Akron-Based Retail Shop Cruising Along Despite Uncertain Economy

AKRON, Ohio, March 24 – The local economy remains sluggish as it crawls toward recovery, but one retailer is undaunted by the challenging climate. For Blimp City Bike & Hike (“Blimp City”), an Akron-based retail shop specializing in offering quality bicycles and outdoor specialty products, spring has sprung in a big way.

Less than four months after his store’s grand opening last November, owner Andy Bixenstine is proud to announce the expansion of Blimp City’s retail space by 1,500 square feet in order to accommodate the introduction of bicycle rentals. Blimp City’s 32-bike rental fleet will consist of various high-quality offerings from Felt and Kona, including the Felt Cafe 8 Deluxe and the Kona Africabike – two popular models ideal for use on the nearby Towpath Trail.

Each adult bike within the fleet comes furnished with fenders, a rear luggage rack and a bell. Available starting immediately, the rental offerings also include trailers, children’s bikes, trail-a-bikes and complimentary helmets.

“With the help of Blimp City Bike & Hike, some of the best outdoor adventures can be had right here in our own backyard of greater Akron,” Bixenstine said. “By offering affordable, high-quality bike rentals, consumers will reap the many health, social and environmental benefits of biking this year in and around the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.”

Blimp City’s rental fleet is perfect for anyone who wishes to “test-drive” the latest models, who values the convenience of securing a bike right on the Towpath Trail, who wishes to experiment prior to investing in a bike and for out-of-town guests to the Cuyahoga Valley who do not have their bike handy.

Blimp City’s rental announcement comes just in time for the advent of spring in Northeast Ohio. But the store’s recent expansion does not end with bike rental offerings. Over the winter the store’s repertoire grew to include snowshoes for sale and rent. More recently, Blimp City has undertaken the following expansion-related efforts:

• Adding Bianchi, a premium road bike brand, to its product line.
• Increasing offerings from Kona and Felt to include road bike models.
• Expanding into BMX bikes by offering Verde models.
• Becoming a dealer of Linus bicycles.
• Offering trekking/hiking poles from Komperdell.

“We are hopeful these efforts will make it even easier for our customers to enjoy outdoor adventures right here in greater Akron,” Bixenstine said.

About Blimp City Bike & Hike

Blimp City Bike & Hike, “Akron’s Headquarters for Adventure at Home,” is a full-service bicycle shop dedicated to offering exceptional customer service and competitive pricing. In addition to selling, servicing and renting quality bikes, Blimp City carries a full line of apparel and accessories from the outdoor specialty industry. Founded in 2009, Blimp City is located in Akron, Ohio, at 1720 Unit A Merriman Rd. in the Merriman Valley business district on the Towpath Trail along the southern border of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. For more information, please call 330-836-6600 or visit www.blimpcitybikeandhike.com.

Media Contact:

Matt Bixenstine

Public Relations Manager

Blimp City Bike & Hike

Phone: 330-571-1797

Email: Matt@blimpcitybikeandhike.com