13 West Campbell Street
Arlington Heights, IL 60005
847-222-7887

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Move in, build out

13 West Campbell. Arlington Heights, Illinois.

latest update, today we signed a lease. And decided on a name (finally) so for the next 3 years, if all goes well, we have an actual space.
Campbell Street Bicycle Shop is born.
at home, Jake and Max are very interested in how they are going to be paid.
We are very nervous and excited about the life changes we are making.
We spent the day in the shop, evaluating the space and the work ahead of us, and cleaning.

We had several people come in and wonder what was going on with the former inhabitants. Victoria Books, a used bookseller. Frankly I don't know any details. but there are quite a few books left over, and we are giving them away.

We are planning on posting pictures here of the work in progress. So check back often.

We are debating on a bike line, Fuji, Jamis, or smaller independant lines are at the top of the contenders list. input is welcome.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I like Jamis as they ofer steel frames. Bianchi is another good steel frame. carbon or steel. Steel is a way for some of us to get a comfortable ride without going to carbon.

There is a Specialized dealer in Mt. Prospect.

My complaints with the two existing shops: low inventory, and for a while you'll be in the same position.

Norway in MP tends to sell at list. I wanted to get a SRAM road group and they were $200 more than mail order. 900 vs. 700. While I want to support he local bike shop, paying list is too difficult. If he met me half way I may have bought from him as I like to support a LBS. If you are going high end then you might feel list is the way to be. Know the on line pricing and estimate how much the locals are willing to pay to have you there.

Get an on-line presence and offer parts and such mail order. It may not be part of the true bike shop experience but might help with an income stream that keeps the books balanced.

I've a tough time spending money at MP bikes and trains because the guy that runs the place is a little gruff. I do trust him for mechanical repairs though much more than the guys on Rand.

Frame building is a hobby in and of itself. It's art. There are a lot of frame builders that are accessible locally. Or enough that there isn't a high demand for it.

Peter said...

thanks for the feedback. you raise some points worth pondering while our little shop develpes