MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Sep 8, 2020 This week Victory Bicycle Studio celebrates 10 years of business and of promoting cycling culture in the Bluff City and beyond. Born in Cooper Young in 2010, Victory has proven its endurance through a devastating fire, a bold move to Broad Ave. as the first specialty retailer on the strip and, ultimately, a massive expansion project.
To Clark Butcher, owner, CEO and self-proclaimed endurance sports addict, Victory is not so much a store as a way of life and a catalyst for bringing the community together. Welcoming cyclists at all levels, from beach cruisers to elite athletes, Victory offers training groups, individual coaching, personal fittings, spin classes – oh, and they sell bikes, too. As Butcher says, “We’re more than just a bike shop. I don’t believe there’s anyone else in the country that’s doing anything like what we’re doing here.”
Focusing on the community, Victory and Butcher are steadfast supporters of local non-profits, contributing to fundraising efforts throughout Memphis and participating in programs that help underserved groups. A friend of Butcher’s said, “If you take care of the community, it will take care of you.” And it has, with nearly 200 riders every weekend sporting Victory jerseys across the Mid-South.
Victory Bicycle Studio sells bikes to enthusiasts all over the world and boasts die-hard fans who often tag their favorite ride providers with #Morethanjustabikeshop. If Butcher had his way, he’d throw a “massive block party” to thank all of them for helping Victory reach this milestone birthday. However, true to form, he’s putting the community’s health first and has decided to delay the planned event. Spin classes have also been halted for the time being.
According to its website, the goal of Victory Bicycle Studio is to provide clients with an experience that’s uncommon to the cycling industry. Butcher takes that a step further by espousing aspirations as a business owner of “retaining you as a customer, retaining you as a friend and keeping you engaged.” Now, that’s uncommon.
