Shop returns online
A BOROUGH sports shop that recently said goodbye to its Barkham Road in-store customers, has returned with an online presence.
KCSports, which sold Bicycles, fishing tackle, and guns, has launched a new website selling, to begin with, bike parts and accessories.
Owner Andrew Stemp says that although the website is still in its early days, his aim is to hit the ground running, with good stock levels and lots of deals for customers to explore.
Products on the website include some hard to find items, which he says is his speciality, and which people won’t find on bigger sites.
“It’s really getting going now,” Mr Stemp said. “I’m pleased with the website - it’s easy to navigate, and it looks good.”
Based in Wokingham for 40 years, but active for 30 years prior to that, Mr Stemp’s family business closed in November.
“When the shop shut, I was immediately bored,” he said.
“So, I sat down at the computer and started uploading pictures and stock descriptions ready for online sales.
“I really need something to keep me occupied, in fact I could do with another store.
“But this is my shop for now, and I’m really enjoying it, uploading new items daily.”
Mr Stemp plans to add fishing tackle to his online stock soon.
“For all these years we were known for our cycles and our repair workshop, fishing tackle, bait, and even sledges,” he said.
“Now we’re continuing as an online store, serving not only Wokingham and its surrounding area, but hopefully reaching out further afield, too.”
Wokingham.Today met all three generations of the Stemp family on one of the family’s final trading days in Barkham Road, and shared their story with the borough.
“We were really pleased with the send-off that was published in the paper,” Mr Stemp added.
“And we loved the picture of me, my son, and my dad.
“In fact, James, had it blown up and framed - one for me, and one for his grandad, John, for Christmas.”
As well as cycle equipment, Mr Stemp is still selling the sledges families used to purchase in store.