London doesn't need another bike shop!

oh not long, i expect to loose them before they break tho, the silicon strap thing is just a 'lazy' fixture, as I don't leave the lights on the beater as its locked up outside.....

It can't be all things to all people, but I'm hoping to shape it around people's needs/ wants/ expectations.

TBH you should create the bike shop that you personally would want to walk into, as you will hopefully be doing just that for years to come.

http://troutie.com/Products/Detail/Liberator-MKIII

^ Nice robust light if you have the coin

Which coin?
oh "the coin". got it.

Yes, Micycle is good. If you are in the south you might not know them? They are friendly and they let you into their repair room - letting you into the secret back room is a true sign of friendliness to mimind. Also coffee and garden and classes etc. point being, I'm a return customer to them and in general I avoid cycle shops like the Spanish influenza. Anyway, if you're not already in the know, they have a website and I'm sure you can pick up a few pointers from them.
And good luck.

Do you have a shop unit in Borough yet? I went to the barbers on Great Suffolk St the other day and it looked to me like the locksmith might have closed. It is a bit sad if it is a family business that has gone under, but that parade of shops is quite nice and is in the process of being tarted up.

TBH you should create the bike shop that you personally would want to walk into, as you will hopefully be doing just that for years to come.

Absolutely this. I've been trying to think how to word it, but basically keep it simple, do what you want and do it well. Introduce new things if you feel you need/want to further down the line rather than starting off with too many things.

One thing that someone mentioned upthread was the idea of 'well curated stock' that seems to me to just mean a thoughtful selection. TBH, I quite agree. This place is testament to the amount of chat and paraphernalia that can be sustained about fairly simple machines. When choosing stock, consider the idea of stocking perhaps three or four variations of the same item at different price points and that you consider the very best example of that item at that price point.

For example, look at the lights thread and the light selection in any shop. There is a lot to choose from. But, if you think about the recurrent themes and uses, you can quickly thin things out. Want a pretty awesome front light? The Hope & Fenix offerings seem to get a big thumbs up. Don't want to spend that, but do want to spend a few quid? Offer the customer a decent alternative, and then another 'budget' option. This applies to plenty of stuff. Shit loads of cash for a brilliant cycling specific rucksak? Mission Workshop. Less money, but still good? Maybe an Ortlieb. A bit skint? Alpkit or similar. Does that make sense?

^^That. If you get a rep for picking the best pieces at certain price levels then people will come to you if they need something rather than shop around online as they know they will be getting a good deal!
Another thing I would say, is being flexible about what you offer. One of the main things I like about LBS' is going in having a chat with the guy and deciding on the best product. Then even if they don't have it in store, them being able to order it in for me!

If I were you I be sure to sell things you actually like, believe in, approve of. That'd be a good start.

^^ Read with an extra comma, your post, like, totally sounds more teenage.

Re: looking after customer's bikes - went into a shop to get a crown race fitted to some MTB forks once, the guy tried to stand them up behind the counter. On the way out they slipped down with a loud bang and i cringed, turned round and the guy looked a bit sheepish. When I came to pick them up later, the manager said 'do you just want to check and see if it's all okay', when I started examining the stanchions for dents and etc he said 'no I mean the crown race, they are bound to get knocked about in the workshop'

lolwut?

Don't know if this is commonly accepted in bike shops, but I don't like it and haven't been back since

For a location there is a big venue on Brixton Road that used to be a restaurant. Been empty for ages and has an area outside that would be amazing in the summer, near Wynne Road. LOADS of cyclists go down that way. However the chaps at BC might not be too keen as would be on their doorstep

Openin hours. I'd like a shop that is open when I can get to it, ie before an after work and Sat an Sun. 9-5 Mon-Sat. with no repairs on a Sat ain't goin to cut it any more ! We're all floggin ourselfs to death to pay the rent. So please be fully open, inc the workshop at 8pm, bet it would build a good customer base.

On or very near to a Cycle Super Highway to catch passin trade.

A big sign in the window sayin

New tube puncher repair ( inc. an economy tube) £10.

That'll get peeps in, then have them stand next to the lovley shinny accessories you have to temp them, as the puncher is fixed on the spot. And if they ask for a deluxe tube, charge £20.

as the puncher is fixed on the spot.

I know that getting it done reduces testosterone and consequently aggression levels in the patient, but I don't think this is a proportionate way to treat poor old Brave after a single out-of-character incident.

I know that getting it done reduces testosterone and consequently aggression levels in the patient, but I don't think this is a proportionate way to treat poor old Brave after a single out-of-character incident.

D'oh !

in my case

London can never have enough bike shops.

I will always return to shops where it's easy to speak to the people who work there regardless of if I've got a crappy bike or have a blingin' bike, too much of this bike snobbery about and not enough nice people.