Bike Buying Troubles (Giant)

[dbnm]

This is a terrific article. Check the other articles at the bottom.

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/17/business/giant-bikes-coronavirus-shortage.html

[weisan]

Thanks for posting, great read.

[mcteague]

I read that this morning. Came away thinking Bonnie Tu is one shrewd business person. Totally agree the current "boom" won't last much past a vaccine.

Tim

[Mr B]

"Her concern, when it comes to China, is maintaining Giant’s work force there. Young people’s interest in factory jobs is declining. Hiring in China still seems tough at the moment, despite widespread layoffs.

“Before, if we wanted to hire one worker in China, there would be three people lining up,” Ms. Tu said. “Now, if you are looking for three people, it’s nice if you have even one person lined up.”"

This doesn't surprise me at all. Factory jobs for companies that size look like a death sentence these days. No, you aren't going to work your way up to the boardroom from there. Yes, you're probably going to need back surgery before you're 50 and yes, the company lawyers will be there to ensure that the corporation doesn't have to pay for it.
Young people know all this because they're so much more well-informed than any of us were even 20 years ago. They know that trickle-down economics is bull****, and that there's no nobility in giving your life to a company that's already planning to replace you with machines.

[sg8357]

[I]
Young people know all this because they're so much more well-informed than any of us were even 20 years ago. They know that trickle-down economics is bull****, and that there's no nobility in giving your life to a company that's already planning to replace you with machines.

Workers of the World Unite, maybe unionize the workers for better working
conditions ? Lets bring socialism to the commies. (irony mode 1 disengage)

[madsciencenow]

Agree, great read! Thanks for posting!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Mr B]

Workers of the World Unite, maybe unionize the workers for better working
conditions ? Lets bring socialism to the commies. (irony mode 1 disengage)

When a CEO can’t figure out why nobody wants to work for them, it’s time for them to make changes - not the workers.

[tuxbailey]

When a CEO can’t figure out why nobody wants to work for them, it’s time for them to make changes - not the workers.

Hence Giant is thinking automation before manufacturing in US.

[DHallerman]

This is a terrific article. Check the other articles at the bottom.

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/17/business/giant-bikes-coronavirus-shortage.html

A related piece, this on Trek and the covid bike market.

https://marker.medium.com/inside-the-company-trying-to-solve-the-global-bicycle-shortage-eae6849a9f3b

[retropean]

A related piece, this on Trek and the covid bike market.

https://marker.medium.com/inside-the-company-trying-to-solve-the-global-bicycle-shortage-eae6849a9f3b

Interesting how Giant is much more skeptical of the boom lasting than Trek. I would agree more with Giant's take.

[oaklandhillsca]

I am sure - along with others - that there will be an abundance of nice bikes for sale when the pandemic is over. This is a fad for most - when they realize you have to continue to pedal, and maintain, and add gear, etc.

[peanutgallery]

I just sat thru a virtual town hall last week conducted by a large company beginning with a big letter S. I was waiting to be asked to join in on the fire walking and the hot iron branding of the nether regions. It was boom this and boom that. Good thing I was on mute as I was laughing uncontrollably

Ms. Tu is spot on, this will pass as soon as U4 Elite Travel Soccer gets fired up again. I love bikes and riding, but let's not get carried away

The fitting thing would be for Trek and Specialized getting hung with a pile of bikes of bike share proportion and have companies like Giant to run the table on them. It would be beyond funny

[weisan]

Everything in moderation.

And you will be fine.