Retail News
![Epic Cycles owner Allan Hightower, right, with mechanic Alonso Gutierrez. Epic Cycles owner Allan Hightower, right, with mechanic Alonso Gutierrez.](https://bicycleretailer.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/images/article/aac_2588.jpg?itok=Ch3T72R-)
BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C. (BRAIN) — One North Carolina retailer expressed his thoughts in a letter to his suppliers about how COVID-19 has affected his business, and shared a glimpse with BRAIN about how his 1,600 square-foot downtown location is weathering an economic and humanitarian crisis.
SANTA FE, N.M. (BRAIN) — A local news source is reporting that New Mexico officials have relented and are now allowing bikes shops to operate, under stringent rules, during the state's COVID-19 response.
![An interactive map detailing retailers' operating status is planned. An interactive map detailing retailers' operating status is planned.](https://bicycleretailer.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/images/article/pf-024867b8-map-click-smaller_800x441.jpg?itok=njHtkyrU)
PORTLAND, Ore. (BRAIN) — In this time of uncertainty, two companies pooled their resources to help retailers let customers know about their status during the COVID-19 pandemic.
WASHINGTON (BRAIN) — While it doesn't have the force of law, an advisory from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued should encourage local jurisdictions to consider bike repair workers essential during the COVID-19 response.
FRESNO, Calif. (BRAIN) — Reasoning that sporting goods stores sell emergency supplies, the city of Fresno has allowed the stores to reopen as essential businesses under a statewide shelter in place order.
![Sycamore Cycles posted this on its Facebook page. Sycamore Cycles posted this on its Facebook page.](https://bicycleretailer.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/images/article/90684588_10157959524190821_7173593599144099840_n.jpg?itok=06KrT1eW)
PISGAH FOREST, N.C. (BRAIN) — Wes Dickson and staff are taking one for the team.
That team being the small Pisgah Forest community they have served at Sycamore Cycles the past two decades.
![Campfire Cycling remains open in Arizona, where there is no state-wide order. Campfire Cycling remains open in Arizona, where there is no state-wide order.](https://bicycleretailer.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/images/article/slack-imgs.com_.jpeg?itok=ENror43P)
SANTA FE, N.M. (BRAIN) — More state and local officials are declaring bike shops "essential" businesses that can stay open despite shut-down orders due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, several jurisdictions have reversed course in what is a constantly changing landscape across the country.
KENT, Wash. (BRAIN) — REI Co-op extended the closure of its 162 stores indefinitely because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
PITTSBURGH (BRAIN) — Dick's Sporting Goods announced in a regulatory filing the temporary reduction of base salaries for its executive officers and other salaried employees, effective March 29, in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
PITTSBURGH (BRAIN) — After announcing two days ago it was cutting hours of operation, Dick's Sporting Goods now has decided to temporarily close all stores beginning today because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN)— A typical busy Saturday during the spring will challenge even the most organized bike retailer’s staff.
![Photo by Yoav Aziz on Unsplash Photo by Yoav Aziz on Unsplash](https://bicycleretailer.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/images/article/yoav-aziz-jcyqjm6cgdm-unsplash.jpg?itok=Ko444UOs)
NEW YORK (BRAIN) — Bike use in New York City is on the upswing due to the COVID-19 outbreak, and retailers are seeing the positive effects. However, they are bracing for a possible shelter-in-place order that could curtail retail shopping or even mandate store closures.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia (BRAIN) — A bike store manager was injured a year ago in Chino, California, trying to stop two men stealing a bike, and it’s the type of story that makes Vancouver detective Rob Brunt wince.
SAN FRANCISCO (BRAIN) — Despite an order from Bay Area health officials that all "non-essential" businesses close Tuesday, at least a few bike shops remain open, arguing that they are performing an essential service during the region's shelter in place order.
PITTSBURGH (BRAIN) — Dick's Sporting Goods said it will close 10 stores in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and shorten its hours of operation.
![Bike Index and 529 Garage give retailers a way to pre-register their bikes at once. Bike Index and 529 Garage give retailers a way to pre-register their bikes at once.](https://bicycleretailer.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/images/article/bike_registration-bikeindex.jpg?itok=eLQ8-G7x)
PORTLAND, Ore. (BRAIN) — The way J Allard sees it, 529 Garage is a combination of crimewatch, crime stoppers and motor vehicle registration. And it, along with Bike Index, might be the best way for retailers to protect their bikes.
![University Bikes' Michael Pope prepares to wipe down a service bike on Sunday. BRAIN Photo. University Bikes' Michael Pope prepares to wipe down a service bike on Sunday. BRAIN Photo.](https://bicycleretailer.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/images/article/dsc00767_1.jpeg?itok=3SYi-Tlp)
BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — With increased concern over COVID-19 and news of national retail chains closures, bike retailers are reassessing their response.
![Signs on the door of the REI in Boulder, Colorado, Monday morning. Signs on the door of the REI in Boulder, Colorado, Monday morning.](https://bicycleretailer.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/images/article/dsc00778.jpeg?itok=ZVOfghNN)
KENT, Wash. (BRAIN) — REI Co-op announced Sunday night it will close its 162 retail stores nationwide beginning Monday because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Coop president and CEO Eric Artz announced the closures in an email.
The outdoor retailer will reopen March 27, he said.
![One of two Lamar Outdoor billboards James Moore will have to promote cycling. One of two Lamar Outdoor billboards James Moore will have to promote cycling.](https://bicycleretailer.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/images/article/moores_bicycle._sdv.834227001a.jpg?itok=iF10cpAU)
HATTIESBURG, Miss. (BRAIN) — Much like the spread of COVID-19, psychological effects of social distancing only figure to get worse before they get better, according to James Moore.
![Aaron Goss integrated bikes into securing the windows of his shop in Seattle. Aaron Goss integrated bikes into securing the windows of his shop in Seattle.](https://bicycleretailer.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/images/article/smash_grab-aarons6.jpg?itok=SECyrvG1)
HATTIESBURG, Miss (BRAIN) — When it comes to preventing smash and grab retail theft, James Moore and Aaron Goss took matters into their own hands.