Carnell branches to close

BRITAIN’S biggest bike chain has just become a little bit smaller after Carnell/Motorcycle City closed five of its London branches and announced it is shutting down its telephone-based mail order arm.

Shops in Ilford, Vauxhall, Camberwell Road, Seven Sisters and West London all closed today.

The firm insists all services booked at the affected shops will be carried out, either at another branch or by a skeleton staff remaining at the closed one.

All orders for bikes, including deposits, and kit will be honoured. The firm is contacting customers who are affected to let them know how they stand.

The closures are part of a strategy shift which has seen Carnell-Motorcycle City part from its Honda franchises, also announced earlier today.

The firm has a rebranding exercise up its sleeve and it is trimming its London operations as it feels its good stores in the capital are spread too thinly.

Managing director Mark Smithson said: ” Closing stores is always the last resort for any business, but after a thorough review over the last four months, the closures were deemed necessary. ”

The telephone lines to the firm’s mail order line will close down on September 29, although the internet ordering system will remain in place.

All staff will be offered jobs at other branches – the firm is desperate for decent staff – and there is a redundancy package for those who don’t want to move.