For many families, waking up on Christmas morning to find a brand-new bicycle under the tree is a timeless rite of passage. At Flugers Outdoors in Bossier City, that sense of nostalgia is at the heart of their business.

“I got my first bike from a shop when I was 12 years old. I remember walking in, pointing to the one I wanted, and I still have that bike today,” said Dereck Yagle, owner of Flugers Outdoors.

That memory shapes how Yagle and his team approach customers who come in for bicycles, e-bikes, service and repairs, camping gear, kayaks, paddle boards, and skateboards.

“We want to be that household brand name that people know that they can rely on for customer service, service work, consistency, quality brands, and budget options for the whole family,” Yagle said. “We want to give them a range, not just that top-tier stuff.”

As the holiday season approaches, Yagle encourages shoppers to support local businesses whenever possible. With so many online options, he says buying local matters more than people realize, especially during the months that help keep small stores afloat. 

He added that the Christmas season is vital because it carries their store through January and February.

“Support who you can, when you can, because these businesses are people that are part of your community,” he said. “We want to be a priority compared to online sales. It’s critical for us to capitalize on November and December.”

One of the biggest advantages Flugers Outdoors offers over online or big-box retailers is a personal experience that families can’t get behind a screen. Shoppers can choose a bike that fits correctly, select the right color, and have it professionally assembled—something especially important as Ebikes surge in popularity. 

“We just had an example where a dad wanted to buy his kids’ bikes online and assemble them himself like thousands of parents do every year,” Yagle said. “But what we provide is the hands-on experience of finding the perfect fit and knowing you have support for maintenance and repairs afterward. It’s about being there for the customer.”

Flugers Outdoors opened its Airline Drive location in February—its second store following its original location in Longview, Texas. Yagle said the Bossier community has been incredibly welcoming, and he’s excited to bring new outdoor options to the region.

Originally, the company considered another town for its expansion, but the enthusiasm and outdoor attractions in the area — especially the 1North Adventure Trails in Blanchard, Louisiana — pulled them firmly toward Bossier.

“Everyone in the city was helpful and super supportive getting set up. It’s a pleasure to be here, learning about the community to see what we can bring to the table,” said Yagle. “I challenge myself to get out in front of people and introduce myself, so people know that we’re here for them.”

Ultimately, Flugers Outdoors wants to serve as a resource for families and outdoor enthusiasts by making it easier to get outside and stay active.

“We believe that people who love cycling also tend to enjoy camping, paddleboarding, and other outdoor activities,” Yagle said. “So, we try to be a one-stop shop for everything you need to enjoy the outdoors.”