Via newsletter-
Dear Cyclesmith family, we have exciting changes in the works! Since 1986 have been honoured to serve the cycling community. Throughout the years we have grown and adapted alongside the changing demographics and industry. However the past few years have been undeniably difficult for many, with the number of bicyclists dropping precipitously since the record breaking sales of the pandemic bike boom, followed by global economic uncertainty and supply chain issues. Facing these challenges head on we are pivoting to a business model to keep us serving you into the future.
You may have noticed on our website that we are closed for the long weekend. When we re-open our doors you may notice some subtle, although significant changes. Everything will look the same as you enter, however as you go around the corner to the back, our characteristic red signage will become green…Cyclesmith will now have a second store-within a store-called Picklesmith. That’s right, we will now be your one stop for all of your cycling and pickleball related needs! Pickleball is now the fastest growing sport in North America and we are proud to be at the forefront of this exciting, fast paced activity! Picklesmith will carry a wide range of the latest pickleball paddles, balls, and grips and along with crucial accessories such as carrying cases footwear and sweatbands.
However, change is not without difficulty. Due to space constraints, we will be carrying less cycling related inventory and decreasing our service packages.
How did we come to this decision? After facing some difficult financial decisions, we had to release a number of our mechanics back into the wild. With the money saved, we spent twice as much on a financial consulting and research firm-Toilette and Douche. They quickly identified Pickleballeurs as the aging white demographic with the most disposable income to exploit, having surpassed golfers and cyclists a few years ago. We were advised to keep carbon road bikes in stock , as they are still a popular accessory for the back of an SUV-however mountain bikes are no longer considered feasible for dynamic profiteering as deemed by the venture capitalists and private equities. Toilette and Douche market research also shows that Mountain bikes frighten children and upset the elderly.
In many ways it will be like the NSLC, things will be the same-however you won’t be able to buy Bourbon (MTB), and you’ll see some people filtering in and out of the back section with slightly stunned yet smug expressions on their face carrying discrete bags of cannabis (pickleballs).
April Fool’s!