Internet pressures close long-established bike shop

Internet pressures close long-established bike shop

Boudin’s Cycles was established in 1923 and operated from premises on Sand Street. It was previously based in Bath Street.

The owner, Nick Thomas, said he currently had no plans to restart the business.

‘We closed due to the pressures of high street and internet shopping – the internet has hit us really hard.

‘We are at the lower [price] end of what people do and there have been a lot of new bike shops opening up. Ten years ago, there were three or four shops now there are about ten and it has just taken its toll.

‘I have had the business for about ten years and it has been in the family for about 40 years. It is very sad but I have got to be sensible about it. I would rather close it down now before it causes me problems.’

Temps Passe Bond Minibyke 1951.Among the midget motor cycles which made their appearance on the roads in post war years was the Bond Minibyke, a little 98 c.c. job of quite revolutionary construction. In January 1951, Mr George Boudin had just taken delivery of several of these machines at his showroom in Bath Street. The machine, which had a smart, streamlined appearance, was most economical as the cost of upkeep, taxation and insurance was claimed to be the lowest of all motorcycles, yet it had a performance which compared favourably with very much larger machines, cruising silently, comfortably and without clatter or fuss at a high maximum speed. Such hills as St Saviour's Hill and Queen's Road were taken comfortably in top gear. The model was also available with a 125 c.c. engine..Pic taken Friday 19th January 1951 at 4pm.Report in JEP 20th January 1951 page 4.From Portraits box 25, glass plate 317.(Boudin's Motorcycle shop, Motoring).REF:02029851.Fifties. (23545921)

Mr Thomas did not rule out re-opening the business at another location but said he currently had no plans to do so.

‘It is possible.

‘Just because we have closed does not mean we are dead and we are looking at alternative options.’

Before the business closed, Mr Thomas only employed one member of staff who has now found work at another bike shop.

Arthur Lamy, who worked at the shop from 1981 until 2009, said that it was a shame the shop had not been able to make its 100th anniversary.

‘It is sad, it is a shame that it could not have lasted another five or six years as it would have reached its century,’ he said.

‘But you have just got to look at King Street at the moment – retail is hitting rock bottom, it is really difficult.

‘It used to be a household name but now, along with many others, it has just faded out. With the internet, you either have to do something and adapt or fold.’

The business was originally started by George ‘Geo’ L. Boudin in 1923 and was situated on Bath Street. It originally also sold several brands of motorcycle.

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