Local Stores Seeing an Increase in Business as Temperatures Rise

There’s a short wait to get your bike fixed at The Bicycle Shop on Dimond

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By Heather Hintze
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Story Created: Apr 19, 2012 at 8:27 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Apr 20, 2012 at 8:21 AM AKDT

ANCHORAGE - Local stores are seeing an increase in business as temperatures rise.

With the May 1 deadline for studded tire removal fast approaching, workers at Johnson’s Tire Service in Midtown are staying busy.

“We have a very experienced staff on board and of course we try to bring back seasoned guys who've worked with us before, and during this time of year we ramp up and bring on more guys,” said Matt Witwer, Johnson’s assistant manager.

They work on hundreds of cars a day and try to get people moved through the line as fast as they can, but there’s still a two-hour wait.

There’s also a short wait to get your bike fixed at The Bicycle Shop on Dimond.

“Weekends are really super busy right now. It's a constant stream of traffic, sometimes it's hard to keep up with everybody. Sometimes it's hard keeping enough bikes in stock and on the floor,” said Rick Kelly, the head salesman.

The shop added three more part-time employees to help out with the work load. Up to 25 people a day come to get their bikes tuned up.

“I want to be able to ride them now that the trails are getting better. I like riding my bicycle everywhere and as the weather gets better I'll ride it to school and to work,” said Doug Williams who came in for a tune up.

At REI shoppers are eager to get their spring supplies like camping gear or clothes for running and hiking. Salesmen said people are stocking up on everything they’ll need to enjoy the great outdoors.

“People are just anxious to get outside in warm weather on dry pavement and dry trails to enjoy Alaska and enjoy are surroundings,” said Bob Voris.

Springtime shoppers provide a great boost for businesses and managers hope they’ll continue to spend well into the summer season.
 

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bobbing for apples said on Thursday, Apr 19 at 10:26 PM

This isn't anything new. Tire change overs, bicycles? That's what all this fuss is about? Must be a very slow day for news or something. This happens every year at this time, but you don't say anything about it until this year? Idiots. REI is not really a LOCAL kind of shop. They are everywhere!!! Morons. You could have done it on LOCAL galleries, and other shops. Tire change overs and bikes. Yeah, this is a BIG spike in employment and work.

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Not a Hater said on Thursday, Apr 19 at 11:09 PM

Bobbing for apples? Shorten to BFA and I can think of a better name to associate with that for you, Mr. Disgruntled.

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ziggyak said on Thursday, Apr 19 at 11:44 PM

Not a Hater, sorry man you came off as hateful for Bob's statement of the obvious.

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bobbing for apple said on Friday, Apr 20 at 12:00 AM

Not a Hater, you obviously don't get it. This article is redundant and so is goes it with the morons who decided to think this as newsworthy. It isn't. It's about as stupid as saying, "hey, and neighbor scratched his head more than usual." So what are they going to write next week or so, that tire change overs are down? Bike repairs and purchases are down? Stupid.

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anchoragepeoplemoverbusstoptrashbagger said on Friday, Apr 20 at 5:31 PM

? local stores: mcdonald's, burger king, taco bell, wendy's, carl's jr., arby's, smoke shops, and brown jug and its "almost-twins". it's your bodies and your money, but those are ALL of our sidewalks, parking lots, and city parks. let's have a safer, less-sloppy summer!

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