We are SO excited to announce that, in partnership with awesome super-vendor QBP, you can now order bicycle parts and accessories from Hometown that will get shipped to your house in as quick as 2 days.
It’s really simple:
STEP 1: Call the shop between 10am-3pm every day – (810) 225-2441.
STEP 2: Dial 1 to connect with Andy, our sales lead. He’ll be able to answer questions and take your order.
STEP 3: Let him know what you want, and it will be shipped directly to you.
Easy peasy!
#stayHTBstrong
We’re rallying the troops! Join our #stayHTBstrong campaign. Get your exercise! Ride that bike!
Take a photo/selfie by our sign (with your bike, of course). Post it to social media with our #stayHTBstrong tag. We can’t wait to see you!
Our Events Coordinator and Zumba instructor, Leslie Barrett, has kicked things off with her Hometown pic. Who will be next??
GoFundMe… Going Strong!
Hometownies, you are amazing! Thank you for giving, and thank you for sharing our GoFundMe.
We’ve filled out a lot of applications, learned a lot about our business and ourselves, and what we’ve learned is that the people who believe in us the most are you.
Please give what you can and share our GoFundMe with your family, friends, neighbors, and community!
Your response to our recent shutdown, and subsequent GoFundMe campaign launch, is completely blowing us away.
We’ve also been awash in calls, texts, emails, and Facebook messages – customers offering love, wisdom, resources, and manpower to see that we get through this together. We can’t thank you enough for your help in ensuring Hometown’s survival.
Among the communications have been some great questions that we would love to answer for all of our amazing supporters:
Q: Are you aware of the small business grant and loan programs being offered?
A: We are, and are already applying!
But, understand that there is a virtual flood of businesses doing the same, and many require far more capital than ourselves. And when it comes to economic value to our State and Country, we understand that our bicycle shop can’t hold a candle to a critical parts manufacturer for the auto industry.
We can’t afford the risk of putting all our eggs in one basket… especially when every impacted business owner in America is using the very same basket.
Hometown has always been about community, people, relationships. It isn’t business lenders and government entities that adorn our VIP wall. YOU are the ones who helped us grow into the shop we are today. This business model has carried us successfully through the good AND the bad. It’s more important now than ever that we stay true to who we are.
At the end of the day, we have far greater faith in our customers. The government sees us as an EIN and a tax payment, but Hometownies see the value that we add to their life and our community.
Q: Why did you reduce your goal amount from $350,000 to $228,000?
A: These last few days have been an absolute whirlwind – planning, researching, analyzing, making the necessary arrangements to shut down our company until an end date that’s a moving target. It’s been stressful, and decisions had to be made quickly.
But things are looking up! Now that we’ve had those extra few days to dive further into necessary next steps, legislation changes are opening up more grant and loan options for micro businesses like ours. We’ve communicated with vendors, and arranged extended terms to buy ourselves critical time. And we’ve microscopically analyzed our business to see how we can operate on a much leaner level – to really stretch every penny.
With all of these new considerations, we feel confident in reducing our ask. For those of you who have already contributed, know that your dollars are now making that much more of an impact toward Hometown’s chance for success – thank you!
Q: Can I support you through purchasing Gift Certificates or pre-purchasing products?
A: We did consider this option. However, we came to the realization that, because the funds we are seeking are going toward operating expenses, not inventory, thousands of dollars in Gift Certificates and pre-purchased product could actually put our business in danger upon reopening. After the dust settles, there may not be enough surplus left to fulfill the obligation of these certificates and pre-purchases. This would be a true disservice to our customers.
So, while we love your generosity and ingenuity, might we instead suggest the option below…?
Q: Can I still purchase bicycle product from you during this shutdown?
A: You bet! We’ve connected with our primary parts and accessories supplier, and are currently working on a retail-to-home option. Please stay tuned for the details!
Q: So, what do I do if I need an emergency repair during this shutdown?
A: Reach out to us on Facebook. We might have the resources you need, or be able to make recommendations that can keep you safe, and keep you riding.
Also, we’ve created a Tube Table outside our shop’s front door – free inner tubes and a bike pump for emergency use. Share the love!
Q: How can I help??
A: If you believe in Hometown, what we do, and why we do it… go ride your bike, stay safe, stay healthy, stay connected, and…
Please give what you can and share our GoFundMe with your family, friends, neighbors, and community!
You know our stance on the essential nature of bicycle service during this challenging time. Many of you saw us leading the charge on a recent Hometown interview with Channel 7 news, where Shaun was quoted as saying:
Above: Screenshot from Channel 7 news story – CLICK HERE to watch
In an Executive Order that encourages citizens “To engage in outdoor activity, including walking, hiking, running, cycling…,” the status of bicycle repair as an essential business was left unclear. We believe – along with the League of Michigan Bicyclists (LMB), industry partners, and other State governments – that bicycle repair is necessary.
We are so proud of our Crew that, wherever able, individually elected to help man the shop, and support our community’s bicycle recreation and transportation needs.
But we have just now received word on the latest round of Michigan’s “essential business” clarifications, and Bicycle Repair DID NOT make the list.
From our wonderful contacts at LMB:
“… while we have asked for a change in state policy to designate bicycle repair as a critical infrastructure service, that is NOT the current policy. Bicycle repair is NOT currently listed as an “essential service”… Violating the Order may be extremely detrimental to the future of your business. It may also put our efforts in jeopardy.”
With the looming threat of fines and revoked business licenses, regretfully,
WE MUST IMMEDIATELY CLOSE OUR DOORS.
For all of you with service bikes at the shop, we will be contacting you within the next few days.
If you have any questions, please feel free to message us on Facebook, which we will continue to monitor through the shutdown.
As much as we wish to continue supporting your bicycle repair needs during this crisis, we respect and support the decisions being made for the best interest of all.
This is where we need your help.
We are a seasonal business, now being thrown into a “second winter” that we simply cannot afford. Knowing that the coming 6 months will be the biggest hill Hometown ever climbed…
There is no doubt that this unprecedented time is causing endless uncertainty and anxiety for everyone. We at Hometown Bicycles put your health and well being, and that of our crew’s, at the top of our priority list.
Following the Executive Order 2020-21 (COVID-19) issued TODAY at 11:00 a.m. by Michigan’s Governor Gretchen Whitmer, we wanted to assure you that, pending any Executive Order updates, Hometown Bicycles WILL REMAIN OPEN for SERVICE NEEDS throughout this period of sheltering in place.
In section 7a(1), the Governor discusses the “critical importance of engaging in outdoor activity, including walking, hiking, running, cycling, or any other recreation consistent with remaining at least six feet from people from outside the individual’s household.” We are here to support your physical and emotional need for exercise during this time.
Here are some important updates and changes for you to be aware of beginning March 24, 2020:
Our Service Department’s hours of operation will be 10am-3pm, 7 days/week, until the stay-at-home order is lifted.
Our Retail Store will be closed.
Emergency parts and accessories are available through our Service Department; pull into our lot during our hours of operation and call the shop from your vehicle to tell us what your needs are.
Product orders can be placed by calling the shop.
Please utilize our parking lot drop off and pick-up for all service bikes; we can handle payments at your vehicle.
For specific requests and concerns, give us a call at 810-225-2441.
From all of us to all of you, get out there and ride. Enjoy the emergence of spring — the fresh air, budding leaves and flowers, sunshine, and everything wonderful nature has to offer. We love you and our cycling community, and hope you and your family are staying healthy and positive. Stay strong. Stay sound. Stay active.
