Well, it was fun while it lasted, but yesterday I got the news that Andy's Bike Shop is going out of business. I'll post the following which Andy used to announce this on social media:
"It is with a deep sadness that we inform you today that Andy’s Bike Shop is CLOSING. Our last day open will be Thursday, December 23, 2021. Everything in-store is 25% OFF (no special orders, and all sales are final).
Due to COVID-19, we have had an extreme supply shortage since May 2020 and this issue is projected to continue until 2024. We hate that this is how things ended up, but the last several months have been out of our control product-wise. We realize that this has caused serious frustration for our customers, as well as for us. We tried everything we could to adapt to these difficult times, but at the end of the day, we were unable to make it work.
We want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all the support and love you have shown us."
Comments: As Andy states in his announcement, it is very hard for a shop which opened up only six months ahead of the pandemic to gain a foothold and survive when you cannot get inventory. He made it work for awhile, but in the end, it was not a tenable situation for Andy to sustain the shop through another Winter with basically nothing going on business-wise. On our supplier's end and on his end.
I have no ill will or bitterness towards Andy for what has happened. It is not his fault and he did what he could to keep it going this long. More than anything, it is just bad timing and a bad situation in terms of what the pandemic has done to the cycling industry. Andy is going to be fine after this is over. He's got options and is taking advantage of those currently. But as far as my part in our relationship, it's all good. It isn't a situation where he did things wrongly in terms of our relationship. We're on good terms and I hope to count him as a friend going forward.
As for me? I have a new beginning on the horizon. I just don't know what that is specifically yet. I'm sure we'll get by here for a bit until things get sorted. But I felt as though it would be prudent to put this news out there and tell my end of things. So there- it's out there.
Man that sucks! I had made up my mind I was gonna swing by Andy's next time I was out Iowa way. Now I won't have the chance.
ReplyDeleteSuch a bummer GT! I enjoyed the videos on IG! It's tough when life throws a lot at you unexpectedly. I hope his path is a positive one!
ReplyDeleteSorry about that, GT? Im not sure if the market in your area would support it, but have you considered opening a mobile bike shop? Some people have made it work.
ReplyDeleteI was super bummed to hear about this, GT. You lace up the best wheels in the cedar valley and I’m really thankful you’ve been able to help me out with putting together some really cool builds over the years. I know success will follow you wherever you end up.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind words, folks.
ReplyDelete@rth009 - Actually Andy ran a mobile service, so I already know how that works around here. (Not enough demand)
@Tomcat - Thanks for that vote of confidence. I have the tools at home to build wheels, so if you want to have me lace you up some anytime, let me know.