Independent bicycle firm ceases trading after 34 years
Primera Sports tells customers who have bought bikes to reclaim the money from credit card firms.
A prominent independent bicycle retailer in Bournemouth, Primera Sports, has abruptly shut down after 34 years of operation.
The company, known for its specialization in electric bicycles, ceased trading unexpectedly. On Friday, customers discovered the shutters drawn at the Charminster Road, Bournemouth location, as reported on social media.
Primera Sports announced that it has engaged the insolvency firm Leonard Curtis. The BBC has reached out to Leonard Curtis for a statement.
One customer, David, who requested his surname be withheld, informed the BBC that he paid a £6,000 balance on August 14 for two e-bikes that he never received. David explained that he initially ordered the bikes for £10,479 on July 28. After a wait of over two weeks, he visited the shop and spoke with the owners. He was informed that the delay was due to significant demand for the heavily discounted Scott bikes.
"They took that balance from us... and have just disappeared and gone. I'm very unhappy," David stated.
Professional cyclist Ben Moore, a native of Poole, posted on Facebook, urging the release of bikes that were at the firm for servicing and repairs.
However, Primera Sports Ltd informed the BBC, "All the service bikes are back with the customers. A couple of customers are on holiday and on return they will be delivered." The company also advised customers who had purchased bikes to seek refunds from their credit card providers.
According to its most recent accounts, the firm, which opened a second store in Poole in 2007, employed 14 individuals.