Most people have to make bank...

I have a burning question that has to do with business hours.  It's more common than not that I see shops closing at 5pm or 6pm Monday thru Thursday.  This leaves me scratching my head asking myself, "why?" and "what are they thinking?".  Let me explain...

Most people who have discretionary income work during normal business hours.  Most people have to commute to and from work.  Most people want to get home or somewhere to eat after work, and finally, most athletes who work would probably like/want to get a ride or workout in after work.  When shops close at 5-6pm, where does that leave them?  I think you get my drift.  Maybe someone can help me out with this.

Comments

[Tommy]

there is something to be said for a mechanic that can be left alone at a reasonable hour to say rebuild a wheel, prep for a race or go on with a relaxing evening with friends and loved ones. It could mean the difference from a mechanic that is outstanding until they burn out and are replaced; or a master of life as well as mechanics.
- Tommy

[John Satory]

Good points. I think that noon until 8pm makes more sense than does 10-6pm. I think that most shops THINK that they know their market, but maybe only superficially. And are they targeting the right market (i.e. those with the discretionary income...), but that's a whole different subject! Thanks for your comment!

[gwadzilla]

that is where you the pick up and drop off guy wins...

it is vital for any shop to know its market

if a restaurant is in the business district serving a lunch crowd....
should they stay open for dinner?
should they be open on weekends?

well
they may have tried those
but
the overhead may not have paid off
so they evolved
most certainly the bicycle shop hours have evolved to meet their market
the classic late thursday nights are predictable
and well
shorter winter hours may be acceptable

but
I am sure that people hate to walk up to a shop and see the CLOSED sign
that is just another thing that send the shopper to the Internet

[Fritz]

I've wondered the same thing about any kind of retail store that closes at 5 or 6 -- not just bike shops.

It's been a while since I've been to Europe. DO they still roll up the sidewalks there at 6 p.m.?

[John Satory]

Thanks for your comment George. I understand where you're coming from, but what are the shops priorities? Riding or making sales? Sometimes we need to get creative with riding times especially when you have a family... There's always going to be challenges and difficult decisions to make while owning/running a business. Owners ultimately have to think what's convenient for their customers when it comes to store hours. Thanks again for writing! -John

[george]

I've been a wrench for almost 10 years now, and I've never been able to understand that, either. Except that to say, most mechanics and shop employees ride as well, and we'd like to get a ride in too.