Markee's Cycling Center carries a complete line of Bikes, Specialized Brand Accessories, General Accessories, and a full line of Parts & Components
KENNEWICK, WA - While many businesses have had their fair share of struggles during the pandemic one Tri-Cities business saw a boom in customers and is still trying to keep up with demand.
Nearly one year ago, Jerry Markee of Markee's Cycling Center didn't know what was going to happen to his shop.
"We were not sure if we were going to have to close or be open we didn't know... luckily because of transportation, bike shops were named essential business," Markee said.
His business started to pick up with more people staying home and getting into bike riding because of the pandemic. This trend caused "a bike boom" across the U.S.
"In the summer we had people come from California to buy bikes from us... Every weekend we had people come from Seattle to buy our bicycles, Spokane, and Yakima... there wasn't a single bike on the showroom floor in Yakima last summer," Markee said.
Markee started to plan ahead buying not only what he needed but what he thought he might need in the future.
"What happened when the pandemic hit, if you didn't get on the phone and do a lot of major purchasing and plan for shortages the ship sailed quick,' Markee said.
For many bike shops around the state, Markee said it's still hard to find items in stock.
"If it's bicycles, repair parts, almost every category is zero. Everything dealers are being fed right now is existing back orders," Markee said.
Thanks to his early planning, his shop now has more in stock than most other shops in the state. Markee calls himself lucky but knows his inventory could run short.
"They are not projecting the bike business to be back to normal until mid-next summer assuming with the pandemic we don't have more outbreaks, I mean there is a lot of variables out there, our economy I mean who knows," Markee said.
Even as things start to get back to normal he warns 'bike sales' may not for a while.
"You can only go so long without inventory and so unfortunately there is going to be a patrician in the bike business because you can only run a business for so long if you can't buy products and it's not just our industry it's many industries," Markee said.
KENNEWICK, Wash.-- If you’re in the market for a bike, you'll probably want to roll over to get one now.
The pandemic has not only increased demand for over a year but has also slowed production. Major disruptions in the supply chain have led to an industry wide shortage.
Jerry Markee of Markee's Cycling Center in Kennewick has only been able to keep up with demand because he ordered bikes several months ago.
He says he just got in a bunch of pallets in that he ordered 6 months ago.
"I would just encourage consumers if they're wanting a bike for this season, or even for the fall, you need to go get a backorder in, but be patient. Realize that as dealers, we’re relying on companies giving us information, for when bikes are going to be shipped. And that ball moves because bike companies are relying on manufacturers to make parts."
Jerry says people have come out of state to buy from him since there's such low inventory across the region.
He adds the used bike market is running pretty dry too. He also cautions, he’s seeing a lot of price gauging in the used bike market.
Markee's Cycling Center has been supporting the local community of Southeastern Washington since 1994. We have a knowledgeable and friendly staff to answer any questions from the first time rider or the seasoned cyclist. Owner Jerry Markee has a lifetime of experience in competitive bike racing and is also the head mechanic. We also carry a large variety of accessories to go along with your bike to make every ride a great one.
