Jan. 3, 2024

Bicycle and winter sports retailer Spoke-n-Sport is closing its store in Brookings.

The final date is Jan. 13.

The store at 503 Main Ave. opened in 2017 but suffered from the lack of students when South Dakota State University operated remotely during the COVID pandemic,  according to a news release from the Sioux Falls-based business.

“Additionally, hiring has proven to be a challenge. Larger employers such as Daktronics and 3M set the market, which can be difficult with a seasonal business,” it said.

Spoke-n-Sport owner Peter Oien said leaving Brookings was “an agonizing decision.”

“Our customers in Brookings and the surrounding area have been wonderful,” Oien said. “But like any retailer in the smaller communities in the region, consumers are increasingly drawn to the Sioux Falls market. Spoke-n-Sport is not different in that regard. We look forward to welcoming our Brookings customers at our two Sioux Falls locations.”

The move comes as the retailer has expanded into winter sports, including ski and snowboard equipment, apparel and service.

“The last two winters as a full-service ski shop have really taken off for us,” Oien said. “Sioux Falls may not be the first place you think of for skiing and snowboarding but with the growth and improvements at Great Bear Ski Valley locally and the popularity of traveling to places like Colorado, Utah and Montana, there’s an active community to serve.”

The winter sports market complements the healthy cycling culture in Sioux Falls, he added.

“The challenge for any bike shop in this climate is to stay busy year-round. It’s been gratifying to see the response from residents as we’ve grown our selection, expertise and services,” said Oien, who started working at Spoke-n-Sport in 2009 and bought it from Chad Pickard last summer.

All warranties and gift cards purchased through the Brookings location are redeemable at either Spoke-n-Sport location. Customers with questions should call the Minnesota Avenue location at 605-275-2453.

“It’s been a pleasure serving Brookings, and we look forward to continuing that relationship at our Sioux Falls locations,” Oien said.