Why should bike shops carry BMX?

In a world of smartphones and ever-changing technology, being able to purchase anything you want at your fingertips has become the norm. The younger the kid the more tech savvy they seem to be. Is all hope lost for selling BMX in a traditional bike shop then? No! There has never been a better time to carry and sell BMX. Kids are desperately looking to find connections, experiences, and real friends. This is where the bike shop becomes the catalyst for not only providing the products for a young rider, but also giving them so much more than the online world ever can. The bike shop can be the spot where friends meet up, talk about the latest products, videos, riding spots, and more. The shop could have a jam or even help drive kids to the local skatepark or BMX track. Giving kids the opportunity to meet other like-minded kids is huge.

“We give these kids a chance to do something.” Glenn Brown, Owner, Vans Bicycle Center, during an in-store BMX event

Now let’s approach this from a different way. Have you thought about the future of your business? There is a good chance that you have a solid customer base from roughly the ages of 30- 50. What happens in 10 years or even 5 years down the road? They are buying less bikes and products and not riding as much. Have you thought about your who your next customers will be? The next generation needs your support to realize that going to a bike shop is a positive experience. As these younger customers get older and buy their next bike and all their accessories, they will remember the bike shop experience instead of internet marketplaces. Welcome the kids now, because their love of bicycles and positive experience at retail will generate loyalty to your store for years to come.

“BMX is the gateway into cycling for almost everyone. It seems like most people I come across “had a BMX back in the day”; at the very least they had one without even knowing it. I’m sure most people can also remember jumping curbs growing up (good fun!). Therefore, having a healthy BMX presence in any shop is important if not only to get young people on bikes period. Should those riders graduate to a MTB or a road bike, your shop will then have them covered as well. In the end it all starts with a BMX.” Nuno Oliveira, Marketing Director, Odyssey

“I’m getting a lot of parents coming in here with their kids, because they got bikes from me when they were kids. I see the kids at the point where they start switching over to buying bigger bikes from me.” Glenn Brown, Owner, Vans Bicycle Center

With a little planning, your store can be a resource and hub for this market. We are here to help you succeed now with BMX, so you can sell high end bikes for years into the future. Please contact us with any questions you might have. QBP has supported BMX for decades, and we have the insider knowledge to help you take your ideas to reality. If you’re wondering where to start, it can be as simple as reaching out a local BMX rider you’ve seen or had as a customer.

“For shops that are trying to get into the BMX market, your best asset is an employee who rides BMX. Having a rider in your shop to help choose products to stock and sell them will convey credibility that your customers will appreciate. Having a Bmx employee who can purchase products is key to ensuring your BMX section is sustainable. Stocking products and hosting or sponsoring local events could build a customer base for years to come.” Cara & Vic Bettencourt, Owners, Circuit BMX

Here at QBP together with our key suppliers, we want to see retailers be as successful as possible and continue to provide customers with great riding and personal experiences for years to come.

“Shops are incredibly important for the bike industry. It’s an honor for me to work with these shops. These are the people that are perpetuating the state of BMX. These shops created their own scene.” Matt Coplon, Sales Manager, Profile Racing, excerpt from BMX In Our Blood Podcast.

That’s right, bike shops create their own scene. Think about what your shop is doing to create its scene, and let’s get started!

- Jay Schlie