London bike shops closing

I worked there briefly, and as much as I hated it I have to say it is a very well-run business. They have a very large amount of stock, both in terms of inventory and volume. Margins are presumably really high: pallets worth of stuff is bought directly from the manufacturer at OEM prices, then sold at full rrp. The Condor-branded stuff is all from cheap manufacturers, like Rodi wheels, Tektro and Kalloy (nothing wrong with the last two, but can be obtained way cheaper).
The whole "custom bike" aspect of the business brings people in but it's absolute bullshit. Staff are instructed to spec bikes with a surprinsingly low number of brands (the one with the big margins). When I was there it seemed like almost every bike sale was a Fratello with 105 / Aksiums + Contis / Deda and Condor finishing kit.
They have very skilled and experienced mechanics that also benefit from the large inventory, since whatever is broken on your bike can be fixed now and then.
So, plenty to dislike but you have to give it to them, they know how to run a business.