Giant Santa Monica celebrated its grand opening August 7 9 with significant savings on select bikes, gourmet cuisine from award-winning food trucks, extended hours and numerous prize drawings. Customers were entered to win pumps, helmets, apparel, multi tools and a Momentum lifestyle bike.
Elon Rubin, co-owner of Giant Santa Monica, raced bicycles growing up in Israel, riding the Giant brand as he competed. “All the pieces fell into place,” he said, describing how he partnered with Giant in the new business. “Talking with the Giant Retail Services team, scouting locations it was just a great opportunity to open a premier bicycle store on the west side, close to the beach, on Main Street.”
Giant Santa Monica’s 2500-square-foot showroom is dedicated 100 percent to Giant, Liv and Momentum brand bicycles. Industry veteran and co-owner Jim Whitsett pointed out that the Giant, Liv and Momentum product mix fits the location perfectly.
“We have a thriving high-end road community here, but we also have commuters and beach-goers who pass by and enter the shop all the time. We really appreciate these brands’ assortment and the ability to serve everyone,” said Whitsett.
There is a large section of the showroom devoted to the Liv brand of women’s bicycles and gear. Also the exterior storefront sign spotlights the Liv name. Giant Santa Monica was built with LED lights on timers, circulating fans, skylights, recycled construction debris and minimal impact building materials such as concrete flooring and low VOC paint on the walls.
The store’s staff worked with Giant’s Retail Services team on the look and layout of the store and also received support from other key Giant departments.
“The biggest thing for us when we first began this project was seeing the team we had behind us,” said co-owner Carly Paquette. “We met with retail services, marketing, sales knowing we had multiple faces and names helping us work through this was incredible.”
“The cornerstones for any successful business, of course, are its people and place in community,” said Giant Retail Services Executive Timothy Johnson. “This is where Elon, Jim and Carly excel, by bringing together terrific staff with outstanding talent, and by linking up with local teams and businesses. This locally owned and operated Giant Store has a terrific neighborhood feel and a uniquely Santa Monica appeal. Giant is very proud to add our support to this winning combination.”
Giant Santa Monica offers regular bike rides for all levels from the shop and is also a sponsor of the 2015 California Coast Classic Bike Tour, benefiting the Arthritis Foundation.
