ll discuss the steps to start a bike business and share insights from both Troy and Armen.

The cycling industry generated over $12 billion dollars in 2020 and is expected to grow 5% by 2029, generating opportunities to find your niche in the industry and help other enthusiasts get on bikes.

If bicycles are your passion, this guide will help you start a bike shop.

An operational bike shop often comes with the equipment, inventory, and location all in one, and is a faster way to get started.

Step 1: What bike business is right for you?

Conduct research to determine what is right for you. Your bicycle store should be run in a way that works for you, but will also satisfy your customer’s desires.

You may want to run a store focused on professional cyclers, one that caters to local riders, or you may want a warehouse where you focus on online sales.

You aren’t limited to just one type, but the type of business you choose will impact every decision you make going forward.

Bicycle Pit Stop focuses on all bicycles, including electric ones, but excluding motorcycles. Meanwhile Over the Edge rents and sells mountain bikes to ride on their trails.

Many consumers start their shopping experience online, so a shop that can sell a bike in person or online is a good way to start your bike business.

Mountain Bikes

Mountain Bikes are the largest segment of bike sales, with over 25% of cyclists saying their next bicycle purchase will be a mountain bike. Make sure you have a good variety because mountain bikes will be an easy sell.

In fact, mountain bikes were what inspired Troy to start his business. While he was working on getting the funding to start the business, he was also buying land and building trails to give a unique experience to bike riders.

To learn more about bike terms, check out the glossary of terms .

Step 2: Bike Business Name

I can’t stress enough the importance of a bike business name. Keep reading for best practices when naming a bike business.

Does the name explain the bike business?

Bicycle Pit Stop includes the products serviced as well as what it does, Pit Stop (a reference to the quick service provided in racing).

Is it easy to spell?

Make sure your business name is easy to remember when using a search engine.

A crazy name like Quasimodo Bikes makes searching for your business difficult. Register domain names for common misspellings and forward them to your website.

Including your state, county, or city identifies you as a local business. For example, Las Vegas Mountain Bikes would be a business located in Las Vegas.

Does your name fit your branding? Some business owners focus on visual ideas for a logo before a name. Las Vegas Mountain Bikes might have a logo with mountains, the strip, and bikes. It’s about communicating ideas, right?

Register a .com

Find a name for which the .com domain is available. It’s the most recognizable. You can conduct a search by clicking here .

Give it a go!

See how people like it. Make sure to check what happens if people shorten it. You wouldn’t want to name a business Destin Off-Road Klub because it would get shortened to DORK, and that isn’t what you want to communicate.

Check Google Trends. Read articles like Five Tools for Naming a Business. Finally, register your business name with the government.

Step 3: Write a Business Plan

You need a bike shop business plan to help define your vision, objectives, and strategy.

Its purpose is to drive the direction of your business by guiding decisions, securing financing, and developing partnerships with other businesses. 

Armen told us:

In the beginning there was no plan. Just make everything as nice as possible. Then the plan started forming. I looked at it as the future of the business. I always stuck to service. The plan always changes.  It grows and evolves into an art.

Having a flexible business plan that is constantly evolving is a great approach to the process and allows for businesses to pivot when necessary. Here are some resources to help with this step.

These business plan templates focus on helping small businesses succeed. Want to know the best part? They are all free!

• One-page business plan
• U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Business Guide
• State-specific templates
• Business Plan Template for a Startup Business

It gets better! Enjoy free and low-cost resources about writing successful business plans:

• How to Write a Business Plan
• SCORE’s free business plans and startup assistance resources
• The Complete Business Plan Course (Includes 50 Templates)

Step 4: Establish a legal structure

You have a business plan and name. Now you need to establish the legal structure for your bike business.

For best results, hire legal representation that has experience starting a business, like an attorney, accountant, or tax specialist. They’ll help you get your business started quicker so you can start selling bikes faster.

Licenses, permits, and tax forms

Each location has different licenses, permits, or tax forms required. Use the SBA License and Permits page to identify what your bike shop needs. Let’s look at different legal structures for bike businesses.

Sole proprietorship

A sole proprietorship is the easiest way to start a bike business. The bike company doesn’t protect the owner’s personal assets, meaning if the company has legal issues, you could lose your home as well as your business.

This structure should only be used if you cannot afford an LLC because bike companies have work that can cause injuries.

To start a sole proprietorship, fill out a special tax form called a Schedule C. Sole proprietors can also join the American Independent Business Alliance.

Limited Liability Corporation (LLC)

LLC is the most common business structure used in the United States because the company protects the owner’s personal assets.

It’s similar to partnerships and corporations but can be a single-member LLC in most states. An LLC requires a document called an operating agreement.

Partnerships and corporations

Partnerships and corporations are typically for massive organizations or legal firms.

Unless there is a specific reason you need a partnership, it is better to do a multi-person LLC. Investopedia has good information about partnerships and corporations here .

There are several opportunities to purchase bike franchises.

Franchising.com has two franchise opportunities in the United States and two in Australia that allow you to start a bike business using a reputable company’s name and business processes.

This makes it where an entrepreneur can benefit from the reputation of a bike business that has already worked out many of the kinks of starting from scratch.

Step 5: Getting Ready for Cycling Customers

Your bike business is an entity now, but you still need more. The order you do the rest of the steps will depend on the resources you have, your skill sets, and the type of bicycle business you are running.

There are five areas of business you will need to focus on to get your shop running:

• Location – Where will you be working?
• Inventory – What will you have in stock and how will you pay for it?
• Employees – Will you have employees and how will you make sure it is a safe environment?
• Finances – How will you keep track of transactions and financial records?
• Marketing – How will you find customers?

Step 6: Location

Finding a location will vary based on the bike business. For instance Armen started repairing bikes out of his garage while Troy was building trails for people to ride their mountain bikes.

When deciding to rent a space for a bicycle-based business, consider:

• How will I store equipment and parts?
• Is there space for a home-based office?
• Will customers be coming to my location?
• How much inventory will I have?
• How much display space do I need?
• How much space is needed to perform repairs?
• Will I be doing mobile repairs?

When opening a bike shop, you will probably need to rent space in your city. To find spaces to rent in your area, contact a local commercial real estate agent. You can search for them by your area here.

Know the local ordinances

Each city and state has different requirements for where a business is allowed to be located. Local ordinances might not allow a bike business to be home-based.

How am I supposed to start my shop with so many rules about bikes? Just search Municode Library to find your city regulations.

Finding a good spot

When looking for a space to rent, take into consideration your ideal client and what stores they might frequent.

For instance, they might want coffee or a smoothie after a long bike ride. Finding the right place will take some research, which will be much easier after considering your marketing efforts.

Step 7: Inventory, Tools, and Product Displays

A new shop requires inventory. Whether it is new bikes, replacement parts, or product displays for your store, there will be some costs associated with selling and repairing bikes.

Each of the business owners we talked to while researching this article took different approaches.

Armen started his business with virtually no inventory. He’d order it off of Amazon when he needed a part. This kept his upfront costs low.

Troy decided to go a different route and have inventory upfront so that people could rent or buy bikes to ride the trails he’d built.

To find a list of major bike manufacturers, check out this article .

Used tools and product displays

Tools and product displays can often be found at huge discounts if you buy them used. You can find used tools and product displays through most online markets, pawnshops, going out of business sales, and other places.

If you are considering buying an existing business, they should be included in the purchase price. Learn more about valuing an existing business in our guide about buying businesses.

Step 8: Employees

Troy emphasized the importance of good people, saying:

An open bicycle shop might need employees. Depending on your financial position when starting, you can work all the hours yourself or hire employees.

Either way, there are some things you’ll be required to do. Keep reading for more info.

Employer Identification Number

Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS to identify your company. Apply here or call 800-829-4933.

Tax filing and withholding

Federal and state tax filing requirements apply to new employers. You must keep records of employment taxes for at least four years, including special forms and accounting for state taxes.

Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered! Check out the IRS guide for employers here .

Unemployment Insurance Tax 

Unemployment Insurance Tax is required. It is a program under the Social Security Tax for employers.

Federal employment and labor law posters

All employers must display Workplace Posters , which you can download from the website.

Other requirements include:

• Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9)
• State’s New Hire Program
• Worker’s Compensation Insurance
• Disability insurance—varies by states
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Job Posting

Hiring people requires posting “now hiring” signs and posting on prominent job boards. Some places you can start posting job requirements are:

• Zip Recruiter

Having a prepared list of questions for interviews can make hiring the right people easier. Indeed offers a variety of resources to help you make better hiring decisions. Read their guide:  How to hire your first employee.

Compensation

Employees are typically a company’s biggest expense. Let’s take a closer look.

There are 3 common pay structures in business. Each fits different scenarios.

Flat weekly/monthly rate based on a person working a specific number of hours. This is typically reserved for owners, managers, and some admin roles. You might want to assign this to yourself for budgeting purposes.

This pay structure just tracks the hours an employee works and pays them a set hourly rate. This pay structure is solely based on time, not performance.

This pay structure is used for mechanics and other tradespeople where billing is based on the expected time it takes to complete a task.

This is a way of combining performance and time into the pay structure because those who complete a job successfully in less time have more opportunities to work on other projects.

This also protects the company from overcompensating for the learning curve.

Typically used in sales to give employees a percentage of revenue. It is a strictly performance compensation model.

Hybrid Models

Hybrid models combine two pay structures. For instance, hourly and commission to compensate for time and performance.

The hourly rate will typically be lower than an hourly rate without commission, but the commission should make it where good performing employees make more than they would without commission.

These structures also help reduce the variability of pay from week to week.

Paying employees an hourly wage works for most positions if your new bike business doesn’t require salespeople.

The article , “How to Create a Pay Structure That Promotes Team and Company Growth” offers some insights into thinking about pay structure.

Step 9: Financial Management

A crucial portion of successfully starting a small business is managing the financial aspect of the bike store. Armen told us when he started his bike shop:

That is a pretty risky way of starting a business that requires financial discipline because credit cards have high interest rates. To find banks that work with small businesses, use this resource .

Let’s look at some tricks you can use to help your bike shop become profitable.

Budget! Budget! Budget!

A budget is the most important tool you can use in business. Without it, your bike shop might not make it through the first few years.

While Armen started Bicycle Pit Stop with a shoestring budget, Troy says:

Troy spends a good bit of time discussing his budgeting strategy so I’ve put together a table to help you understand how he budgets.

Basically, he uses rules of thumb to keep his net profit margins around 10%. The table below shows what each of his budgets would be for $100,000 revenue in a bike business.

Troy loves Quickbooks because it lets him “develop budgets quickly without an accounting degree.” To learn more about budgets, check out low-cost courses from Udemy  

Consider the many funding options

Starting a bike shop doesn’t cost a fortune. The initial investment in owning a bike shop can be one year of savings.

Funds to start your bike shop can come from:

• Personal funds
• A loan from family or friends
• Business partner(s)
• Government programs

The SBA offers free courses on financing options and funding programs . For info on using personal funds to start a business, check out this article from The Hartford.

Alternative sources of funding include:

• Crowdfunding
• Credit cards
• Home equity loan
• Rollover for business startups (ROBS)

Develop a pricing structure

How you price your bikes and services will impact how many people you draw to the shop. If your prices are too high, they’ll go elsewhere. Too low, you’ll lose money.

Based on the rules of thumb presented by Troy in his interview, you’ll make about $10-27k for every $100k in sales if you use a 50% markup, which is pretty standard amongst businesses.

Don’t undersell to get new customers

Shops will often sell their products or services for a lower price to bring in new customers. Be careful about this.

If you sell your bikes for a discount and they tell others, you might have to sell another bike for the same price. People love a good deal! Just make sure it is sustainable for your bike shop.

Increase prices every year

Inflation occurs every year. To keep your business running, raise your prices 5% per year. It gives you room to increase wages and to make some extra money. Makes sense, right?

Step 10: Marketing

Your Bike shop is open. You have bikes to sell, parts to fix bikes that people bring in, but no clients!

How are you going to let people know about your company?

Marketing is crucial for all new businesses. Both Armen and Troy spent a good bit of time discussing their marketing strategies with us. Let’s look at what they have to say!

Bicycle Pit Stop Marketing

Armen tells us he started with Yelp, then gradually added Google. Over time, he has also added Instagram to market his bike shop. He thinks:

It sounds like Yelp’s pricing forced him to look for less costly alternatives and drove him to Google My Business and Instagram where he can do marketing without paying to show off his shop and bikes to people.

Over the Edge Sports Marketing

Troy uses a variety of methods to market his bike company. While he doesn’t discuss his social media marketing, a little research shows each of their locations has thousands of followers and hundreds of posts.

It’s obvious that they put some effort into social media to advertise their shop. Bike enthusiasts can share their photos as well.

Troy uses some innovative ways of marketing as well. He discusses how his bike company got to be known throughout the biking world by hosting the lunch at a bike convention:

Influencers

USA Cycling offers resources for clubs that can help with marketing influence. You can join one or start your own. Another common marketing tool is social media influencers.

For a list of cycling influencers, check this article out or use a hashtag generator to get the attention of cycling enthusiasts on your social media channels.

To recap this guide on how to start a bike business, ask yourself the following questions:

• Do I know how to start a bike business?
• Is it worth it for me to start a bicycle business?
• Will I be comfortable speaking to clients?
• Am I starting a bike business this year?
• Why am I starting a bike business?
• Do I need employees or advice?
• What will I need to feel successful?

Take the next step. Now that you know how, start a bicycle sales or repair business! The truth is, all it takes is a great idea, some skills in repairs and sales, and a good marketing strategy to get started. As Armen told us:

Let us know in the comments below if you have any questions—we’ll be more than happy to help!

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How To Start $500K/Year Cupcake Business (2024)

A Little Bit About Craig’s Company 

1. Have Clarity About What You Want to Do 

2. come up with a name .

• Your state's business records 
• Federal and state trademark records 
• Social media platforms                                                                                                                                                           

3. Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) 

4. open a business bank account , 5. get insurance , 6. stand out from the competition .

[su_quote]Quality[/su_quote]

7. Decide on Your Business Structure 

• SOLE PROPRIETORSHIP : This is an unincorporated business with a single owner. Personal income tax is paid on profits earned from the company.
• PARTNERSHIP : is a formal arrangement by two or more parties to manage and operate a business and share its profits. 
• LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY : is a legal entity with the attributes of both a corporation and a partnership. It offers its owners corporation-like protection from legal liability.
• CORPORATION : is a group of people allowed by law to act as a single entity.

8. Choose Your Location 

• Brick-and-mortar store 
• Delivery truck 
• Food truck 

9. Get Your Permits and Licenses 

10. purchase your equipment .

• Commercial mixers
• Wooden spoons 
• Rubber spatulas 
• Baking pans 
• Cupcake molds 
• Decorating bags and tips
• Mixing bowls
• Non-stick cupcake trays 
• Digital scales 
• Cupcake cooling racks
• Measuring spoons 
• Cupcake display cases 
• Cupcake stands 
• Carryout boxes

11. Keep Your Costs Down 

Pos system .

12. Get a Website 

13. get ranked on google , other ways to do marketing , how do you do that.

[su_youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2_xwBgyFFU"]

14. Harness the Power of Social Media

15. expand your product line, 16. learn entrepreneurial hacks, 17. identify your biggest challenges .

18. Continue to Grow and Scale

19. work hard.

[su_quote]Hard work.[/su_quote]

Craig’s Top Three Tips

How much money will you need to start a cupcake business.

How to Start A Cupcake Business with No Money 

Final thoughts .

15 Best Million-Dollar Business Ideas

What is a $100-million-dollar business idea?

Multi-million dollar business ideas.

• Million dollar business ideas to start with no money

Out-of-the-box business ideas to make millions in business

Small businesses that make $1 million a year.

• FAQs about how to get 1 million dollars

What would you do with a million dollars?

#1. Real Estate Business

#2. sell products for pets, #3. online course and consulting services, #4. air charter business, #5. start an online store, #6. fitness studio franchise, million-dollar business ideas to start with no money, #7. cleaning business, #8. digital marketing agency, #9. start a podcast.

#10. Painting Business

#11. epoxy floor coating business, #12. sporting goods business, #13. photography business, #14. electrical business, #15. restaurant business, faqs about how to get 1 million dollars , how much is a million dollars, how to make a million dollars in 30 days, how to make a million dollars in a year.

How much is a business worth with $1 million in sales?

What does 1 million dollars look like.

How to make 1 million dollars overnight

The 19 Best Service Business Ideas for 2024

Looking for service business examples to give you the inspiration to start a service business? We’ll provide you with the best small service business ideas to start.

We spent thousands of hours interviewing business owners and analyzing businesses to help identify the best service to sell. You won’t believe which services make the list.

• The Most Profitable Service Business Ideas
• Services That Are In-Demand
• Service-Based Business Ideas Online
• Small Business Service Ideas From Home

What Is the Most Profitable Service Business Idea?

#1. car detailing , car detailing pros:.

• High demand with lots of potential customers
• Low startup and overhead costs
• High profit potential
• Doesn’t require any specialized skills or knowledge

Car Detailing Cons:

• Business can vary depending on the season
• Work schedule is dictated by customer needs

What Services Are In Most Demand?

#2. cleaning services, cleaning service pros:.

• No training or specialized skill sets required
• Low startup costs
• Wide variety of niches that are in high demand
• Can be start and run from home as a solo entrepreneur
• Easy to scale revenue by growing a team

Cleaning Service Cons:

• Work can be unpleasant or labor-intensive 
• Your schedule depends on when customers need you

#3. Automotive Repair Services

Repair services pros:.

• Increasing customer demand
• High revenue potential 
• Variety of niches and types of work you can do
• Ideal for people who like working with their hands

Repair Services Cons:

• Relatively high startup costs compared to other service-based businesses
• Will need training in automotive repair  

#4. Accounting and Tax Services

Accounting and Tax Pros:

• High revenue and profit potential
• Variety of services you can provide in the niche
• Can be run from home by a solo entrepreneur
• Work is usually independent and flexible 

Accounting and Tax Cons:

• Requires training and knowledge in financial management
• Can be difficult to build customer trust as a new firm 

More Ideas For Small Business Owners

#5. consulting business.

Consulting Pros:

• Profit from your unique expertise
• Affordable to start and run
• Can be run from home or online
• High revenue potential and scalability

Consulting Cons:

• Some niches are very competitive
• Can take a while to build a reputation and attract clients 

#6. Construction and House Painting

Construction pros:.

• Low initial and ongoing costs
• High demand and profit potential
• Great new business for people who like physical jobs
• Variety of projects and work you can take on

Construction Cons:

• Work is physically demanding 
• Will need a contractor license for full home construction

#7. Landscaping and Lawn Care

Landscaping pros:.

• Easy and affordable to start
• Consistent demand in warmer months and regions
• Work outside 
• No specialized training or education needed

Landscaping Cons:

• Is a seasonal business in many locations
• Physical and tiring work

Online Service Business Ideas

#8. graphic design business.

Graphic Design Pros:

• Work hours and location are flexible
• Low upfront and ongoing costs
• Variety of work that you can do 
• Steady demand 

Graphic Design Cons:

• Less creative than some think since you’re designing to a client’s needs
• Can be a competitive industry

#9. Virtual Assistant Business

VA Business Pros:

• Can work from anywhere that you have a reliable internet connection
• Easy to start and run from home

VA Business Cons:

• Lots of competition for the best-paying roles
• May need to work on the client’s schedule 

#10. Digital or Content Marketing

Marketing Pros:

• Cheap to start and run
• Work is independent and flexible
• Can scale revenue by expanding into an agency
• High demand 

Marketing Cons:

• Can be difficult to build client trust if you don’t already have a big online presence 
• Need to stay current with marketing trends

Home Service Business Ideas

#11. photography business, photography pros:.

• Can be run out of a home or as a mobile service
• Wide variety of work available
• Make a living from your artistic talents
• Meet and interact with a lot of new people

Photography Cons:

• Photography and videography equipment can be expensive 
• Schedule and workload are dependent on your clients

#12. Dog Walking Business

Dog Walking Pros:

• Make a living hanging out with animals
• High and increasing demand
• Stay active while you’re working 

Dog Walking Cons:

• Less scheduling flexibility than other service businesses
• Work can be physically demanding or in unpleasant conditions

#13. Personal Fitness Trainer

Personal trainer pros:.

• Help others improve their lives while building a successful business
• Multiple ways to provide services to clients
• Very low to no initial investment required

Personal Trainer Cons:

• Can be physically demanding and exhausting work
• Often need to adjust when you work based on client needs 

#14. Event Planning

Event Planning Pros:

• Low upfront investment 
• No specialized training or certifications needed
• Meet lots of new people
• Work is varied and interesting

Event Planning Cons:

• Can be a high-stress business 
• Often need to work evenings and weekends

#15. Handyman Business

Handyman pros:.

• Easy to run from home as a one-person operation
• High demand for services
• Doesn’t require licensing or training
• Work when and how often you want to

Handyman Cons:

• Physically demanding work 
• Work can be inconsistent

4 More Unique Service Business Ideas

#16. personal chef, personal chef pros:.

• Less hectic than a restaurant
• Doesn’t require formal licensing or training, but is helpful

Personal Chef Cons:

• Less demand than a restaurant
• May have scheduling conflicts if you serve multiple families

#17. Life Coach

Life coach pros:.

• Build-once-sell-to-many business model
• Multiple streams of revenue
• Great for charismatic people

Life Coach Cons:

• Differentiation may be challenging
• People become immune to strategies
• Many social media platforms will cancel people’s accounts

#18. Mobile Veterinary Services

Mobile Vet Pros:

• Lower cost of doing business than renting or buying stationary space
• People love the convenience
• Premiums can be charged for non-traditional hours

Mobile Vet Cons:

• Less space to work
• Inclimate weather
• Mileage costs 

#19. Fingerprinting Business

Fingerprinting pros:.

• Crime never stops
• Some businesses require fingerprints

Fingerprinting Cons:

• Working with criminals is dangerous 
• Businesses will need less fingerprinting during recessions

Start Your Own Business

Are 2 to 3 employees good enough to start a bike shop? Thanks!

That should be enough. It depends on the hours you have, whether you want full-time or part-time employees, and the services you offer. I would use the formula (shop hours x positions need each hour) divided by 40 hours to calculate the needed Full-Time Equivalent Employees. Then I would add at least one extra employee to make sure you are never short staffed.

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Bike Shop Business Plan Template & Guidebook

Starting a successful bike shop requires more than just passion and dedication - it requires a solid business plan. With the right resources and guidance, any aspiring entrepreneur can create and execute a plan with success. The #1 Bike Shop Business Plan Template & Guidebook is the perfect starting point for anyone looking to launch their own bike shop business. This comprehensive guidebook provides a road map for everything from setting up shop to securing financing and maximizing online visibility. With its step-by-step guidance and helpful resources, this template and guidebook serve as an invaluable asset for anyone launching their own bike business.

Get worry-free services and support to launch your business starting at $0 plus state fees.

• How to Start a Profitable Bike Shop Business [11 Steps]
• 25 Catchy Bike Shop Business Names:
• List of the Best Marketing Ideas For Your Bike Shop Store:

How to Write a Bike Shop Business Plan in 7 Steps:

1. describe the purpose of your bike shop business..

The first step to writing your business plan is to describe the purpose of your bike shop business. This includes describing why you are starting this type of business, and what problems it will solve for customers. This is a quick way to get your mind thinking about the customers’ problems. It also helps you identify what makes your business different from others in its industry.

It also helps to include a vision statement so that readers can understand what type of company you want to build.

Here is an example of a purpose mission statement for a bike shop business:

Our purpose at [Bike Shop] is to provide a wide selection of quality bicycles, parts, and accessories at reasonable prices, while delivering excellent customer service and fostering a love of biking in our community.

2. Products & Services Offered by Your Bike Shop Business.

The next step is to outline your products and services for your bike shop business. 

When you think about the products and services that you offer, it's helpful to ask yourself the following questions:

• What is my business?
• What are the products and/or services that I offer?
• Why am I offering these particular products and/or services?
• How do I differentiate myself from competitors with similar offerings?
• How will I market my products and services?

You may want to do a comparison of your business plan against those of other competitors in the area, or even with online reviews. This way, you can find out what people like about them and what they don’t like, so that you can either improve upon their offerings or avoid doing so altogether.

3. Build a Creative Marketing Stratgey.

If you don't have a marketing plan for your bike shop business, it's time to write one. Your marketing plan should be part of your business plan and be a roadmap to your goals. 

A good marketing plan for your bike shop business includes the following elements:

Target market

• Who is your target market?
• What do these customers have in common?
• How many of them are there?
• How can you best reach them with your message or product?

Customer base 

• Who are your current customers? 
• Where did they come from (i.e., referrals)?
• How can their experience with your bike shop business help make them repeat customers, consumers, visitors, subscribers, or advocates for other people in their network or industry who might also benefit from using this service, product, or brand?

Product or service description

• How does it work, what features does it have, and what are its benefits?
• Can anyone use this product or service regardless of age or gender?
• Can anyone visually see themselves using this product or service?
• How will they feel when they do so? If so, how long will the feeling last after purchasing (or trying) the product/service for the first time?

Competitive analysis

• Which companies are competing with yours today (and why)? 
• Which ones may enter into competition with yours tomorrow if they find out about it now through word-of-mouth advertising; social media networks; friends' recommendations; etc.)
• What specific advantages does each competitor offer over yours currently?

Marketing channels

• Which marketing channel do you intend to leverage to attract new customers?
• What is your estimated marketing budget needed?
• What is the projected cost to acquire a new customer?
• How many of your customers do you instead will return?

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4. Write Your Operational Plan.

Next, you'll need to build your operational plan. This section describes the type of business you'll be running, and includes the steps involved in your operations. 

In it, you should list:

• The equipment and facilities needed
• Who will be involved in the business (employees, contractors)
• Financial requirements for each step
• Milestones & KPIs
• Location of your business
• Zoning & permits required for the business

What equipment, supplies, or permits are needed to run a bike shop business?

• Equipment: Bicycle stands, work benches, repair tools, specialised tools, cleaning supplies.
• Supplies: Greeting cards, bike maps, helmets, mirrors, bells, handlebar baskets, locks and light sets.
• Permits: A business license from your local government and permits to sell bicycles may be required depending on the location.

5. Management & Organization of Your Bike Shop Business.

The second part of your bike shop business plan is to develop a management and organization section.

This section will cover all of the following:

• How many employees you need in order to run your bike shop business. This should include the roles they will play (for example, one person may be responsible for managing administrative duties while another might be in charge of customer service).
• The structure of your management team. The higher-ups like yourself should be able to delegate tasks through lower-level managers who are directly responsible for their given department (inventory and sales, etc.).
• How you’re going to make sure that everyone on board is doing their job well. You’ll want check-ins with employees regularly so they have time to ask questions or voice concerns if needed; this also gives you time to offer support where necessary while staying informed on how things are going within individual departments too!

6. Bike Shop Business Startup Expenses & Captial Needed.

This section should be broken down by month and year. If you are still in the planning stage of your business, it may be helpful to estimate how much money will be needed each month until you reach profitability.

Typically, expenses for your business can be broken into a few basic categories:

Startup Costs

Startup costs are typically the first expenses you will incur when beginning an enterprise. These include legal fees, accounting expenses, and other costs associated with getting your business off the ground. The amount of money needed to start a bike shop business varies based on many different variables, but below are a few different types of startup costs for a bike shop business.

Running & Operating Costs

Running costs refer to ongoing expenses related directly with operating your business over time like electricity bills or salaries paid out each month. These types of expenses will vary greatly depending on multiple variables such as location, team size, utility costs, etc.

Marketing & Sales Expenses

You should include any costs associated with marketing and sales, such as advertising and promotions, website design or maintenance. Also, consider any additional expenses that may be incurred if you decide to launch a new product or service line. For example, if your bike shop business has an existing website that needs an upgrade in order to sell more products or services, then this should be listed here.

7. Financial Plan & Projections

A financial plan is an important part of any business plan, as it outlines how the business will generate revenue and profit, and how it will use that profit to grow and sustain itself. To devise a financial plan for your bike shop business, you will need to consider a number of factors, including your start-up costs, operating costs, projected revenue, and expenses. 

Here are some steps you can follow to devise a financial plan for your bike shop business plan:

• Determine your start-up costs: This will include the cost of purchasing or leasing the space where you will operate your business, as well as the cost of buying or leasing any equipment or supplies that you need to start the business.
• Estimate your operating costs: Operating costs will include utilities, such as electricity, gas, and water, as well as labor costs for employees, if any, and the cost of purchasing any materials or supplies that you will need to run your business.
• Project your revenue: To project your revenue, you will need to consider the number of customers you expect to have and the average amount they will spend on each visit. You can use this information to estimate how much money you will make from selling your products or services.
• Estimate your expenses: In addition to your operating costs, you will need to consider other expenses, such as insurance, marketing, and maintenance. You will also need to set aside money for taxes and other fees.
• Create a budget: Once you have estimated your start-up costs, operating costs, revenue, and expenses, you can use this information to create a budget for your business. This will help you to see how much money you will need to start the business, and how much profit you can expect to make.
• Develop a plan for using your profit: Finally, you will need to decide how you will use your profit to grow and sustain your business. This might include investing in new equipment, expanding the business, or saving for a rainy day.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bike Shop Business Plans:

Why do you need a business plan for a bike shop business.

A business plan for a bike shop business is essential because it can provide direction and structure to setting up the business. It can serve as a guide on how to implement new ideas and strategies while allowing you to assess the potential success of the venture. Additionally, if you plan on seeking out financing for your bike shop, you will likely need a comprehensive business plan in order to demonstrate the potential success of your business.

Who should you ask for help with your bike shop business plan?

It is a good idea to seek out professional help from an experienced business consultant, financial advisor, or accountant. Additionally, many local business and economic development organizations offer free or low-cost consulting services to help entrepreneurs create their business plan.

Can you write a bike shop business plan yourself?

Yes, it is possible to write your own business plan for a bike shop. It will require research into the industry, an analysis of the current market and competitors, and a detailed financial plan. Additionally, you'll need to consider the types of bikes and accessories you will sell, the costs associated with purchasing inventory and managing a store, marketing and advertising strategies, customer service policies, and any other relevant information. A comprehensive business plan can help ensure a successful launch for your bike shop.

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I'm Nick, co-founder of newfoundr.com, dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs succeed. As a small business owner with over five years of experience, I have garnered valuable knowledge and insights across a diverse range of industries. My passion for entrepreneurship drives me to share my expertise with aspiring entrepreneurs, empowering them to turn their business dreams into reality.

Through meticulous research and firsthand experience, I uncover the essential steps, software, tools, and costs associated with launching and maintaining a successful business. By demystifying the complexities of entrepreneurship, I provide the guidance and support needed for others to embark on their journey with confidence.

From assessing market viability and formulating business plans to selecting the right technology and navigating the financial landscape, I am dedicated to helping fellow entrepreneurs overcome challenges and unlock their full potential. As a steadfast advocate for small business success, my mission is to pave the way for a new generation of innovative and driven entrepreneurs who are ready to make their mark on the world.

Executive Summary of a Bike Shop (Example)

• December 29, 2023
• Business Plan , Executive Summary

The executive summary is a critical component of your bike shop business plan. It offers a concise yet comprehensive view of your business within the bike retail and service market, including competitive analysis and financial forecasts. This section is crucial for attracting investors and partners, as it highlights your business’s potential and strategic plans.

A two-slide PowerPoint presentation is recommended for this summary. The first slide should detail your business model, covering the range of products and services unique to your bike shop. The second slide should focus on your management team’s qualifications and financial goals, giving a snapshot of anticipated market performance and growth prospects.

Bike Shop Business Plan

Fully editable 30+ slides Powerpoint presentation business plan template.

Download an expert-built 30+ slides Powerpoint business plan template

Executive Summary: Page 1

Business Overview

In a bike shop business plan’s executive summary, the business overview section is crucial for providing a clear description of the shop’s key operational aspects.

This includes the shop’s location, product range, services, customer focus, and community involvement. It’s essential to communicate how the bike shop caters to the needs of different customer segments, from casual riders to serious cyclists.

Highlighting the expertise of in-house mechanics and the shop’s commitment to customer service helps to establish its identity in the market. Additionally, showcasing the shop’s involvement in local cycling events and sustainable transport initiatives can reinforce its community presence and brand image.

Example: Located in [Location], the bike shop offers an extensive selection of bikes, sportswear, and accessories. It features expert mechanic services for repairs and custom builds, and emphasizes a customer-centric approach with a knowledgeable and welcoming staff. The shop actively participates in local cycling events, promoting a cycling culture and sustainable urban mobility.

Market Overview

The market analysis section should outline the current state and potential growth of the bike retail and repair industry.

It’s important to discuss the overall market size , growth trends, consumer behavior, and the competitive landscape. This part of the executive summary assesses the market’s dynamics, highlighting opportunities for niche market players. Understanding consumer trends, such as the increasing use of bicycles for urban transportation and recreation, and the growing interest in e-bikes, is critical for strategic positioning and identifying growth areas.

Example: The US bike retail and repair industry, valued at $7.5 billion, is growing steadily. The shop is well-positioned in a competitive yet fragmented market, with opportunities to specialize in services and community engagement. The rise in urban cycling and advancements in cycling technology, including e-bikes, indicates significant potential for market expansion and attracting new customer segments.

Executive Summary: Page 2

Management Team

This section introduces the founders and key leaders of the bike shop, highlighting their backgrounds and expertise.

The management team’s experience in the cycling industry, business management, and community engagement plays a pivotal role in the shop’s operational success and strategic direction. This part of the summary should build confidence in the team’s ability to drive business growth and effectively respond to market demands.

Example: The CEO, with over 10 years of experience in the cycling industry, brings in-depth knowledge from previous sales and management roles. The COO, an avid cyclist and experienced entrepreneur, has a successful track record in small business management. Their combined expertise forms a strong foundation for the shop’s growth and market presence.

Financial Plan

The financial plan overview provides a snapshot of the bike shop’s financial goals, including revenue targets and profit margins.

This section outlines the financial aspirations and the strategies to achieve them. It reflects the shop’s financial health and potential for profitability, considering factors such as market positioning, product and service offerings, and operational efficiency.

Example: The bike shop aims to reach $1.8 million in annual revenue with a 32% EBITDA margin by 2028. This ambitious goal will be supported by expanding the product range, enhancing service offerings, and increasing community engagement and marketing efforts to attract a broader customer base and strengthen the shop’s position in the local market.

Privacy Overview

Opening a bike shop: a business plan checklist for upstarts

You love bikes, you think you’re business savvy and a window of opportunity exists to go it alone and open a bike shop. So, it’s business plan time. Duncan Moore puts himself in the shoes of the upstart and details all the micro considerations that must be addressed before you pass go…

When COVID first hit and the world went into lockdown it was boom time for the cycle industry; everyone wanted to start riding again and bikes sales soared alongside workshop service and repair work. This didn’t go unnoticed by the general public either as people working from home or idling hours away on furlough began to think about what they wanted from life and the chatter on various forums and Facebook groups suggests opening a bike shop seems like a really good idea. But what is the reality of making that dream come true?

There’s a joke in the cycle industry that gets rolled out every time some asks about opening a bike shop – How do you make a small fortune in the bike trade? Start with a large one. The sad thing is that it is all too easy for this to be the reality of opening a bike shop but how can you avoid the mistakes that make this less of a joke and reality for many who try?

If I was being cruel, I could say don’t open a shop and in so doing save yourself a whole load of heartache and financial misfortune, but if you’re reading this that’s not what you want to hear. So, let’s take a look at how to open a shop without losing your shirt…

When it comes to opening a bike shop, just like starting any other business, the first thing you need to do is put together a business plan. It needn’t be a scary as it sounds either. Basically, it is a way of outlining your idea and justifying it to others (such as your bank manager). It’s all about the how what and whys of what you plan to do. Don’t think of it as a chore that has to be done before you can get on with the fun stuff but view it more as a set of guidelines and goals that can be ticked off as each piece plan is completed. Don’t be afraid to show it to friends either, a second set of eyes may spot a glaring error that you’ve missed or be able to provide valuable insights and suggestions.

That’s as far as I’m going to go with telling you about having a business plan. A comprehensive guide to writing one could be a feature in its own right. However, what I’ll do is talk about the points to consider when putting your plan together.

It’s all very well deciding that you want a bike shop but what is the point of it? Why should people come to your store? What is your USP (unique selling point)? If you have a Halfords nearby then forget about concentrating on kids’ bikes as you’ll never get near the big H on price. However, you could make high-end service work your USP as that is something that is perceived as not being a Halfords’ specialism. What’s the local scene like where you are thinking of setting up? If there’s a strong road club then MTBs are not going to sell very well, if the market isn’t there the product won’t sell.

And while you’re looking at what other shops in the area think about where they are located and what their target market is. If you think a workshop-based business is the way forward for you, targeting the commuter market then an out-of-town location isn’t going to work. On the other hand, if you’re planning on concentrating on bike sales then think about how customers are going to get to your store. Is there plenty of parking space available for those looking to collect their new ride?

Now you know where you want to be it’s time to start drilling down into the nitty gritty. Have you considered how long the lease will be on the property? What if you want to leave before the term is up because you’ve been really lucky and made a success and need bigger premises or it’s failed and you simply need to get out. How much are the business rates and utilities and how much will you need to make each year to cover these and all the other costs we’ve yet to discuss?

Okay, so you now know what market sector you’re going to be targeting and where you’ll be doing it but will you be able to get the brands you want to make this work? This is another piece of homework to do when you first think about opening a shop; what brands are available locally? Manufacturers and distributors can be choosy about who they supply and territory plays a big part in this decision.

Do not even think about trying to get any of the big bike brands, they have their dealer networks in place and do not need to concern themselves with new accounts. Now add in ongoing supply chain issues, with even well-established operations having trouble getting bikes, and see how far you get ordering stock. However, do not be tempted to go to the other extreme and get an account with an obscure brand that no one has heard of. The public won’t be interested and what happens with quality control and warranty support when you have problems?

Once you do find bike and P&A suppliers who are happy to work with you, you’re going to need deep pockets to get started. While established businesses can and do get credit any new operation will be on pro forma terms – you place an order, you pay for it and then it’s delivered. Can you afford to have all of your capital tied up in stock?

Here’s another thought on stock, what do you need to carry? Once again, it’s time to consider your potential customer base. Will you need to carry 11- and 12-speed chains or will you need to have plenty of old fashioned seven- and eight-speed chains? Now do this again for wheel sizes so you know which innertubes to hold; calliper brake pads and disc brake pads; and on and on with all service and consumable parts.

Realistically, the only way you can truly get an understanding of what you need to carry is to get experience in an existing shop. Yes, you might think you know all there is to know about retail and you’ve always done your own bike repairs there will be lots of things waiting to trip you up.

On the retail side of things do you know how to reconcile the shop till and card machine at the end of the day? In fact, have you considered how much you’ll have to pay for a card machine and associated bank charges every time you pay the week’s takings in? Oh yes, it’s those hidden costs again.

This is probably a good time to mention the ACT. The Association of Cycle Traders , to give it its full name, is the business organisation for cycle retailers and once you’ve paid your annual membership it can provide help and assistance with numerous issues. The ACT can help with training, customer credit options, merchant services and much more.

Now back to what you need to know and let’s suppose you have experience in retail but what about the mechanical side of the business? How comfortable are you doing PDI checks? Can you bleed hydraulic brakes and service Di2 and eTap systems? What about rebuilding an old Sturmey Archer three-speed hub? Of course, you can sign up for one of the accredited cycle mechanic training courses, again the ACT can help here, but again this is more expense that you night no not have at first considered. Don’t think that just because you’re planning on employing a mechanic that you don’t need to have a deep understanding of cycle mechanics. What happens when the mechanic is off sick, takes a holiday or just leaves? You’ll have to cover his work.

Tax returns, VAT submissions, supplier invoices all of these need to be taken care of too and you can either add them onto your already exhaustively long workday or get someone else to do it for you. That’s why it’s a good idea to use an accountant, which is another cost. However, a good accountant should be able to help you in ways you’d never imagine and save you money in the long term.

While you’re considering the cost of employing an accountant take a moment to think about other services that you might think you can look after yourself but would be better off having some else deal with. For example, once you’ve chosen a name for your business and registered that matching domain name, another hidden cost there, are you confident in designing a website for the shop? Sure, lots of ISPs and hosting companies offer template packages but will that work for you and what happens if you need to make updates or changes?

You also need to consider what you want the website to do for you. Will it just be a way to let people know where you are, what you stock and what services you offer, or do you plan to offer online sales too? If it’s the latter option, then you’ll also have to invest in electronic stock control and point of sale and at the risk of sounding repetitive, that’s another cost to consider.

Nor is this the end of the costs that you might not have considered. Have you thought about the stationery you’ll need, letterheads, receipts, business cards, and how much you’ll need to spend on them? What about the shopfront signage and then when you’re back indoors will the existing fittings, assuming you’re taking over an existing retail unit, work for a bike shop? Sure, suppliers will provide point of sale displays but to qualify for them as freebies you’re going to have to buy a lot of stock. How are you going to display your bikes and store the ones in the workshop awaiting repair or collection? While you’re looking at the cost of those racks take a look at the price of a professional level repair stands too. If you think that’s bad wait until you start totalling up all the tools you’re going to need, just basics stuff like bottom bracket and freewheel removal tools, never mind the specialist kit like reamers and cutters for headtubes and bottom bracket shells.

If I haven’t put you off opening a bike shop by now here’s one last consideration – forget about riding your own bike. I speak from personal experience here if you’re not too tired from working all day every day when you do get some time to yourself you’ll want nothing to do with a bike. That’s the reason I write about bicycles and cycling these days rather than selling and repairing them…

Further reading – advice from those bike shop owners who have been there and done it before.

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'We will find that sustainable plan.' Red Bikes back on Greater Cincinnati streets

Just in time for national Bike to Work Week, Cincinnati's bike-share program put about 450 of its Red Bikes back on Cincinnati streets Monday morning.

All 71 Red Bike stations are operational, 10 Red Bike staff are back on the job and an ad-hoc steering committee is meeting every other week to draft a long-term strategy for the 10-year-old service.

"We will find that sustainable plan," Cincinnati City Council member Mark Jeffreys, chief architect of a Red Bike bailout, said at a Monday press conference.

The service paused in January to address budget pressures, then announced plans to shut down in March. Supporters then stepped up to raise more than $500,000 to operate Red Bike for the coming year.

During its shutdown, Red Bike built about 180 new bikes and handled other maintenance work, Red Bike Executive Director Doug McClintock said Monday. Within a couple of months, about 75% of all Red Bikes will be electric, with battery packs installed on a rear rack. Batteries lasts 30 to 50 miles, depending on riding conditions.

Red Bike staff also removed UC Health logos from its fleet in recent weeks. UC Health pulled its sponsorship of Red Bike last year, prompting the budget crisis.

About a dozen Red Bike supporters, including Jeffreys and McClintock, welcomed the service back with a brief ride around downtown streets.

To inspire rides, the city of Cincinnati will cover $100 of a $150 annual Red Bike membership for the first 50 city employees to sign up, Jeffreys said.

Minneapolis approves plan to redevelop area where Kmart store blocked Nicollet Ave. for decades

The Minneapolis City Council approved a plan Thursday designed to correct what many longtime city residents have called one of the worst development decisions in the city’s history.

Under the new plan , the former Kmart department store and its parking lot which has blocked Nicollet Avenue near Lake Street since the late 1970s, will include mixed-use buildings, park land and new bike and pedestrian infrastructure.

“This project has been many years in the making and a long time coming,” said Aisha Chughtai, the council member who represents one of the four wards which border the 10-acre project area.  

She added that the planning process has also included significant public input . Chughtai said the project team has held more than 60 public events, which included input from more than 18,000 people. 

“I’m excited to extend Eat Street into the Eighth Ward,” said council member Andrea Jenkins referring to the blocks of restaurants along Nicollet to the north of the Kmart site.

Jenkins also pointed out that a section of her ward just south of the site, the intersection of 38th St. and Nicollet, has several successful restaurants. 

The Kmart building was demolished last year. Construction on the new development is set to begin in 2025.

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Business | Wawa opens first North Carolina store on the…

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Business | Wawa opens first North Carolina store on the Outer Banks this week

“Being 6 years old at the time, those things stick out in my mind,” he said.

McCombs, now an Outer Banks resident, was on hand for a community preview Wednesday, a day ahead of Wawa opening its first store in North Carolina at 1900 N. Croatan Highway. He said he was shocked when he returned from the Vietnam War and saw the Wawa dairy in Folsom, Pennsylvania, had become a Wawa Food Market.

Today, the family- and employee-owned Wawa chain operates 1,050 stores in seven states and in Washington. The closest store to the Outer Banks was in Chesapeake.

The Kill Devil Hills Wawa, at the corner of Fourth Street and U.S. 158, begins a 10-year expansion into North Carolina that will include 90 stores across the state.

By the end of 2024, Wawa will have 10 stores in Kill Devil Hills, Rocky Mount, Elizabeth City, Greenville, Wilson, Goldsboro and Lumberton, said Jay Ratcliffe, the company’s area manager for northeastern North Carolina.

Next year, Wawa plans to open 11 stores in additional counties, including Robeson, Pitt, Cumberland, Onslow, Johnston, Pender, Nash, Brunswick and New Hanover.

Over the next eight to 10 years, Wawa plans to build and open six to eight stores per year reaching a total of 90 in the state. Wawa will invest more than $7 million per store and employ, on average, 140 contractors, the company said in a news release.

“It’s an aggressive build plan,” Ratcliffe said.

Once open, each store will employ an average of 35 associates with Wawa expecting to create more than 3,000 long-term jobs in North Carolina.

Wawa chose the Outer Banks for the first North Carolina store because of its proximity to Virginia, as well as the local “sense of community,” said Kim Dowgielewicz, director of store operations.

The 6,000-square-foot store has eight gas pumps, 52 parking spaces and two underground tanks. It is set to open at 8 a.m. Thursday with free shirts for the first 250 customers, a hoagie building contest between local first responders and charities and a ribbon-cutting at 10 a.m.

The chain got its name from the town where it opened its first dairy operation — Wawa, Pennsylvania — in 1902. Wawa is said to be a Native American word for Canada goose, and company officials played on that connection for the new store about a mile from the Wright Brothers National Memorial, where Wilbur and Orville made their famous first flight.

Thursday’s grand opening festivities will include a flight over the store in a nod to the area’s aviation history, Ratcliffe said.

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Watch CBS News

Store closures are surging this year. Here are the retailers shuttering the most locations.

By Aimee Picchi

Edited By Alain Sherter

Updated on: May 13, 2024 / 1:33 PM EDT / CBS News

The retail industry is going through a tough time as it copes with inflation-weary consumers and a rash of bankruptcies, prompting chains to announce the closures of almost 3,200 brick-and-mortar stores so far in 2024, according to a new analysis. 

That's a 24% increase from a year ago, according to a report from retail data provider CoreSight, which tracks store closures and openings across the U.S. Although some retailers are planning to expand this year, major chains have announced 4% fewer openings compared with a year earlier, the analysis found. 

Blame changing consumer habits, as well as retailers' management struggles and bankruptcies, with the latter impacting companies including Rite Aid and Rue21. The largest number of store closures stems from Dollar Tree's announcement earlier this year that it plans to close more than 600 Family Dollar locations in 2024, with the discount store citing the impact of inflation on its customers as well as an increase in shoplifting.

"A lot of this year's closures are related to bankruptcies of chains that have been in trouble for a while, like Rite Aid and Rue21," Neil Saunders, managing director of GlobalData, told CBS MoneyWatch. "We're also seeing several retailers, like Family Dollar, take action to weed out underperforming locations." 

Although consumer spending has remained solid this year, there are "pockets of softness creeping in, and retailers want to ensure they are in good financial shape to weather any challenges" Saunders added. "That means optimizing store portfolios."

Brick-and-mortar retailers are also struggling with ongoing competition from online rivals such as Amazon.com. 

By contrast, some companies blundered strategically, such as Express, which filed for bankruptcy last month and announced plans to close 100 of its 500 locations. The clothing chain, known for its workplace fashion, failed to connect with consumers after the pandemic ushered in working from home, Saunders said.

That put the company "firmly on the wrong side of trends and, in our view, the chain made too little effort to adapt," he said in a recent research note. 

Are consumers cutting back?

Recent data shows that Americans are still opening their wallets. Consumer spending in March  rose 0.8%  (the most recent data available), which economists say represents solid growth.

But some signs consumers are starting to fade amid a modest economic slowdown. On Friday, the University of Michigan's Surveys of Consumer sentiment index for May dropped to 67.4, the largest monthly decline since mid-2021. Confidence is dipping because of expectations for higher inflation and softer growth, said Jeffrey Roach, chief economist for LPL Financial, in an email.

"Uncertainty about the inflation path could suppress consumer spending in the coming months," he noted. 

Consumers have also spent down any remaining extra money they socked away during the pandemic, when federal stimulus checks and other benefits bolstered their bank accounts, Roach said in an earlier report.

"[T]here are potential risks to consumer spending," he said. "When households exhaust these accumulated savings, it could lead to a decline in discretionary spending."

Even so, some retailers are planning to open hundreds of new stores, CoreSight found. Dollar General, a rival of Dollar Tree, said it will add more than 800 locations this year, putting it at the top of the list of retailers opening new stores this year, according to the research firm.  

In second place is 7-Eleven, which plans to open more than 270 U.S. locations this year, followed by discount store Five Below, with plans to open 227 outlets, the analysis found.

• Family Dollar
• Dollar Tree

Aimee Picchi is the associate managing editor for CBS MoneyWatch, where she covers business and personal finance. She previously worked at Bloomberg News and has written for national news outlets including USA Today and Consumer Reports.

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Out of the Centre

Savvino-storozhevsky monastery and museum.

Zvenigorod's most famous sight is the Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery, which was founded in 1398 by the monk Savva from the Troitse-Sergieva Lavra, at the invitation and with the support of Prince Yury Dmitrievich of Zvenigorod. Savva was later canonised as St Sabbas (Savva) of Storozhev. The monastery late flourished under the reign of Tsar Alexis, who chose the monastery as his family church and often went on pilgrimage there and made lots of donations to it. Most of the monastery’s buildings date from this time. The monastery is heavily fortified with thick walls and six towers, the most impressive of which is the Krasny Tower which also serves as the eastern entrance. The monastery was closed in 1918 and only reopened in 1995. In 1998 Patriarch Alexius II took part in a service to return the relics of St Sabbas to the monastery. Today the monastery has the status of a stauropegic monastery, which is second in status to a lavra. In addition to being a working monastery, it also holds the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum.

Belfry and Neighbouring Churches

Located near the main entrance is the monastery's belfry which is perhaps the calling card of the monastery due to its uniqueness. It was built in the 1650s and the St Sergius of Radonezh’s Church was opened on the middle tier in the mid-17th century, although it was originally dedicated to the Trinity. The belfry's 35-tonne Great Bladgovestny Bell fell in 1941 and was only restored and returned in 2003. Attached to the belfry is a large refectory and the Transfiguration Church, both of which were built on the orders of Tsar Alexis in the 1650s.  

To the left of the belfry is another, smaller, refectory which is attached to the Trinity Gate-Church, which was also constructed in the 1650s on the orders of Tsar Alexis who made it his own family church. The church is elaborately decorated with colourful trims and underneath the archway is a beautiful 19th century fresco.

Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is the oldest building in the monastery and among the oldest buildings in the Moscow Region. It was built between 1404 and 1405 during the lifetime of St Sabbas and using the funds of Prince Yury of Zvenigorod. The white-stone cathedral is a standard four-pillar design with a single golden dome. After the death of St Sabbas he was interred in the cathedral and a new altar dedicated to him was added.

Under the reign of Tsar Alexis the cathedral was decorated with frescoes by Stepan Ryazanets, some of which remain today. Tsar Alexis also presented the cathedral with a five-tier iconostasis, the top row of icons have been preserved.

Tsaritsa's Chambers

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is located between the Tsaritsa's Chambers of the left and the Palace of Tsar Alexis on the right. The Tsaritsa's Chambers were built in the mid-17th century for the wife of Tsar Alexey - Tsaritsa Maria Ilinichna Miloskavskaya. The design of the building is influenced by the ancient Russian architectural style. Is prettier than the Tsar's chambers opposite, being red in colour with elaborately decorated window frames and entrance.

At present the Tsaritsa's Chambers houses the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum. Among its displays is an accurate recreation of the interior of a noble lady's chambers including furniture, decorations and a decorated tiled oven, and an exhibition on the history of Zvenigorod and the monastery.

Palace of Tsar Alexis

The Palace of Tsar Alexis was built in the 1650s and is now one of the best surviving examples of non-religious architecture of that era. It was built especially for Tsar Alexis who often visited the monastery on religious pilgrimages. Its most striking feature is its pretty row of nine chimney spouts which resemble towers.

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