Owner says ideal “mom and pop” bike store
There's a bicycle shop in California — the only one in its county — that is going to close down by the end of the year if a buyer can't be found.
You'd think buyers would be lining up to get a chance at this bargain, but there haven't been any takers. Where is this shop?
Bill's Bicycle Shop has been in business right there in downtown Hanford, the county seat of Kings County, since 1971. The town is located in southcentral San Joaquin Valley, an area of hot summers and foggy winters.
The current owner, Jim Kelly, told the Hanford Sentinel that he began working in the state prison system about 10 years ago, and when he took a position over in San Luis Obispo, he realized he couldn't continue doing both. He'd entered corrections for the health insurance and retirement benefits.
The business was started by Jim's brother, Bill. At one time he had 2 additional shops in Visalia and another in Tulare. Jim bought the Hanford shop from his brother in the mid '80s. He cites growth of the indoor entertainment industry for the decline of the business.
Kelly says what would work best is a “mom and pop” deal where the owners work in the store.
Some facts about Hanford: As of 2000, there were 41,000 people living in Hanford; there were 10,000 families. Median household income in 2000 was $37,582, with 17% living below the poverty line. It's about 50 miles west of the Sequoia National Forest.
There are 129,000 people living in all of Kings County. Median household income in the county was $35,749.
The closest bike shops are in Visalia, county seat of Tulare County. One of those shops is still owned by Jim's brother, Bill.
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