I’m one of those people tha spends 65-90% online.
I would buy more locally if stores actually carried size small clothing and something other than 2XU and Zoot.
One store by me carries Louis Garneau but trying to find something smaller than a large is impossible.
The say “We can order that for you.” Well so can I, for less and get it faster. There must be no profit in my sizing
Rant over…
i agree. i don’t understand why it takes the shop a week to get something in and i can order it and have it in 1-2 days. sometimes i’ll order something online b/c it’s free shipping, no tax and i don’t have to take an 40-60 minutes out of my day to drive to the store.
Well I have to say that I spend about 60 percent of my time online and I can’t complain or have a bad conscious about it because I like it. I have to agree with you in terms of ordering something that is available for you in a very short period of time (mostly only up to three days) while you order something in a store and it takes them weeks to get it to you and then you still have to pick it up by yourself and only God knows how to find time for a pickup when you are constantly working.
I have to make an amendment to what the stores around me carry…
REI normally carries Sugoi and TYR, sometimes in size small. The people there seem to listen to their customers well.
jaretj
I think that the brick and mortar sector is really only sustained by the sudden burst in running/cycling participation over the last 5-6 years. They cater very well to the people that are absolutely clueless about what they want or need. The stores need to pick and choose what to carry, and it’s much easier to sell run-of-the-mill styles by known brands. If you have any degree of awareness or experience, then you’re really better served by going out and procuring what you need online. I certainly try to spend my money (locally) at the two most competent shops, but it’s tough when the range and depth of their inventory is financially limited and - in many cases - the shop workers are less informed that myself.
Last week, I spoke at length with the manager of a local running shop regarding trail shoes. We got to talking about Brooks, the pure project, and what a great brand they are to work with. So why does he refuse to carry them? Simple answer: they don’t sell. People that know running shoes know Brooks. People that don’t know running shoes know Nike, Asics, New Balance, etc. Can’t blame a guy for not wanting $10k of inventory that will end up on clearance at or near a loss.