Bicycle shop in Market Harborough to move after decades in town centre
The owner of a bicycle shop in the centre of Market Harborough has revealed that the business will move out of its premises after 129 years in the same spot.
Neil Holman, 57, has owned George Halls Cycle Centre since 2004, and started working there in 1985.
With the owner of the building putting it on the market, Neil will relocate to another location.
Neil said: “There will be a tear shed when I lock the door on Christmas Eve.
“I’m very saddened, but there’s also excitement.”
The shop will close just before Christmas, with the business reopening in Sutton Court on Bath Street during the first week of January.
The new premises will mean a bigger workshop and more space for repairs.
The move also reflects the changing business environment of the industry, with more people buying online but still needing in-person assistance for services and repairs.
He explained: “The unit that we’re going to, it’s a blank canvas. Myself, my mechanic and my sales assistant will be able to design it and set it up as the business needs for the 21st century, and hopefully make it future-proof.
“My outlook is not only to secure my own future, but Jake, my mechanic, he’s 14 years younger than me. When I want to retire, I’ll be able to hand it on to Jake. Just like George handed it on to me.”