Whitetail Bicycles Welcomes Cyclists, All: Patch Business Feature

MILTON, GA — Whitetail Bicycles in Milton takes owning a cycling store to a new level of bringing the community together, owner Shaune Huysamen told Patch.

Patch is highlighting local businesses in Alpharetta and Milton, from restaurants to shops and more. If you want your business to be featured, fill out our form here.

Learn more about the bicycle shop below.

Company name: Whitetail Bicycles

Street address: 770 Mid Broadwell Rd

Website: www.whitetailbicycles.com

Phone number: 470-282-6789

Business owner: Shaune Huysamen

When did it open?

We opened our doors in May 2016.

Why did you want to open a business?

To create a better overall shopping experience for cyclists or just for people who want to get into cycling. Our shop is a place where everyone is welcome.

What has been the best part of owning your own business?

The ability to make decisions based on my own business experiences and goals, as well as the flexibility of being my own boss. It’s a sense of accomplishment starting and owning your own business and seeing it thrive.

What has been the worst part of owning your own business?

The uncertainty of factors (pandemic, supply chain) beyond your control that can affect the business.

What's a fact about your business that most customers probably don't know?

We have a full coffee menu as well as local craft beer on tap. Even if you do not ride bicycles, you can still stop by for the mocha in town.

How has the pandemic affected your business?

It did at the beginning not knowing what was going to happen, but as it turns out, people wanted to get out to exercise and spend time riding their bicycles with their families. All those factors played in our favor. The downside that we still deal with is the supply chain issues. After almost two years we still have a really hard time getting bikes, parts etc., which obviously affects sales.

How have you had to adapt during the pandemic? What changes did you make?

We changed our hours at the beginning of the pandemic, and we limited the number of guests inside the store. Since then, we do not have any limitations or changed any procedures for shopping with us.

What do you think is your secret to staying in business during the pandemic?

The great support of our customer base and the sense of community we have as a shop.

Has the need for workers had an effect on your business? How so?

Fortunately not.

What's your favorite thing about the Patch town your business is located in?

We could not have asked for a better community. People go out of their way to support us and realize how important small business is to the local economy. They “get it.”

How has the community supported your business over the years?

We are probably the oldest retail store in downtown Crabapple so that speaks volumes.

What sets your business apart from others?

We do more than just sell bicycles and cycling related gear. We have a brand and a community that goes along with it. We are also the only bicycle shop in Georgia with a full coffee bar and craft beers on tap, which adds to the shopping experience. People from all over America buys our t-shirts and hats, which is great to see. Even non cyclists buys our shirts and hats, which is awesome to see.

Submitted by Shaune Huysamen

Related: Alpharetta-Milton Business Spotlight: Submit For Patch Feature