7rider

Hey, we got the bikes, components and apparel. If the direct sales concept store is working for Apple, let's try it with the Specialized brand! Specialized had the best looking display at the Sea Otter Classic, and it looks like that was the harbinger of their concept stores. My brother and I dropped by the BikeSpring Specialized concept store in downtown Mountain View during lunch and picked up the least expensive bike there for his daughter.

I showed him the Tarmac SL when he asked me what the most expensive bike in the shop was, but I was more interested in the S-Works Carbon Epic. The layout and inventory of the store were pretty nice especially if you're into all things Specialized. The staff was also friendly and knowledgeable. They also have a nice tire recyling program where if you bring in an old tire, they'll exchange it for a water bottle.

I hope the shop does well. Although it appears we have a surfeit of bike shops in the area, I'm glad it's not the other way around. I'm just wondering how Specialized is going to reconcile their direct sales stores with the LBS's that promote their product.

voltman

They'll partner with LBSs to become Concept Stores as well.

Or they should just sell on ebay.

-=(8)=-

Shill

7rider

Hell yeah! The last thing I want is another restaurant on Castro street!

I googled "Specialized concept store" and from the links I found, it appears that Specialized is partnering with local retailers who want to open a store with a Specialized focus as opposed to Apple that just goes in with its monster warchest and buys and runs everything by itself.