KenR

Why would anyone think that Walmart would start selling upscale bicycle kit, even at reduced prices? Who among their shopping demographic would it be aimed at?

rydabent

It may supprise you that many cyclist shop at Walmart. Then if Walmart reduces the price of stuff to a reasonable price, people might buy it.

indyfabz

Which, of course, would jettison the entire business model of Rapha that the investment company paid $260 million for. I simply don't understand the way some of you people think, or don't think. Rapha sales have increased 25%/year over the last several years precisely because of its business model. Do you really think the people at RZC Investments (The Walmart heirs did not buy Rapha. The investment company they started bought Rapha. RZC is also invested in Allied Cycle Works, among other things.) sat around the table and said "Hey. It would be a great idea to plop down $260 million for a company with skyrocketing sales driven by quality products and a lifestyle image targeting people who can afford the expensive merchandise it sells and 'dumb it down'"? If RZC wanted to get into low-budget cycling apparel it would have pursued other avenues instead of spending more than a quarter of a billion dollars for a controlling interest in Rapha.

Amitoj

True. I am still going to line up for Waldo's Ale come next 4/20.

KenR

I shop there on occasions too (some food, miscellaneous items and even gym outfits). I'm just not sure they could turn a profit on quality cycling kit. I'm sure there are many people who ride bikes and also shop there, but even at a discount, Rapha would be a stretch. It's just not a clientele that is into that stuff.

Maelochs

Pretty obvious. You don't buy Rolls-Royce so you can sell super-cheap econoboxes with fancy hood ornaments.

And in fact, Walmart Does already sell super-cheap cycling apparel ... Really super cheap, in line with what Walmart customers can spend on "luxury " items ($10 shorts last time I looked.) And ... very few sold (very little shelf space,) and they were almost all children's sizes, which almost no major manufacturer makes, and certainly not at Walmart prices.

In related news, Rossignol Group, the French ski company, is buying Felt bicycles. I guess we will see Felts with skids instead of wheels now, right?

I-Like-To-Bike

I am curious, how many U.S micro breweries have ever been successful in the last decade or so of their expansion? Success defined as making enough money to support a comfortable lifestyle for its owners and/or employees?

indyfabz

Not to everyone. Indeed, look at all the people who think/thought Walmart bought Rapha.


Beam me up, Scotty.

northtexasbiker

How many microbrews fail with the owners wishing they were good enough to sell out?

TimothyH

When did Walmart buy a microbrewery?


-Tim-

badger1

qft; emPHASis added.

KenR

Their going to use it to reintroduce Rheingold, Ballantine Ale and Schlitz.

DrIsotope

My local Walmart used to have 700x23/25 and 700x28/32 presta tubes for $2.99 each, and White Lightning Clean Streak for $5 a can. Wish they still did.

rydabent

A business model of screwing the public by charging 4 times what they should by appealing to snobs? Again a fool and his money are soon parted.

nycphotography

I dunno, but there may no greater fool than the fool who is convinced he understands other people's money better then they do themselves.


snob snäb/
noun: snob; plural noun: snobs

a person with an exaggerated respect for high social position or wealth who seeks to associate with social superiors and dislikes people or activities regarded as lower-class.


a person who believes that their tastes in a particular area are superior to those of other people.

Seriously. Who is being the snob here?

mstateglfr 

19.83%

Maelochs

Which authority decides "what they should" charge?

pickettt

I agree that companies should charge whatever they choose to. All companies should live and die by their business decisions. Just as consumers should prosper or go broke by theirs.

I-Like-To-Bike

That's what I thought, give or take 19.83% or so.

Nachoman

Ballast Point Brewery in San Diego sold for a BILLION dollars a couple years ago.

Phil_gretz

Well, I read the entire thread...whew. I feel as though I should receive some sort of public service award or something. One question remains for me, though.


Am I supposed to hate/boycott Ralpha now? I'm not sure...

indyfabz

You deserve a metal.


And to answer your question: Maybe.

I-Like-To-Bike

Sounds like the owners of at least one microbrewery won the lottery, good for them!

mstateglfr 

I gave an answer with as much thought as the question deserved. You asked an impossible to answer question.

nycphotography

A metal as in shrapnel? Or a medal as in a reward?


And the answer to the question: Depends on whether he was already required to boycott Rapha before the sale.