Closing the retail part of the business isn’t something Peacock and his wife, Sue, took lightly. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, demand for bicycles has soared. But many bike factories across Asia ultimately closed or slowed down production, causing the area’s biggest bike shortage in 45 years.

“We did extraordinarily well in the beginning but we just can’t get any bikes,” Peacock said.

Since 1974, Outpost Sports has long been a local retail institution for all things sports and outdoor equipment related, selling bikes, skis, snowboards, kayaks, camping goods and all of the related clothing. It had also been a place for community, hosting beach volleyball leagues, ski trips and weekly bike rides that drew up to 200 cyclists.

Earlier this year, the Peacocks planned to retire and a new buyer for the store had expressed interest. But when plans for the new buyer fell through, Peacock decided it was a good time to hone in on what the store had always done well and, in April, began selling bicycles exclusively. 

During the next five months, Peacock said the store did very well but keeping it stocked was another story.

“This COVID thing was good and it was bad,” Peacock said. “It was good that, when you came in here in April, the store was packed. But in the first of July, it was a different story. … It’s been a very unusual year.”

The store will begin its closing sale Tuesday with inventory discounted up to 60% off. Store credit or five star points must be redeemed by Oct. 31.

“We’ve had a tremendous run of business and a great clientele for 46 years and we feel very lucky,” Peacock said. “We wish to thank all our customers for making this fun and being able to help them for 46 years.”