Shop Interview:
Fat Trax
May 10, 2020
|
612 North Main Street East
Longmeadow, MA 01028 413-781-5142 Fat-Trax.com Sales: BMX-Focused+ Established(BMX): 1995 |
|
Why are "BMX-focused” shops necessary compared to standard bike shops (or mail-order)?
We believe that being a BMX-focused shop gives us the ability to help the younger kids getting into riding and give them more ability to see every aspect of BMX. It also allows them to have a stronger connection to BMX, rather than a traditional bike shop--that has a small BMX connection--would.
What do you think is unique about "BMX-focused” shops (and your shop), versus the “average” bike shop?
Our shop is a little bit different than most. Our shop has 2 floors. The first floor is MTB and road bikes. We are upstairs, which is where all of our BMX stuff is. In the summer we usually have about 45 or more complete bikes on the floor ready to go. We sell skateboards and snowboards as well. During the winter we transition into more of a snowboard shop, but BMX is strong year-round here in New England.
How do you balance selling BMX stuff with other kinds of bikes/stuff? Is the crossover helpful or would you prefer to just focus on BMX?
We are actually attached to our sister business (Competitive Edge Ski & Bike) which is a road & MTB shop. They work on and sell all types of bikes. The crossover is definitely helpful. A lot of people who grow up riding BMX eventually start to get interested in other bikes--whether it’s getting a cruiser bike to ride on bike paths, commuters, mountains bikes, or anything in between. We have built a lot of relationships with customers over the years and we are able to provide them with the same customer service no matter what type of bike they are looking for. The BMX to MTB crossover is probably the most common for us.
We believe that being a BMX-focused shop gives us the ability to help the younger kids getting into riding and give them more ability to see every aspect of BMX. It also allows them to have a stronger connection to BMX, rather than a traditional bike shop--that has a small BMX connection--would.
What do you think is unique about "BMX-focused” shops (and your shop), versus the “average” bike shop?
Our shop is a little bit different than most. Our shop has 2 floors. The first floor is MTB and road bikes. We are upstairs, which is where all of our BMX stuff is. In the summer we usually have about 45 or more complete bikes on the floor ready to go. We sell skateboards and snowboards as well. During the winter we transition into more of a snowboard shop, but BMX is strong year-round here in New England.
How do you balance selling BMX stuff with other kinds of bikes/stuff? Is the crossover helpful or would you prefer to just focus on BMX?
We are actually attached to our sister business (Competitive Edge Ski & Bike) which is a road & MTB shop. They work on and sell all types of bikes. The crossover is definitely helpful. A lot of people who grow up riding BMX eventually start to get interested in other bikes--whether it’s getting a cruiser bike to ride on bike paths, commuters, mountains bikes, or anything in between. We have built a lot of relationships with customers over the years and we are able to provide them with the same customer service no matter what type of bike they are looking for. The BMX to MTB crossover is probably the most common for us.
How do you support BMX/the scene/riders in your community?
New England has a really strong BMX scene. A bunch of new skateparks are popping up or are getting renovated and we are lucky to have been involved with getting some of those opened. We even set a town record for having the most people involved in a town meeting for one of the skateparks. We have hosted lots of jams and fundraisers to help support the scene. We also have been really fortunate to have so many good people support us over the years. We don’t have a “team” but the list of people we help out goes on forever and we are thankful for them! We wouldn’t be here without our scene!
New England has a really strong BMX scene. A bunch of new skateparks are popping up or are getting renovated and we are lucky to have been involved with getting some of those opened. We even set a town record for having the most people involved in a town meeting for one of the skateparks. We have hosted lots of jams and fundraisers to help support the scene. We also have been really fortunate to have so many good people support us over the years. We don’t have a “team” but the list of people we help out goes on forever and we are thankful for them! We wouldn’t be here without our scene!
How do you balance offering services to the community (and particularly kids in need), and your need to stay in business and make a reasonable living?
Balancing making a living, sustaining the business, and keeping our customers rolling is a constant juggling act. We strive to give everyone the best service and pricing on products that we can on top of helping support events in the area. We have always had the mentality that if a kid is coming into the shop supporting us and what we are doing here, then we need to do the same for them whether it be pricing or labor.
Balancing making a living, sustaining the business, and keeping our customers rolling is a constant juggling act. We strive to give everyone the best service and pricing on products that we can on top of helping support events in the area. We have always had the mentality that if a kid is coming into the shop supporting us and what we are doing here, then we need to do the same for them whether it be pricing or labor.
How does the internet affect you?
It can be tough at times. One of the harder things to deal with is when BMX brands will put up on social media that they are running a holiday sale or whatever; it may be and shoppers can get xx% off and/or free shipping. If the brands don’t offer the same deals to shops who are stocking that product, it kind of sucks. Kids will come in and be like “I can get this handlebar for xx% off on this brands website.” They expect you to offer them the same or else they are obviously going to buy it online. Add in any shipping the shop has paid on that product and shop pretty much ends up losing most of its margins. Although, more BMX companies are starting to offer shops similar or the same deals they offer to direct customers. That goes a long way! It’s always a bummer when someone tells you they ordered this or that online when you have it sitting in the shop. We understand we can’t have everything in every color option or size in stock at all times. We can order pretty much anything though. And we will gladly do so. Always support local business.
It can be tough at times. One of the harder things to deal with is when BMX brands will put up on social media that they are running a holiday sale or whatever; it may be and shoppers can get xx% off and/or free shipping. If the brands don’t offer the same deals to shops who are stocking that product, it kind of sucks. Kids will come in and be like “I can get this handlebar for xx% off on this brands website.” They expect you to offer them the same or else they are obviously going to buy it online. Add in any shipping the shop has paid on that product and shop pretty much ends up losing most of its margins. Although, more BMX companies are starting to offer shops similar or the same deals they offer to direct customers. That goes a long way! It’s always a bummer when someone tells you they ordered this or that online when you have it sitting in the shop. We understand we can’t have everything in every color option or size in stock at all times. We can order pretty much anything though. And we will gladly do so. Always support local business.
What are the most enjoyable aspects of owning a bike shop?
We get to work with bikes! Constantly meeting new people that share the same interests with you is sweet. Seeing the same people shop with us year after year is always enjoyable. Its awesome to be able to support the BMX companies that support the shop.
Long term goals and/or plans for your shop?
We have been in business for over 25 years. Our goal is to continue to support our scene, grow with our customer base, and to continue to provide quality bikes and service. We are going to do some more jams once all this coronavirus stuff is over with--hopefully plan some riding trips as well.
We get to work with bikes! Constantly meeting new people that share the same interests with you is sweet. Seeing the same people shop with us year after year is always enjoyable. Its awesome to be able to support the BMX companies that support the shop.
Long term goals and/or plans for your shop?
We have been in business for over 25 years. Our goal is to continue to support our scene, grow with our customer base, and to continue to provide quality bikes and service. We are going to do some more jams once all this coronavirus stuff is over with--hopefully plan some riding trips as well.