Coates Cyclery (Pomona) forced out?

[zerordl]

So I stumbled upon this blog post that says the city of Pomona is planning to use eminent domain to force out several longstanding businesses to make way for a Walgreens Pharmacy.

One of the businesses is Coates Cyclery.

Coates isn't my shop, but it's been there since I was a kid, and I hate to see any LBS steamrolled.

There are some Coates guys on here, right? Anyone know the scoop on this?

http://diversitown.blogspot.com/2008...e-project.html

[gil_caz]

sorry, no sympathy for me. i didnt get the "welcome to my shop" sort of fell when i was in there.

but the sad thing is they actually carry free ride and DH bikes, which no one in that area really carries.

[53-12]

My main ride came from there. Hope it isn't true. They have a good selection of product. And anyway isn't there a Walgreens right across the street already?

[Sharky]

They are one of the top 3 LBS for this area my nephew got his freeride bike there and have always gotten great service sorry to read this!!
Thanks for posting the info.

[theclayster]

great shop and sucks to see that it might be gone, welcomed me all the time with questions and bike service.

[thebush]

Coates sold me some Konas and they (Corey?) used to provide great service. Within the past 6 months their wrenching has been horrible. Main pivot screws only about 20% screwed in, derailleur cable severely shredded / frayed, horrible rear derailleur installation, less then professional service, etc. With that said I'd really hate to see them go and they have a few great people working there!

[Innes]

It sucks to see them go because they could provide bikes for the local community. My uncle always goes there because it is close. On the other hand, it's one of the worst shops I've been to as far as feeling welcome and customer service.

[Chewyeti]

eh.. its an ok shop.. sad to see it go.

[StephMeister]

Cough Cough........I happen to know someone that works for Walgreens and the way it usually worked in the past was......Walgreens initially began building "express stores" as they moved west from Illinois, which were basically a cost effective way (because of the small size) to measure business in a given area. There are still quite a few small Walgreens express stores around.
But these stores have been run near 8 -10 years now....and when the time is right as far as sufficient land available a new larger "normal" store is built in the vicinity.
Many times the company will purchase strip malls near an "express" and let the leases run out and do their thing.....Or they'll lease the land and the landowner will let existing leases run out. I don't know the specifics of the Pomona deal, but yeah.....kinda sucks.

[BoingBoing]

Two things in favor of Coates:

1) They (one guy really, and I never asked his name) always answer all my questions.
2) They have a vending machine so you can buy a tube, tire levers, or a gel--24/7!

[Chewyeti]

ok.. the vending machine is the SHIT!

[Shu]

Originally Posted by BoingBoing

2) They have a vending machine so you can buy a tube, tire levers, or a gel--24/7!

GREAT Idea!!!

[ubermensch]

I always thought it was funny (but in a sad kind of way) that the security on that vending machine rivals that of Fort Knox. Aside from cockroaches, it would be that thing left standing in the wake of a nuclear holocaust.

[Pain Freak]

Coates has been my LBS since Cory bought the place. As far as wrenching goes, I've never had anything but top of the shelf service. They have been the best for me. Not as big as Incycle or do they have the following like some others, but their commitment to the riding public is second to none. Also they made Bike Retailers top 100 list and that's nation wide. Not an easy feat to accomplish. Coates primarily services to the family rider/s or the college commuter as there are many colleges in the area. They don't rape their customers and are more then fair on their pricing. In my case I have to practically beg them sometimes to let me pay. I'm not kidding. They have a strong race team that they support the hell out of and you don't have to be Mr Podium to get on the team, just a desire to race, unlike other stores where if you don't get a podium every other week you're off the team. I know some stores may have a friendlier feel, but spend some time inthere and you'd be suprized how easy it is to get to know the guys.

I live 25 miles away and have 5 other LBS a lot closer, but I still will always go there first because of how well they have served myself and a lot of friends.

I'd hate to see this happen, but Cory is a good business man and I'm sure he'll find an even better location. Funny, they have a pharmacy across the street and a drug store in the same parking lot across from Coates.

Good isde is maybe he'll move it closer to my house. I'll ride over in the morning and find out whats going on. Thanks, for the heads up.

[BrewMaster]

It pisses me off that eminent domain can be used to advance private businesses. I understand it to build a freeway or some other public works project, but a freakin' Walgreens? That's BS.

[ubermensch]

Originally Posted by Pain Freak

In my case I have to practically beg them sometimes to let me pay. I'm not kidding.

I'm taking you with me when I'm ready for a FS bike.

[drew12]

These is a walgreen right across the street.
At least I think there is, I haven't lived there for 8-10 years...
Like starbucks, one on every corner?

I guess the drugs must be like coffee...

[Pain Freak]

Yep, right across the street and behind that I think it used to be Sav-on, but not sure what it's called but it is a drug store.

Truly effin amazing.