Impossible? Hardly. There are dozens of businesses right here in our region that are taking this opportunity to expand their business and many of them are coming to East Orlando. One such business, The Helmet Shop, is scheduled to open in September on Lake Underhill Road in the Waterford Lakes area. Based out of Daytona, Fla., since 1995, this will be the second location for the popular motorcycle helmet, accessory and apparel shop co-owned by Bill Harbison.

“We selected our East Orlando location based on the close proximity of the East Orlando Harley Davidson dealership, UCF, the airport and the various Central Florida attractions,” says Harbison. But, the question still remains, why now? “We started planning to open a Helmet Shop in Orlando way before there was talk of any economic slump and thanks to the continued support of our customers, we were able to pursue our goals,” says Harbison. When opportunity knocks, Harbison and his co-owners answered and jumped at the chance to expand. “Our only regret is that we waited this long to open a second store,” he says.

As some small businesses struggle others, like The Helmet Shop, have actually seen increased business recently by offering expanded product choices. “We have seen an increase in demand for our products based on the expansion of products that we offer,” he says. The staff attributes a growth in retail sales to exclusive protective gear for women, Bluetooth technology and intercoms. They’ve also been helped in a roundabout why by the economy driving people to start riding. “Motorcycles and scooters have become the primary mode of transportation for many people trying to save on fuel costs,” Harbison says. “And, with all new motorcyclists in the State of Florida required to take the Motorcycle Safety Course, which requires students to wear a helmet, gloves, over the ankle boots, long sleeve shirt or jacket and pants, it’s been a help to us.”

Harbison and the staff have a grand opening event planned tentatively set for mid-month.

Article by Corey Gehrold