One of London's oldest bike shops falls victim to showrooming
Posted on in Business News , Cycles News
One of London's oldest bike shops has switched to an appointment-only system after finding customers were coming to the shop for advice and then going away and buying online, reports the Camden New Journal.
Simpson's Cycles in Malden Road, Queen's Crescent, will still sell bikes online but has closed its doors to browsing shoppers.
The shop opened in 1947 and the Simpson family took it over in 1972. Manager Dean Simpson said the family were competing with the internet and particularly the Amazon website.
"There were too many people coming in and using us as a showroom," he said. "Before Christmas, which is a big time for us, we had so many people coming in and spending a long time talking to our staff about the best thing for them. They would ask lots of technical questions, get lots of advice on what to buy - and then they would write it all down and buy it off the internet.
"We don't want anyone coming in and wasting our time any more. We are happy to spend lots of time with our customers, but we're a business, and if we spend the time, we need them to spend the money with us. Now it's going to be appointment only, so we can give our good customers lots of time and we won't be distracted by people wasting time."
Camden Council's Cycle Champion and Liberal Democrat councillor Paul Braithwaite, a "loyal customer" of the shop, said many factors had led to the move.
"Dean and Scott Simpson provided an excellent service," said Cllr Braithwaite. "I have a £2,000 tour bike and a sturdy about-town bike. For 10 years I would never go to anyone but them for maintenance. I always trusted them.
"Bromptons, one of the big brands the family sold, went into competition with them. Evans cycle shop opened only half a mile away, and then there's the internet, too. Add to that, needing to pay for uniforms, business rates, staff salaries, and there is a lot of pressure.
"There is a huge pressure on local independent business, and us local politicians need to find ways to help local business, especially with rates."
He added: "They really knew their customers, but lots of people contributed to this by buying things like lights and clothes on the internet. I think we need a big party to say thank you to the Simpson family."
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