Shop name: The Secret BMX Shop
Location: Murrieta, California (USA)
Years in business: 11
Best year yet: 2010 and 2020
Worst year yet: I don't think we've ever had a bad year, but 2020 definitely spawned the most grey hairs.
For a while it looked like the USA wasn't taking Covid too seriously, what's the status now?
Bryan Babbel: On a national level, it seems the media is still pumping a lot of fear into the population, but on a local level, it is very clear that most people aren't buying into the hype anymore and are ready to take their chances and move on with life. You wouldn't believe how grateful new customers are when they come in and realize we never have (and never will) require them to wear a mask. And our repeat customers love coming in knowing they can shop and breathe comfortably.
Did you take any action from the start with your shop or were you thinking this would be over in a few weeks?
Bryan Babbel: As with many bike shops that chose not to shut down and/or limit themselves, we got crushed with an overwhelming amount of business immediately following the lockdown orders.