'Like A Frenzy': Newtown Bicycle Shop Busier Than Ever

NEWTOWN, PA — You've been hearing a lot about small businesses struggling during the coronavirus pandemic. For Harry Betz, owner of the Newtown Bike Shop, the opposite is happening.

In his 37 years in businesses, this is the busiest he's ever been.

"Saying we are busy would be an understatement," Betz said. "It's almost like a frenzy."

He said people are ordering bikes online, people are calling from all over, and lines are forming at the State Street store, where just one customer is allowed at a time. "I've never seen anything like it," Betz said.

Betz said bike shops across the country are all experiencing the same influx of customers. "What else is there to do right now? You can't go to work, you can't go to school, you can't go to the shore, and you can't go on vacation. You might as well get a bike," he said.

The demand for his inventory is high, and to complicate matters, he's having trouble getting more bikes in stock. "Most of the stuff comes from Asia," he explained. "Asia went through the same situation two, three months before us."

There are just not enough bikes to keep up with demand. This isn't only for small bike shops like his; even large retailers like Walmart and Target are out of stock.

"There's nothing to sell. I'm completely out of kids bikes," he said. "My bread and butter, the recreation stuff, I'm down to my last bikes."

Normally Betz has between 300 and 400 bikes in stock. Right now, he has less than 200. Many of them are higher-end bikes, or bikes in odd colors, he explained.

While Betz is selling items so fast he can't keep them on the shelves, he admits feeling "a little guilty."

"It just doesn't seem right. Then again, people are thanking me for being their saving grace," he said.

"They gotta get out, get some fresh air. Segregation is just not how people are wired," Betz said, noting "biking is the ultimate social distancing, you can ride with just yourself or with a group of people and stay apart."

If you're thinking of getting a bike from the Newtown Bicycle Shop, be sure to call first. There is no browsing at the store, Betz said. You must know specifically what you are looking for. The number is (215) 968-3200 and the email address is info@newtownbike.com.