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Independent Retailers Association Survey Shows Challenging Q1 for Traders

29 May 2024

Many independent retailers across the UK faced a difficult start to 2024 according to a new survey by Bira, the British Independent Retailers Association and the Association of Cycle Traders... Read more…

Harrogate record shop marks 30th anniversary with vinyl revival

29 May 2024

P&C Music – Harrogate's oldest independent record shop – is celebrating its 30th anniversary, having become a mecca for vinyl record fans in a wide variety... Read more…

Crickhowell’s Book-ish crowned best independent bookshop in UK and Ireland

28 May 2024

 A Powys bookshop has been named as the best independent in the UK and Ireland.
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Election 2024: what does the indie retail sector want from the next government?

28 May 2024

With a general election just weeks away, Andrew Goodacre, CEO of the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has placed “reducing the cost of doing business” high on his... Read more…

Newcastle shop owner creates map to showcase area's independent businesses

28 May 2024

An indie shop owner in Ouseburn, Newcastle has created a map to showcase the area's independent businesses.
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Indie retailers urged to battle 2025 duty change

28 May 2024

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) is calling on independent retailers to keep writing to their MPs to highlight the impact of the upcoming February 2025 duty change.
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Retail industry key recruiter of people from under-utilised sections of society

15 May 2024

A new report released on behalf of the Retail Sector Council has outlined the work that the industry is doing to create more career opportunities for people that would otherwise be... Read more…

Teacher and ice-cream store manager move from Australia to take over Halifax indie bookshop.

14 May 2024

A family of booklovers are moving from Australia to become the new owners of an independent bookshop in Halifax.
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Global Payments Report says consumer choice not just influencing but dictating the future of commerce.

14 May 2024

Worldpay’s 2024 Global Payments Report has revealed a transformative shift where consumer choice is not just influencing but dictating the future of commerce.
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Competition and Markets Authority says grocers need to prioritise accurate pricing.

13 May 2024

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has called on grocers to prioritise accurate pricing following a review of the way in-store prices are displayed.
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Family-owned cycle shop celebrates 90 years trading in Walsall.

Posted on in Business News, Cycles News

Walsall's cycling community has been celebrating a family-owned business which celebrates its 90th anniversary this year.

Russell Cycles

Image: facebook.com/russellcycles2020

Russell Cycles was established on February 19, 1934, by Fred, who was also known by his nickname Nutty Russell. He was a top amateur racing cyclist in his day and was best remembered for his F R Russell lightweight cycle, which was launched in 1949. He passed away about 30 years ago.

The shop he founded has been in virtually the same spot in Stafford Street since its opening and it kept going during the Second World War when running a cycle shop was a reserved occupation as so many people went to work on two wheels.

His granddaughter Sue Stanton is the third generation of the family to run the enterprise and she is assisted by mechanic Bret Taylor.

She explains how customers old and young have been calling into the shop to congratulate the family for the milestone achievement. Visitors have included Walsall's mayor Councillor Chris Towe and former mayor Councillor Richard Worrall who rode his bicycle to civic events instead of using the mayoral car.

"It's been really nice getting to know my customers over the years. They are very loyal and quite a few some whose parents brought them here to get their first bikes, are now bringing their children and grandchildren. for new bikes and repairs.

"We pride ourselves on being a family orientated business and as a result we get a lot of recommendations from customers. I have no idea why my grandad was called Nutty, but my dad Gordon was also given the nickname and the shop is still known locally as Nutty Russells.”

The Russell family has seen the fashion in cycles change over the past 90 years with brands like BMX, Raleigh Chopper, mountain bikes, racers, dual suspension and with electric-powered bikes and hybrid bikes suitable for commuting to work are now all the rage.

"Apart from electric bikes which are fitted with all sorts of new technology and need diagnostic work, we can repair them all. We have seen technology of bikes develop over the years. Electric bikes are popular but are very expensive.

"The Covid pandemic was very good for biking. A lot of more people started using bicycles to get to work because they didn't want to use public transport. The first lockdown year had a hot summer. Families rediscovered the outdoors as there wasn't much else to do and got bikes.

"We are looking forward to continued success and as long as we can have customers coming in, we'll keep going," she adds.

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