BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
Graham Read’s Cycle Warehouse trades from a 10 000 sq ft former factory on Victoria Road, Netherfield.
“Graham has built a business based on good customer service, excellent product choice and best prices, which follows our philosophy exactly," said Nick Thake.
"Since we acquired the original Hawk shops 10 years ago, we have continually developed the company and its products, opening new shops, extending our range to keep up with all the current cycling trends and to satisfy our wide customer base."
The Nottingham store will be rebranded as Hawk Factory Cycle Stores Limited formerly Graham Read Cycles.
Thake started his bicycle business as a 16-year old market trader selling bikes and toys. He opened his first shop in 1972
“Our customers come back to us time and time again, from when they acquire their first kiddy’s bike with stabilisers, through to adulthood, when they are more interested in the latest technology and specifications. All our shops have full service facilities and employ professional mechanics to ensure our new cycles are in tip-top condition when delivered, and that all repairs and servicing are carried out promptly and efficiently.
"We have no wish to change anything that Graham has been doing in the past, merely to build and develop the business and its customers, who will benefit from our extra buying power."
Thake said his distribution company and retail stores hold stocks of 80 000+ cycles.
"One of the first areas of development will be the spares and accessories section which will be increased in size in line with our other large stores. The number of childrenÂ’s bikes on offer will also be enlarged to include the entire range from kiddy’s to junior MTBs," said Thake.
Hawk has recently added stores in Newark and Leicester.
“As the largest independent cycle retail group in the country we cannot stand still," said Thake.
"We are looking to acquire further top quality existing freehold shops as part of our expansion programme."
