HARDWICK – Jason Bahner, co-owner of Hardwick’s Riverside Cycles shared his thoughts about the most effective things the store has done to engage with customers in the November issue of Bicycle Retailer and Industry News (BRAIN).
“We have a holistic approach with our customers that centers around being personal and providing ideas and solutions for upgrades and accessories. We firmly believe that trying to sell customers what they need versus what they don’t need is critical when establishing an honest customer relationship.
Riverside Cycles was opened in the Hardwick Inn by co-owners Levi Bourne and Jason Bahner in mid-August 2024.
Bourne has said, “it’s no secret that a bike shop can be a huge contributor to a community. . . Both Jason and I feel this is a piece of the Hardwick economic ecosystem that has been missing for a long time and we are so excited to be able to bring this to fruition.”
“We strive to build rapport with our customers, and we also build community through our Wednesday night gravel rides. We do our best to have sales that promote products, and communicate with our customers via bulk email to create connectivity with our activities and sales,” said Bahner.
“For the younger segment of our customers . . . we do our best to promote youth riding by giving discounts to youth groups and local schools for rentals and accessories.”
Riverside Cycles is at 4 South Main St., Suite 3, Hardwick and online at riversidecyclesvt.com.
Paul Fixx is editor of The Hardwick Gazette and lives in Hardwick.
