A POPULAR Dublin store has announced they have been forced to close their doors for the final time due to “difficult trading conditions”.
After 15 years in business, the owners of ThinkBike shared the shocking news with “gutted” customers on social media.
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ThinkBike was run by a “young team of passionate cyclists” from many different areas of cycling.
Owner John Clarke said: “After 26 years of serving the cycling community, Thinkbike Rathmines and Terenure have had to close the doors.
“With difficult trading conditions and the change in work patterns in a post Covid world, we are no longer able to continue.
“I would like to thank the ThinkBike team present and past for their wonderful service and our loyal friends and customers for all their support over the years.”
The store had a selection of road bikes, commuter bikes, mountain bikes, children bikes, parts, accessories and clothing.
Customers and fans took to the comments to share their sadness at the news, with one person telling how the closure of the bike shop is a “huge loss to the community”.
One person said: “So sorry to hear this John. Shocking news. It’s such an unpredictable and turbulent time trying to keep a business afloat.
“Sad day for the local community and thank you for your years of service. Wishing you the best of luck for the future.”
Another shared: “Gutted to read this Bart, from a chat in a park 27 years ago to now, what a chapter.
“We have some brilliant memories from your shops through the years, can’t wait to see what you do next pal.”
Another customer said: “A sad day for a Rathmines institution it will be a huge loss to the community.
“I have such fond memories over the years from the 1st shop beside my father’s barbershop where John started out and his hard work brought him to the new shop and then more recently the shop in Terenure.
“The quality and service John kept as standard will hard to come by, thanks for all the laughs over the years.”
While another added: “Shocking news John, I’m really sorry to hear this.
“I have amazing memories of you and the shop over the years, it’s a big loss for you, the team and local community.
“Best of luck for the next chapter, I’m sure you’ll ‘soar like an eagle’ again soon.”
CAFE CLOSURE
It comes as the owners of The owners of Little Honey cafe in Loughlinstown announced their closure.
Owner Anna Shipley opened her first solo adventure Rustic Honey in 2019 in Cherry Wood and later opened Little Honey in Loughlinstown.
The cafe and bakery specialised in takeaway coffee, cakes, sweat treats, breads and sausage rolls while the owner’s other cafe Rustic Honey has a sit-in element to it.
However taking to Instagram @rustichoneyfood, confirmed the Little Honey “takeaway haven” is set to shut its doors.
In a statement they said: “It is with a heavy heart that we have decided to close Little Honey, Loughlinstown after three and a half years.
“Massive increases in prices from our suppliers and many Little Honey customers now choosing to come to Rustic Honey Cherrywood instead has meant the operation of Little Honey is no longer sustainable.
“Our focus is now on our wholesale bakery and Cherrywood Cafe and we are so excited for growth and a long future ahead with both aspects of the business.
“We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has played a role in the life of Little Honey!
“We have been so welcomed by the a Loughlinstown community and our bakery and offices will remain there for the foreseeable future.”
The business confirmed that their last day of trading will be on Saturday, September 14.
