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5 Dec 2024

A former British cyclist, a host of CEOs and industry leaders are sharing their thoughts on the future of the cycling industry as part of a revealing new series launched by the Ride to Success...

4 Dec 2024

As credit card fraud becomes increasingly sophisticated, taking these steps could help you stay ahead of the fraudsters…

29 Nov 2024

Scottish independent retailers, including those in the cycling sector, are urging the Scottish Government to provide crucial business rates relief in its upcoming budget, as the disparity in...

28 Nov 2024

Independent retailers back call for local leadership and simplified funding.

26 Nov 2024

Seven in ten cycle retailers across the UK will boycott this year's Black Friday sales event, according to a survey of the bicycle trade by the ACT.

21 Nov 2024

A local cycling club is raising money and seeking donations and assistance in order to teach bike maintenance to young people through a series of workshops in 2025.

21 Nov 2024

National biking charity Cycling UK has launched a new scheme that recognises office buildings that encourage Cycle to Work and promote sustainable and active travel.

19 Nov 2024

Banning cycling in Birmingham city centre will not prevent the use of illegal electric transport, according to cycling news outlet Cycling Weekly, following reports of...

17 Nov 2024

Bira has held a meeting with members of the Treasury team to discuss concerns following its robust response to the Government’s recent Budget announcement.

14 Nov 2024

The ACT has announced a dynamic partnership with Saledock - an all-in-one POS, eCommerce, and inventory management platform tailor-made for bike shops and workshops.

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Retailer Spotlight - Elmy Cycles Ipswich

Posted on in Business News , Cycles News

For our latest retailer spotlight, we spoke with Steven Grimwood from the brilliant Elmy Cycles in Ipswich, who has been working in the cycle trade since he was 14 years old.

Elmy

Last year the business, which is an ACT member, marked its 100-year anniversary, with Steve spearheading the company for over 30 years, having taken over from Mr Elmy in 1992.

Steve explains, “I think the future looks great for independent bike shops - just in the way we are starting to see the resurgence of local book shops and local coffee shops, customers can get tired of the big corporate machine and drift away, looking for something more personal.

“Us indies have a great opportunity to curate interesting product lines, individual niches and react quickly to new products and trends. There are still a lot of questions for the future, like how suppliers can work with our market, perhaps by offering more indie-focused product lines or rotating stock to ensure the right models are on the shop floors. And of course, supporting dealer initiatives.

“One of the biggest mistakes suppliers sometimes make is treating retailers as a customer and not a partner. If they viewed their dealer network as their showrooms to the public, they could make much better use of us and our expertise.”

The Elmy team regularly attends and supports events such as a recent local Cyclo Cross which had over 300 riders present. An Elmy team took part in the ride last month, with Steve dressed as Santa to add to the fun!

“We have just completed a renovation of the store, with a new coffee shop area, function space and showroom. Just last month we hosted an open day with Oliver Bridgewood from Global Cycling Network, with over 90 customers attending a film night at a local cinema and a shop ride the next day.

“The future looks bright; despite the tough times the trade is in right now we have been here before - and it will go full cycle - we will get over this hill.”

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