In the post-war years, business boomed. The nearby Wilkinson's Sword factory helped as most workers rode bicycles to work. In the 1960s, however sales of bicycles slumped. The shop diversified and for 20 years also sold and repaired mopeds. By the 1980s sales of bicycles were on the rise again, and Don went "back to the real love of my life and that’s the bicycle’.
Roger started working at the business in 1962, and took over running it in 1988. Malcolm joined in 2002. In 2009, shortly before Roger retired, the shop was refitted. Every room, including the bathroom was used to hold stock, and despite its small size, the shop held over 200 bikes, giving it the nickname, the Aladdin's Cave of Bikes.
Roger Woolsey in the shop in 2007
In a closing statement on their website, Malcolm Woolsey wrote: "After 70 years, we regret to announce that we will be closing the business on the 28th September 2024. After 3 generations, the time has sadly come to move on to pastures new. We would like to thank our customers both old and new for their continued support over the years."
"We have seen many changes over the years, both in life and in bikes and have many memories over the years, many of which we can thank our on going customers for. The occasional gifts we get that show the true appreciation from you and means so much to us."
