Orlando bike shop owner says sales have tripled during COVID-19 pandemic

ORLANDO, Fla. — Saturdays are usually the busiest day at Kyle’s Bike Shop in Orlando. But now, owner Kyle Markel said every-day is like a Saturday.

He said business is booming as people are desperate for a way to get outside and enjoy some fresh air during the Florida COVID-19 stay-at-home order.

“Our bike sales have tripled,” he said.

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That means the shop has been able to actually grow its staff, taking on four new employees who may have lost their jobs at other businesses due to the pandemic.

“We're employing more people now ’cause we need the extra help,” he said.

In such a small shop, he said regulating social distancing is key.

“We got two outdoor tents. We got two full-time mechanics outdoors building bikes and changing flats and helping customers,” he said.

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