BROOKLYN, N.Y. (BRAIN) — Like most retailers, Joe Nocella has had his hands full with navigating the COVID-19 pandemic and the sales and service boom that began earlier this year.
Combined with downsizing his business to specialize in custom bike-building projects, the 718 Cyclery owner doesn't have as much time this year for outside projects.
And that means canceling Bike Shop Day this year.
"As I am now a one-person shop, I don't have the resources to plan and promote Bike Shop Day this year," Nocella said. "Perhaps next year. I had hoped someone would have stepped forward to shoulder the load, but this year is kind of nuts."
Held the past four years on the first Saturday of December, Nocella's Bike Shop Day was an event for retailers throughout the world to demonstrate how their shops bring the joy of cycling to their communities. It was more about community involvement than having a big holiday sale.
Last year, 119 bike shops participated in 35 states and seven countries.
Nocella decided late last year to move from a large retail space to a smaller one and return to what got him involved in the industry: working with customers on custom builds. "As a single- person shop, I have been overwhelmed with activity since March," Nocella said.
Retailer events held on Bike Shop Day last year included a repair workshop; a holiday open house with an all-day "wafflefest;" group ride with a winter riding gear clinic, and a fat bike demo.
