The store Calucho Ciclisme has closed in Lleida after almost seven decades of activity. The establishment, founded in 1958 and located for approximately 20 years on Alcalde Costa street, closes its doors due to a combination of factors that had complicated the viability of the business.
Among the reasons cited are the strong competition from online sales, an oversupply of product, and the consequent constant drop in prices in physical bicycle stores. Added to this are the retirement of its current owner and the lack of a successor.
A local benchmark in the bicycle sector
Calucho has been linked for decades to the sale of mountain, road, urban, children's, and electric bicycles. It also offered spare parts, accessories, and workshop service. The business was an official distributor for Scott, Giant, and BH.
The closure puts an end to the firm's last active establishment. In September 2013, the company had already transferred its three toy stores, located on Alcalde Costa, Rovira Roure, and Baró de Maials streets, to the Drim chain.
More closures in Lleida's commerce
The closure of Calucho is part of a trend that has been affecting local commerce in the city for some time. The closure of neighborhood businesses has become a constant and, in the Eix Comercial, most of the establishments that remain open are chains and franchises.
In the Zona Alta, the situation holds up better, although several businesses have also closed their doors in recent months. In this environment, merchants emphasize that the apartment blocks are inhabited, unlike what happens in many buildings in the Eix Comercial, and this favors a loyal clientele.
Also closes the Presseguer
To this list is added the closure of the restaurant Presseguer, at number 19 on Balmes avenue, which has ceased its activity after more than six years in operation. The disappearance of both businesses reinforces the feeling of change in the commercial fabric of Lleida, with less presence of historic establishments and greater weight of chain operators.