Riders flock to Sunderland BMX shop

Aug 28 2009 by Andrew Mernin, The Journal

A BIKE enthusiast who gave up a welding career to open a BMX shop is powering past his sales targets.

Lee Southern, 36 and from Doxford Park, Sunderland, opened his store, The BMX Box, in the city’s Silksworth area in July after turning his back on his welding career.

He acquired premises close to the local skate park and converted it from a rundown fruit and vegetable store into a fully functioning BMX outlet.

The shop has since sold more than three times the number of bikes predicted by his business plan, and has received feedback from national and international suppliers who are lending their support to the business.

Mr Southern embarked on a Be Your Own Boss course at the North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC), and developed a business plan with the organisation’s advisers before opening the shop.

He said: “My previous job took me all over Europe, but after 20 years I had just had enough. I decided that it was time to focus my attention on something that I enjoy, and for me enjoyment means biking.

“Despite the fact that there is a massive BMX scene in Sunderland as well as excellent riding provisions, there wasn’t a specialist outlet for people to get hold of equipment and maintain their bikes properly.”