50 year old bike shop Chelmer Cycles to close doors

UPDATED: Chelmsford-based Chelmer Cycles is set to close its doors later this year.

Due to a combination of the end of a lease and the prospect of retirement, the shop – which has units either side of Writtle Street – will shut down following a “closing down forever sale”.

In a note to customers, Managing Director Richard Seekins said: “It’s been a privilege to serve so many special customers like you, and all the people of the area, since Chelmer Cycles was founded 50 years ago, and I really appreciate the great support I’ve had over the years. Now, to coincide with end of the lease, I have taken the decision to close down Chelmer Cycles and retire from retailing.”

The shop started out back in the times when significant numbers of factory workers would have their bike serviced at the store. Speaking to Cycling Industry News, Seekins confirmed that the closure was down to the lease end and retirement, rather than any retail hardship. “It’s true that business has dipped but that’s partly down to oversupply in the market and Chelmsford now has a lot of competition in terms of bike shops. I’ve really enjoyed running the shop and I’ve been surprised by the level of reaction to the news of Chelmer Cycles’ closure.”

Hat-tip: Essex Live