Trek Bicycle Store Arrives on Michigan Avenue

Although the Trek Bicycle Store in Arnold, at 2194 Michigan Ave., has only been open for about two weeks, Manager T.J. Thayer said his team has already sold bikes valued at $1,700 and $3,000. The former is a racing bike, the latter triathlon

“We were really expecting to sell more family-friendly bikes,” Thayer said.

Thayer said his former manager, Jay Thomas who runs the Trek Store in Ballwin, gave him five minutes to accept opening the Arnold location. “I took it right away.”

Thayer was an assistant manger for three years with the Ballwin store.  Thomas also owns stores in Independence, Kansas City and a few in Omaha, NE.

Trek decided that Arnold’s population growth and location—near the border for St. Louis and Jefferson counties—were perfect for the newest bicycle store, Thayer said.

“The St. Louis area is pretty saturated with about 30 store and we didn’t want to steal staff from competitors,” he said.

Contractors built-out the 6,000 square foot location in about 40 days, Thayer said, and his Wisconsin-headquartered company sent two specialists to focus on layout and presentation.

“They sent us two ninjas who even checked the letters’ placement on the displays,” Thayer said.

Thayer focused on hiring knowledgeable specialists and focusing on inventory. “We carry about 90 percent of Trek’s line.”

Thayer said it takes about 10 days, weekends included, to receive an out-of-stock item.

He also offers a 30-day price guarantee and will match any other retailer selling the same Trek model.

“I really want a clean conscience,” Thayer said, “it doesn’t make sense to drive many miles to save a few dollars.”

To further help buyers, Thayer’s store will offer a Groupon discount in three weeks. 

“And people who follow the Arnold business on Facebook and Twitter can receive special one-day deals,” he said.

The store is also working to find trails for Arnold and Jefferson County riders, Thayer said.

He and his eight staffers would like to ride 63-mile course that loops between Arnold and Hillsboro. It has a winery, rolling hills and beautiful trees, he said.

The staff is happy to spend hours helping shoppers find the perfect bike, Thayer said.

Thayer helped a family obtain the best bike for their 2-year-old son.  A 6-foot, 8-inch tall, 380-pound man has happily left with his ideal bike from the Ballwin store, Thayer said.

Jack Mistretta, a sales associate, can help people find trick and stunt bikes. “Unfortunately, most people see the bikes and think ‘Oh that’s a kids’ bike,’ “ Mistretta said.

He admits the stunt bikes need a separate display. Right now the stunt bikes are located next to the children’s bikes.

John Pessin, the store’s inventory manager, has a passion for advanced biking technology and challenging courses. “When I’m not at work, I’m researching ways to lighten a bike’s weight.”

Less effort is needed to propel a lightweight bike.

Pessin also has an interest in Downhill Riding, where people ride durable 70-pound bicycles down the face of a mountain.

“We don’t do this job for the money, we do it because we want to help people enjoy bicycling,” Thayer said.