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Latest COVID-19 Update
Hello from my office, er kitchen table!
Just wanted to check in with everyone and share some thoughts about the bike shop during this period of quarantine that certainly allows for lots of reflection. I made the tough decision to abide by a firm closure during the initial stay-at-home period. That means we have not been accepting new bike shipments or service requests. Yes, I am aware that other shops have been doing this and I do not fault them. Economic fear is a powerful and real motivator. It is not that I do not share these fears — I own a low-margin seasonal business, I live on these fears even when there is not a pandemic! — but I believe that the uncertainty and level of contagiousness of this still-not-understood virus is more frightening and more important at this time. I don’t want to facilitate any non-essential contact and, realistically, a new bike or minor repair is not essential right now.
The latest state mandate (4/24) says that bicycle repair shops can begin to operate. We have decided that we will not...yet. Our high traffic area; small, open floor plan; and high level of personal contact workplace doesn’t engender a safe environment for me and my staff. Furthermore, we are not convinced that this decision will not result in a spike in infections, and are deciding to “stay-at-home” so as to not contribute to that possibility.
This is certainly not an easy decision to make and I hope that our customers can understand and respect our caution.
We are working behind the scenes to develop safe protocols for rentals, service, and retail for when we do reopen. Business will not be “as-usual.” Our tours are cancelled for the near-term future (at least through May) until this virus is better under control and we can feel safe in small groups.
Trust me, each and every time I turn away business it breaks my heart a little bit. But I have to do what I think is right — and right isn’t always perfect, it’s just the best we can do.
Thanks for understanding and when we do feel safe to reopen, trust me, I will be shouting it from the hilltops!
Two quick notes:
If you are jonesing for a ride and your bike is down for the count, make use of Mogo. They are currently providing monthly passes free! More info HERE.
We have a 2-week online merch sale going on through May 5 that includes some cool cotton face masks (strange times indeed). Check it out HERE!
In good health,
Kelli
Merch Sale Done Safe
Hello, everyone! It’s nice to have some positive news to share.
We are partnering with our long-time printers, Eastern Market-based ESP, for a merchandise sale that will be mutually beneficial and handled extremely safely.
Our online store will be open for two weeks (4/22 to 5/5) HERE. There are Wheelhouse-branded t-shirts, pullover and zip sweatshirts, and cotton face masks. The t-shirts are available in both adult and youth sizes.
Once the two weeks is over, ESP will print the order in full and ship each of them out. This minimizes their risk in terms of both the cash outlay to buy the gear and in customer contact. The proceeds will benefit both Wheelhouse and ESP.
This is such a wonderful example of two small businesses working together and we are excited and grateful to be the pilot store in this program. Kelli and Scott have worked together since 2005, when she had him print some shirts for that year’s Tour de Troit. It’s been many years and lots of changes along the way, but Detroiters stick together!
Wheelhouse in the Time of COVID-19
Wow. To say the world right now is a different place than anyone could have ever imagined is an understatement.
Obviously, Wheelhouse will not be opening for the season until things look a lot different. We will keep you informed.
Like for all other small businesses this is beyond tough, financially and personally. As a seasonal business, our winter “store" of money has dwindled, and this is the time of year we typically see people start booking tours and group outings, which helps with some cash flow. Obviously this is not happening. We are diligently working with all of our partners to find some relief, but it's a tough road to hoe.
There are a few ways to support Wheelhouse and ensure our reopening.
You can book a tour. Please know that any needed cancellations or changes will be treated very flexibly. Question? Reach out to Kelli at kelli@wheelhousedetroit.com.
You can book a group outing. We are offering $50 off any group rental or tour booked until we reopen. All it takes is a $50 deposit and, again, any needed change in date will be handled very flexibly. Reach out to Linda, she's the best and would love to get things rolling for your group in better times!
You can buy a Gift Card. We can mail you one when the shutdown is lifted or, even better, can set you up a house account for you at the shop. Baller status awaits! Questions? Tatiana's got you.
Remember, when you ride, do so solo or with others from within your immediate household. See you on the other side.
In good health and with hope,
Kelli
Tour Development Time!
We are deep into planning our 2020 tour season, so we thought we’d put it out there: Is there a tour you think we should be doing?
Here’s a list of the tours we currently have developed:
Architecture
Auto Heritage
Bikes & Booze
Cigars in Detroit
Corktown
Detroit Riverwalk + Dequindre Cut
Eastern Market
Galleries
Grandmont-Rosedale
Hamtramck
Haunted Detroit
Historic Churches
Historic Eastside Cemeteries
Indie Boutiques
Jefferson-Chalmers
Midtown/Woodbridge
Music Heritage
Look Up! Architectural Detail
Near Eastside
Near Westside
New Center
Palmer Park
Poletown
Public Art
Southwest Detroit
Sports Heritage
Techno
The Villages
Underground Railroad
Urban Agriculture
Feel free to comment here on our blog or email us at info@wheelhousedetroit.com with your idea!
Book Your Group Tour in February and SAVE!
It’s February, which means we are getting started on planning our 2020 tour season. To celebrate, we are offering a HUGE DISCOUNT on group tour bookings throughout the month: 50 BUCKS OFF!
Our group tours typically start at $200 for 1 to 6 riders on weekdays (Monday through Thursday) and $250 on weekends (Friday to Sunday). However, if you get us your tour deposit by February 29th, you will pay only $150 (weekdays) or $200 (weekends). Additional riders cost $35 (or $45 with bike rental) a person for up to 20 riders.
So if you are planning a wedding, bachelor/ette party, work outing, scouting activity, family excursion, or hosting guests from out of town this spring/summer/fall, this is a great way to get ahead of the curve and save some serious cash!
The best part is, our calendar is wide open at the moment, so you preferred date is pretty much guaranteed available!
More info about our group bookings can be found HERE. You can get started with the process by emailing bookings@wheelhousedetroit.com. We look forward to riding with you this season!
Holiday Shopping and Savings at Wheelhouse Hamtramck
Due to the closure of the Hamtramck shop, we are offering 25% off everything in the store. That includes bikes (Giant, Kona, Del Sol, Haro, Brooklyn Bicycle Co.), wheels, tires, tubes, lights, winter gear (hats, gloves, socks, balaclavas, bar end warmers, and boot covers), racks (both bike and vehicle), saddles, panniers and bags, pedals, tools and pumps, grips and tape, locks, helmets, kids seats…everything.
This deal will run through our last day of operation, December 21.
Important News About Our Hamtramck Location
Dear Friends of Wheelhouse:
The very difficult decision has been made to close our Hamtramck storefront after three years of operation. Unfortunately, things never quite took off as hoped and it has come time to close the doors and refocus solely on our Detroit location.
All stock is 25% off now through our final day of operation, which will be December 21.
Our original Riverfront location in Detroit will reopen in April 2020 for our lucky 13th season! Retail, service, tours, and rentals will all be available and we hope that we can continue to serve all of your cycling needs.
Give the Gift of History + Cycling With A Tour Gift Certificate
If you’ve got a cyclist and/or a history buff on your shopping list, consider a tour gift certificate!
Tours start at $35 per rider, so a one or two person gift certificate is an affordable present that combines the ease of web shopping with all the benefits of shopping local.
We offer over 20 unique tour experiences. Some are geography-oriented — Corktown, Hamtramck, Southwest Detroit — while others are thematic: public art, architecture, haunted Detroit, auto heritage.
Head right over HERE to purchase; an email can be sent to the giftee on the date of your choosing with a personalized message.
One more option: Private tours are $200 for 1 to 6 riders. If you’d like to pre-pay for a private tour for which the lucky recipient will be able to select the tour and the date at their convenience, email us at bookings@wheelhousedetroit.com.
More info about our private tours can be found HERE.
Wheelhouse Winter Calendar
Sure, business slows down for us in the Winter, but that just gives us time to host classes and special events. Check out our calendar!
Small Business Saturday in Hamtramck...& at the Wheelhouse!
While the media and Amazon are all about talking Black Friday and Cyber Monday, we hope that you are planning out your awesome Small Business Saturday on November 30.
Small businesses pay local taxes and invest in your community in so many ways: from sponsoring local events to participating in local civic organizations to employing your neighbors. As we learn more and more about how giant corporations are gaming the system and paying so little into our crumbling infrastructure — that they make use of! — not to mention our schools and so much more, we hope your instincts are turning to keeping your dollars more and more right here in town!
The City of Hamtramck has put together a program to showcase all of the amazing shopping, food, and drink opportunities for you right here in Hamtown. Participants will be entered into a raffle as well.
You can pick up a passport at 4 locations (Wheelhouse, Oloman, Tekla, Polish Art Center) beginning on November 22, and present it on SmallBizSat at any of the participating locations for some real savings! There’s vintage and imports, specialty chocolates and baked goods, bags and apparel, and, of course, booze and meat.
Wheelhouse will be offering 15% off all new bikes on the floor, including BMX, cruisers, hybrids, and more. Our new bike selection can be found HERE.
15% off all winter outdoor wear, including hats, socks, gloves, and more.
Gift Card Special: Spend $20, get a $25 gift card. Spend $40, get a $50 gift card. Spend $85, get a $100 gift card!
All customers that spend $50 and over will be entered to win a Chrome Industries backpack (value 100$)
75% off all William & Bonnie cycling apparel: riding ponchos, pants, skirts, and dresses made in Hamtramck.
Check out the attached fliers for more details and feel free to reach out with any questions to info@wheelhousedetroit.com.
Hope to see you on November 30!
#shophamtramck #buywhereyouride