Bike retailer moves business online

SIGN OF THE TIMES: Jeff Anderson (pictured in 2011) is closing his Kiwibikes store to focus on internet business. PHOTO/FILE A-200111AW5

One of Rotorua's specialist bike builders has closed his retail store to focus on online business and spend more time with his children.

Kiwibikes owner Jeff Anderson closed his Redwoods Centre store yesterday after 18 months at the shopping centre. Prior to that he operated a Pukuatua St store for three years.

Mr Anderson said he didn't see the closure as negative but an acknowledgement that the majority of his business was coming from the internet.

He said 80 per cent of his business was coming through his website, with orders from all over the country.

"It didn't make sense having a retail shop in the end," he said, adding it had been especially hard work the last 12 months having to man the shop alone six days a week.

"Every bike shop in town does a good job. There's such a lot of choice in that area, they're all competing against each other."

Mr Anderson said he was excited about the change and didn't see the closure as a negative.

"The more I have realised it's happening the more I can see other opportunities," he said.

He is keen to become more mobile, and go to people with his services, which includes meeting a growing niche market for electric bikes. He also wants to teach customers how to build their own frames - a "dying art".

He said the other big motivation for working from home was being able to spend more time with his two young sons.

Mr Anderson said customers will still be able to contact him through his website and Facebook page.