Bicycle Alley Closes After Three Years

[MustangGT]

I'm guessing if a company can make it on $4 crappy cupcakes a block away, then gelato and a deli could make it there.

Amen. I would include the cupcakes neighbor also in your assessment.

[betts]

It's easy for all of us to say what others SHOULD do, when it's not our dollar. I believe that's Tuck's point. I'd like to see a lot more foot traffic on Broadway, but for that to happen, we need a combination of retail and restaurants. We probably don't have enough retail to generate the kind of foot traffic required to keep smaller shops that aren't destination locations in business on Broadway at this point in time. Sara Sara does well because it's a logical stop for dessert following dinner at the several dining options there or shopping. I happen to think their cupcakes are delicious and that they're still in business because of that as well, but opinions differ.

I do think two bicycle shops was a lot for the area to support, and that has been borne out by what happened to Bicycle Alley. I do think we could support a Full Circle, because it is a destination retail location, with a strong local following. Urban Outfitters would work for the same reason. People would come from Norman or Edmond, as well as other parts of Oklahoma City to shop there.

[OKCTalker]

Bike shops are - by nature - destination businesses. Nobody drives by and says, "Hey ma - LOOK - a bike shop! Let's go buy one!" Bicycle Alley might have survived longer elsewhere, but they didn't stand a chance when Schlegel moved in. And Schlegel intentionally relocated from SW 59th Street to be in the center of the metro, and equidistant (+/-) from all potential customers. As a destination business, it was a terrific strategic move, albeit ballsy because he moved right on to BA's new turf. Incidentally, I almost went into the retail bike shop biz in 2008, but the recession was ramping up so I decided to wait. My proposed location? Right next to a long-established but weak NW OKC shop. And we would've killed 'em!

[JayhawkTransplant]

Gelato shop

YES!!!!

Or clothing. Urban Outfitters, please.

[Steve]

Urban Outfitters would be cool

[stdennis]

Unless im missing something bricktown candy company sells Gelato so we do have a Gelato shop in town.

[BBatesokc]

Unless im missing something bricktown candy company sells Gelato so we do have a Gelato shop in town.

A group of 5 of us tried it. 2 said it was "okay" and the other 3 didn't like it at all. Did not seem fresh and flavorful. Pretty close to the 'gourmet ice cream' at Lee's Sandwiches - which is not a good thing. Certianly neither is anywhere near as good as Il Dolce (sp)

[bornhere]

Johnnie's also has a gelato shop on Britton Rd. I haven't tried it.

[metro]

I'll say it OKC DOESN'T HAVE A REAL GELATO SHOP, ONLY MICKEY MOUSE VERSIONS

[LakeEffect]

I'll say it OKC DOESN'T HAVE A REAL GELATO SHOP, ONLY MICKEY MOUSE VERSIONS

Well, I suppose to have a REAL GELATO SHOP, OKC would have to actually be located in Italy.

Just sayin.

Anyway, back to Bicycle Alley. Did they have a closeout sale? What's happening to their inventory?

[Urban Pioneer]

Terry told me that he is planning on opening it each Saturday until most of the stuff is gone. Obviously, there are some deals to be had if you need a bicycle.

[BG918]

Terry told me that he is planning on opening it each Saturday until most of the stuff is gone. Obviously, there are some deals to be had if you need a bicycle.

Really? I am very interested. Will they be open tomorrow?