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Why I Think Bricks and Mortar Businesses are Struggling

This week, as part of my Valentine's gift to myself, I ordered a bike trainer from Amazon. I truly would have got one in town, but the cheapest in town was at Canadian Tire for $199.00 plus tax. Other places had them upwards $300.00 plus tax. I paid less than $300.00 for my entire bike. My bike trainer from Amazon cost $89.95. I added the front wheel riser for around $15. In total my order including tax and shipping was about $140.00.

I find bricks and mortar businesses are often not in tune with consumer needs. The one I ordered is supposed to be fairly quiet. The one at Canadian Tire is apparently so noisy one can't hear a TV over it or use it well in a condo/apartment building. What made them choose to only stock one option of the many available? I intend to get in shape while catching up on the plethora of TV shows I'm behind in. I don't think it's unusual for people to do cardio workout while watching TV either. If it was, the gyms wouldn't have TVs in the cardio area.

I also wonder why the bike-only shops either don't carry them at all or only have the super expensive ones. It feels like they want to discourage indoor biking. I'm not one for winter biking. It's too cold, wet, and slippery for my liking. I know some people bike all year round, but I never enjoyed biking to work as I'd just end up all sweaty with no way to clean up and usually got rained on.

I'm eagerly awaiting my bike trainer. To be clear, a bike trainer lets you use your regular bike as an indoor stationary bike. It's great for getting in shape during the winter months and I wish I would have ordered it sooner as my area was under such heavy construction that I didn't want to bike at all last summer.

I have more housework to do before it arrives, but this post was a nice breather. Time for some water and then I'll get back at it.

Ciao,
R~

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