Longtime owner of Fraser Bicycle is selling business

Longtime Fraser Bicycle owner selling business

Paul Rogers opened his bike shop almost four decades ago. He plans to sell the shop while continuing to own the strip mall where it's based.

FRASER, Mich. (FOX 2) - A popular bike shop in Macomb County will be sold after decades in business. 

Amid trying times for small businesses, consumer trends and the internet have made operating a local shop tough in the modern age.

What they're saying:

Paul Rogers opened his bike shop in Fraser after walking away from General Motors in 1987. The decision to leave factory work for business ownership would turn into 38 years of "doing life every day, not work."

Along the way, he found joy in calling the shots rather than serving someone else.

He also picked up bike riding as a passion, turning in golf clubs for pedaling.

According to Rogers, the last seven years have seen a dramatic change to the business landscape, which includes consumers ordering their new bike directly from the manufacturer instead of going to a shop to buy it.

It's against that backdrop that the Fraser Bicycle owner is selling the shop.

"I see instant gratification purchase-from-the-phone, have it shipped versus coming in and touching and feel and learn," said Rogers.

Dig deeper:

However, it's the personal touch that comes with in-house customer service that loyal shoppers like John Brandt.

"When you talk about a customer service business, they got it right all the time," he said.

For Rogers, the connections with buyers made running the business for decades worth it.

"That’s definitely what is the tough part about closing a business up is the relationships," said Rogers.

The shop will stay open a little longer as current inventory is discounted and sold.

As he enters semi-retirement, Rogers will maintain ownership of the strip mall where Fraser Bicycle is located. But he and his wife - who is retiring from her nursing career this year - have a new adventure on the horizon, involving lots of time with their grandchildren.