So, what happens when Trek offers to buy your local shop and turn it into a Trek store? It just so happens our local shop was sold to Trek and I was ready, for once in my life, to get all bitchy about big corporations, corporate takeovers and… well, blah, blah, blah.
My daughter worked at that shop. My other daughter’s boyfriend works there right now. And I was distraught. I was certain this was going to be some kind of corporate “you’re only going to get Treks now, you greedy consumerist pigs” kinda vibe.
Then Trek offered the owner a fair deal and gave him the opportunity to sell off all of the stock they wouldn’t be able to sell. They gave him an even better deal in the non-compete clause of the agreement. Fair, right down to the letter and the owner, my friend, is exceedingly happy. They interviewed all of the mechanics that I care about and offered them a great benefit package and an excellent wage. My daughter’s boyfriend is so happy and excited, he’s actually thinking about making a career with Trek. I’m sure my repairs will cost a little more, but that’ll be money going to people I really care about, so it’ll be worth it.
Check your prejudice, folks. I had to check mine. Trek might be a bunch of silly do-gooder hippies, but from what I’ve heard, they take care of everyone involved in a “takeover”.
Honestly, I can’t believe I’m writing this, but I’m glad Trek bought out the local shop.
Thank God I have a Trek!
Fit Recovery 
1. Trek offered the owner a fair deal and allowed the selling of the remaining stock.
2. The mechanics were offered great employee benefits and a good wage.
3. The owner and employees were happy with the agreement and some are considering making a career with Trek.
4. Despite initial skepticism, the writer is glad Trek bought out the local shop and appreciates the care they take in business dealings.
5. Overall, it was a positive outcome despite initial worries about corporate takeover.
I saw some economic data this morning that says the dollar value of bicycle (and exercise equipment) imports in February were down 13% versus last year. Winter sports equipment was up, unsurprisingly, because of the abundant snow this winter in most parts of the country. I’m not sure how much of the combined bike/exercise equipment number was exercise stuff, which may have caused a drag on the overall number with retrenchment at Peloton.
So your friend may have inadvertently picked a great time to sell. Trek’s strategy is smart: go pedal to the metal when things are dicey economically, to emerge even stronger when things are looking up again. Most experts don’t think we’ll hit a recession this year, unlike expectations 6 months ago.
Trek sounds like they’re taking advantage of the downturn after a couple of strong years due to Covid and they’re taking advantage of the situation at Specialized, who’s laying off lots of HQ staff, and probably doesn’t have the ability to execute a buyout program similar to what Trek is doing right now.