End of an era as bike and hobby shop is set to close
A BIKE and hobby shop in Shepshed is closing its doors in the next few weeks after more than 40 years in business after the owner decided it was time to slow down and look for a new challenge.
WF & S Kirk in the Hall Croft, Shepshed, has been open since the mid 1970’s but owner Michael Kirk confirmed to the Echo this week that he will be closing his doors for good very soon.
“We are still open at present but will be stopping trading within the next three to four weeks and everything is being sold at discount.
“May I take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported the business over the past 12 years since I took over from my late father.
“It was a difficult decision to make as you can’t beat doing a job you love but working six days a week and all that comes with running a business, I felt at my age if I don’t do it now I never will.
“I felt it was time to sell up and slow down a bit while I’m still healthy.
“I’m 53 and have worked here for 42 years since I was a child when my mum and dad ran the business. I haven’t had a holiday for 10 years and just feel I need to slow down.”
He said he had really enjoyed running the business and the interaction with customers.
“I will miss the people here - 99.9 per cent of the people that come here are fantastic. I read comments about the younger generation of Shepshed but all I can say as a business owner is that I can honestly say over the past 12 years since I took over the business from my late father is that all the kids and lads/girls that I have served have been very polite and we’ll mannered and a credit to Shepshed and their parents and have been a pleasure to have on the premises.”