Weymouth's Tilley's motorcycles to open new Wyke showroom

Tilley’s Motorcycles are set to open a new store on Saturday, December 2 on Portland Road at the junction with Langton Avenue, where the old Dowsett Motors unit used to be.

Tilley's (Image: Hollie Carr)

The company started trading in approximately 133 years ago on the Esplanade before moving also have a store on Fredericks Place which will continue to remain open alongside the new store.

The Tilley`s family owned the business up until 1974, when George Holton and Edward took over.

Upon Mr Clark`s retirement, George’s son, Lawrence (Dick) Holton took over in 1979 who now runs the company alongside Roger Cattle.

Lawrence said: “We found that there’s a need for people to be able to come and look at things without coming into the centre of town.

“Sadly, the town centre is no longer the hub of the town. Customers are not happy with the town`s parking issues and unfortunately the choice of shops is getting less every year.

“People’s shopping habits are changing, and we need to move with the times.”

Plenty of familiar faces will be recognised at the new store as the same staff will be helping out, with new jobs being created in the new year.

Inside the store (Image: Hollie Carr)

Owners are also hoping that the new showroom will become a community hub for bikers who just want to meet up for a chat or that it will become a stop on ride outs.

There are even plans for the future to introduce a food and coffee van.

He added: “We have customers who call in for a chat and don’t have to worry about whether they buy anything.”

Tilley's (Image: Hollie Carr)

Extensive works had to be carried out to refurbish the building and where possible the company have used local tradespeople, including printshop express who did the vinyl works on the window of the MOT centre.

The MOT centre (Image: Hollie Carr)

Lawrence said: “The store has a much nicer showroom, and we are proud to be thought of as a friendly family run business & part of the local community.”

The showroom before the works (Image: Tilley's)

Tilley’s will continue to sell a wide range of small to medium sized bikes and scooters, as well as helmets and accessories, and they are also able to carry out MOT tests on site.

Inside the store (Image: Hollie Carr)Their training company will also transfer to the new premises.

To celebrate the venture Dick and Roger have planned an open day for Saturday, December 2, with refreshments and everyone making a purchase will be entered into a sizeable raffle draw with plenty of excellent prizes.