BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
John Moore, chairman of Moore Large of Derby, died yesterday, peacefully.
A past president of the cycle industry’s Centenary Club and a long-time member of the Pickwick Bicycle Club, John Moore was a bicycle retailer before turning to distribution and wholesale.
Moore Large was incorporated by Moore in 1974. Moore’s father had opened the family’s first bike shop in 1949.
Moore Large became the one of the first national wholesalers selling direct to retail. At the time, wholesalers to the bicycle trade were regional and bought from importers. Moore Large was appointed UK distributor for Kenda Tyres in 1976, a distribution relationship that has continued. Moore Large added bicycles to the company’s products in 1986, including launching the house-brand Emmelle (a version of ML, from Moore Large).
The current MD of the business is Nigel Moore, John Moore’ son.
A company statement said: "John Moore was a great visionary within the bicycle industry. Having joined his father’s bicycle retail business in the early 1950s, John was the driving force behind the company’s expansion to 20 plus stores through the 1960s and early 70s. In 1974 Moore Large & Co Ltd was founded, the company distributed Puch bicycles and bicycle accessories, with John being one of the first to venture to the Far East to source bicycle accessory products. In 1986 John took the pioneering step to be the first to import complete bicycles into the UK from China. John was seen as one of the giants of the bicycle industry in the UK and was a true gentleman. He was respected by all who knew him and was a mentor and inspiration to many who have worked alongside him over the years."
Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.
