BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — As this unforgettable year comes to end, retailers are eager for a little off-season rest, but anxious about the prospects for 2021. Will they have enough supply? Enough workers? Will a soft economy or COVID-19 lockdowns curb demand, or has everyone who ever wanted a bike already got one?
For a feature in our December magazine, we touched base with 16 retailers to get their take on the 2020 season and their predictions for 2021. We'll be sharing snapshots from those interviews online over the next two weeks.
Dan Shuman, Salem Cycle, Salem, Mass.
2020 was great for me. I purchased a second store in January and that store has been phenomenal. My sales and my profits are up. I raised prices where I needed to, to cover my expenses.
I think 2021 will be better with Biden. Less to worry about. I still think the supply chain is bad. No way supply will keep up with demand in 2021.
The winter months are always tough and, in the Northeast, winter can extend into March. We have snowshoes, fat bikes, and last year we introduced ski tuning. This year we have a lot of organizing and eBaying to do.
As far as staffing in 2021, I will need more mechanics at both locations. I also think I may need a dedicated person to handle our online sales for each shop.
