Cycling chain Cycle Republic has opened directly opposite an independent cycling retailer in Cheltenham.

Cheltenham Cycles, in Winchcombe Street, celebrates its 25 year anniversary this year. Cycle Republic has opened up in the former Morrisons convenience store.

Cycling has had a real boom in recent years, with more interest in the high-end bikes stocked by the likes of Cheltenham Cycles, but Ben Davies from the store said that trading conditions have been tough in recent years.

"Trade has been badly affected by online discounting. Customers can buy certain items online for the same price we're buying them in for. A number of big name stores nationally have closed their doors over the last 18 months. It had got to the point where they were running almost as not-for-profit stores, rather than making any money for their owners."

Business has improved in recent months for Cheltenham Cycles, partly as a result of other companies closing down, but also due to the store's excellent customer service. Cheltenham Cycles sells high quality, high value items that aren't discounted. It also services the bikes it sells and those of a similar specification.

In an unstable market, it is understandable that the store would be concerned about a chain store with bigger buying power opening on the same street. Although Cycle Republic, which is part of Halfords, is selling higher value bikes, it isn't selling the same products as Cheltenham Cycles and Ben actually sees some benefit to the store opening.

"Having Cycle Republic there means more people coming down Winchcombe Street and crucially more cyclists coming down Winchcombe Street. With us being so close by, it is inevitable that people will walk across the road to see what we have to offer."

So it might not be all bad news for Cheltenham Cycles, but here at Punchline we're sure they will have a few uncertain months ahead. We hope to see Cheltenham's cyclists continue to support their local independent, specialist trader rather than just shop with the big boys.

What do you think? Email mark@moosemarketingandpr.co.uk 

Readers' comments:

Alan Sutor: I returned to cycling late last year after a break of 25 years and have found Cheltenham Cycles to offer great service.

About a year ago I approached them with a view to buying a new road bike.

After explaining what I wanted to use it for, I was shown almost the cheapest bike in the shop which would have been ample for my needs.

I had my eye on another bike which was a bit dearer and when I tried it for size I thought it was fine, but Ben knew it was a bit small - he turned down a sizeable sale.

I am sure a little experienced salesperson in a big chain would have both tried to upsell and would have quite happily let me buy the wrong product.

As I had my heart set on that particular bike I returned (admittedly almost a year later) to buy the latest version in the right size.

I returned there due to their honesty and have subsequently purchased a lot of accessories and clothing.

On each occasion I have been shown the range of items and not just the most expensive, even being able to try pedals and shoes out on the shop rollers to make sure I am happy with them.

There has never been any pressure to buy and, as such, they have retained almost all of my cycling-related business, with me only going elsewhere if they cannot obtain exactly what I want.

I actively avoid big chain stores staffed by inexperienced people as the money I save by not having to buy twice due to being mis-advised the first time far outweighs the saving by mail ordering and avoids having to send stuff back too!

I really hope there are enough people like me to keep them going for years to come because it is a pleasure to support an honest local business and they deserve to continue to succeed.