Letter from Erik – Response to Covid-19

Posted November 17, 2020 in About ERIK'S by eriksbikeshop

Dad and daughter snowboarding

Holiday 2020 Update From Erik

I don’t need to tell you that it has been a crazy year. I hope that you and your loved ones are healthy and managing this ongoing, uncertain time in our world with as much ease as possible. I am reminded daily, now more than ever, of the importance of getting outside and finding joy in simple activities like biking, snowboarding, skiing, or whatever you prefer. I am grateful ERIK’S is a place that promotes these sports and that we have been able to remain open throughout the last year to help you stay active!

With the pandemic still greatly impacting us, winter arriving, and the holidays fast approaching, I wanted to share with you what we are doing to ensure everyone’s safety. Additionally, I want to update you on shipping and inventory so you can shop smart during this gift-giving time of year.

Health & Safety

Our top priority is to keep our employees and customers safe. We are following all CDC guidelines, as well as state and local ordinances. We’ve also implemented convenient shopping options like Curbside Services and Buy Online, Pick-Up In-Store.

Shipping – Order Early!

Because of COVID-19, online shopping has increased significantly. It is expected that as we get closer to the holidays the shipping demand will be much greater than shipping capacity. In other words, there could be shipping delays because there are not enough carriers for all of the packages.

In order to get your gear in time for the holiday, order early to allow for extra processing and delivery time. We are working overtime to fulfill orders as quickly as possible, but we have no control over delays with the carrier services. We thank you in advance for your support and patience.

Inventory Status

Because of COVID-19, more people are getting outside than ever before! Whether it’s biking, skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, or skateboarding, outdoor activities ARE the new norm!

We have been working with the top brands in our industries to keep bringing you the best gear available – but due to the extremely high demand for bikes, boards, skis, and their related gear, things are selling out fast. And unfortunately, we are not able to restock everything immediately.

If it’s time to upgrade your gear this year, or you have someone on your list who needs new gear – don’t delay! We will continue to do everything we can to get you the gear you love, and we thank you for your support and patience through this challenging time.

Happiest of holidays from all of us here at ERIK’S!

We’re here for you! Don’t hesitate to reach out to our awesome customer service team with any questions you may have. Our goal is to continue to provide you with the gear you need so you can keep enjoying time outside doing things that make you feel good and smile!

We wish you a happy and healthy holiday season!
Erik and ERIK’S team

June 29th, 2020 / Covid Response from Erik

Today, states are slowly reopening and I want to share with you an update from the frontlines of our Bike Shops

We have remained open throughout the Stay-At-Home orders as an Essential Business. We are deeply grateful we’ve been able to support so many people enjoying biking through this stressful time. From avid cyclists to those that haven’t been on a bike in years to entire families to people who have never owned a bike before – we have been busy serving everyone! One thing is for sure, more people are riding bikes!

Remaining open has also allowed us to keep our amazing team members employed. We can’t thank them enough for their commitment to ERIK’S. Their willingness to step up every day has been remarkable.

We continue to adapt daily to these changing times and remain focused on our primary goal – keeping staff and customers healthy and safe. As a result, some of our normal customer service and inventory processes have been adjusted. We appreciate your patience and understanding if our turnaround times and/or product selection are not “normal”. We are working overtime to meet the high demand for bikes and services. Stores are receiving new bikes weekly to refresh their stock and we have access to the best bike inventory in the U.S.A., our service departments have implemented efficient (and contactless) ways to receive and repair your bikes so you can get back riding as soon as possible, and our online store is fulfilling orders seven days a week!

Thank you for supporting us through these challenging times and choosing ERIK’S as your local bike shop.

Be well and ride often!
Erik

March 13th, 2020 / Covid Response from Erik

The health and safety of our customers and staff are always my #1 priority.  This has never been more important to our company than today. Our stores are open, but we have taken steps to protect both you – our customer – and our staff. 

  • We are following guidelines from the CDC and governmental authorities. We are maintaining best practices for sanitation and health safety.
  • All hard surfaces, door handles, bathrooms, phones, computers, and countertops are cleaned regularly from business open to business close. 
  • We are practicing social distancing among staff and customers.  For those looking to reduce contact, please see our convenient shopping options below.
  • All bikes taken on test rides are cleaned after each ride. 
  • Bike fitting has been suspended.
  • Any staff member that has any indication of symptoms is to stay home for both their safety as well as the safety of others.

If public transit needs to be reduced or shut down, more people will likely rely on bikes for transportation. For many people, bikes are an important part of daily life. They are transportation for cycling commuters, and for many other people, bikes are a convenient, healthy, and economical way to get around. More than ever, bike shops provide an essential service to the community.

Personally, I am grateful that I can still get outdoors. Riding my bike is my way to deal with stress and get fresh air. We want to make sure you’re still able to get out and ride too. Whether you need new gear or your bike needs service, ERIK’S offers convenient ways for you to shop. 

  • Buy Online, Pick Up In-Store (with Curbside Options): 
    If you want to reduce contact and have your order ready for you, place your order online and pick it up at the ERIK’S most convenient to you. Curbside Pickup options are available to any customer that would like to pick up their order without entering the store.
  • Curbside Service Drop-Off & Pick-Up: 
    Service departments at all stores are open. We offer Curbside Service Drop-Off and Pickup at all ERIK’S locations to make it easier for you to get your bike ready to ride. 

Despite the current uncertainty, our staff has stepped up to do whatever is needed. I am so proud of my team. When I started this company over 40 years ago, I could not have imagined the remarkable people who would join me on this ride. I have no doubt our company will be stronger because of this.

From the ERIK’S family to yours, be well.

Thank you.
Erik