I'm in the process of starting a bike co-op in the Rockville, MD area. Once
we are established, I want to go and talk to the managers of the commercial
bike shops in the area. Since I can foresee some potential antagonism based
on the perception that the co-op will compete with them for repair
business, I want to go armed with information. Does anyone know of any
studies that show the economic impact of bike co-ops on the commercial
shops in the same area? Along the same lines, does anyone have personal
experience on the reaction of commercial shops to the start up of a co-op
in "their" area? The more specific you can be in the responses, the better,
though I can understand if you don't want to throw someone under the bus.
Any information would be helpful. We're still a few months away from
actually needing this information, but I'd like to be prepared.
Thanks,
Steve Andruski
swandruski(a)gmail.com
--
"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's
character, give him power."
~ Abraham Lincoln