When I were a young lad, growing up just off the North End Road, we had such fine sporting establishments as Apollo Sport and World of Sport - the latter opened by Brian Jacks in about 1982. These were both fine examples of a sports shop. You could go in to either one and find a selection of great sports equipment, be it tennis racquets, cricket bats, table tennis paddles, judo outfits, football boots, basketballs etc.. They were just great. But where have they gone?
High Street sports shops these days are little more than fashion retailers. JD Sports is a dirty great trainer shop, Sports Direct is a dirty great tracksuit bottom and cheap trainer shop, with a sideline in extremely poor quality cheap sports gear. There are no other options. At all.
Decathlon claims to be a sports shop, but is mostly own brand and seems to concentrate on the Outdoors adventures as opposed to true sports.
Any ideas? Should we all club together and start a sports shop?
The internet is the reason why there aren't many apart from big chains like Sports direct, who do actually have some good quality stuff - the Karimoor range, which now seems to be their's, is very good value.
Online has meant the death of the high street - and we, the consumers must be responsible. Well I always buy online - it's so cheap, plus a have a phobia about shopping. But the shops have gone because people mostly prefer to buy online now.
Sad though this is.
As a boot junkie who got through a pair a year (football and rugby took a heavy toll) I have fond memories of a number of shops that no longer exist.
I got my Slazenger 'Johnny Haynes' (expensive and, to be honest, not that good) and my first Adidas from the place at the top of the Arcade in Sutton. Who also supplied the red and white shirt I wore to the Cup Final (came out of box marked Manchester City away!).
Eddie Watts (Cheam station) often had good bargains in handmade boots and the bloke who ran the one in Kew Road, Richmond, near the Athletic Ground would keep stuff that he thought might suit me.
Hales at South Wimbledon was pretty decent, too.
All gone now.
Quote from: RaySmith on September 06, 2016, 02:40:51 PM
The internet is the reason why there aren't many apart from big chains like Sports direct, who do actually have some good quality stuff - the Karimoor range, which now seems to be their's, is very good value.
Online has meant the death of the high street - and we, the consumers must be responsible. Well I always buy online - it's so cheap, plus a have a phobia about shopping. But the shops have gone because people mostly prefer to buy online now.
Sad though this is.
But why is this not true for mountain sports where the customer base is much smaller? It's easier for me to pop out for a 10 minute walk and buy a complete set of rock climbing gear than it is for me to get a set of cricket whites.
Where I live we have Newmarket Sports, its like the old sports shops
you mentioned, has cycles, canoes, sailing stuff, fishing gear, and it also
Has the norm cricket n tennis gear.Does footie shirts.
As you say though most are like JD now.
Quote from: The Equalizer on September 06, 2016, 03:09:46 PM
Quote from: RaySmith on September 06, 2016, 02:40:51 PM
The internet is the reason why there aren't many apart from big chains like Sports direct, who do actually have some good quality stuff - the Karimoor range, which now seems to be their's, is very good value.
Online has meant the death of the high street - and we, the consumers must be responsible. Well I always buy online - it's so cheap, plus a have a phobia about shopping. But the shops have gone because people mostly prefer to buy online now.
Sad though this is.
But why is this not true for mountain sports where the customer base is much smaller? It's easier for me to pop out for a 10 minute walk and buy a complete set of rock climbing gear than it is for me to get a set of cricket whites.
have you ever been in a snow and rock shop? they only have to sell one item a year to cover there over heads, well expensive in there. and things like the stuff you mention, you will always want to try on or at least have a look at before you buy.
Quote from: fulhamben on September 06, 2016, 03:20:32 PM
Quote from: The Equalizer on September 06, 2016, 03:09:46 PM
Quote from: RaySmith on September 06, 2016, 02:40:51 PM
The internet is the reason why there aren't many apart from big chains like Sports direct, who do actually have some good quality stuff - the Karimoor range, which now seems to be their's, is very good value.
Online has meant the death of the high street - and we, the consumers must be responsible. Well I always buy online - it's so cheap, plus a have a phobia about shopping. But the shops have gone because people mostly prefer to buy online now.
Sad though this is.
But why is this not true for mountain sports where the customer base is much smaller? It's easier for me to pop out for a 10 minute walk and buy a complete set of rock climbing gear than it is for me to get a set of cricket whites.
have you ever been in a snow and rock shop? they only have to sell one item a year to cover there over heads, well expensive in there. and things like the stuff you mention, you will always want to try on or at least have a look at before you buy.
Snow & Rock do hike up the prices somewhat. I always use Ellis Brigham when getting my gear. It was always nice getting a 10% discount on a £550 Spyder jacket from there when I worked at the BBC.
Many moons ago we had one in Battersea owned by Frank Blunstone who played for the Bloopoo.
Same as what happened to high st travel agents. Torpedoed by the internet
Quote from: Slaphead in Qatar on September 06, 2016, 03:38:16 PM
Same as what happened to high st travel agents. Torpedoed by the internet
But there's still choice of travel agents around. Flight Centre, Thomson, Kuoni, Thomas Cook are everywhere! Lunn Poly ain't though.
I think companies are now just specialising. I used to do Judo and a lot of those uniforms were distributed or bought in by the judo clubs so there was no need to find it locally at sports shops, same with rowing lycras etc. It does limit the sports exposure apart from at the olympics but isn't ideal. I agree though, high street stores do cater a lot less more more generalised sports, but perhaps that could just be because financially it's driven by what sells the most and trainers, sportswear is higher up on that list. Plus the online market exists. A lot of schools in the UK wont teach cricket, or rugby to be honest, although rugby has been adapted by more state schools and academies in recent years. Plus I suppose people don't have the time due to work to do extra sports.. there's also probably a lot less land around to do proper sports. I tried signing up to a rugby team in London, but to get there and back could take up to 3 hours from where I live as there aren't enough spaces nearby or options to partake.
Action Replay Sports in Ruislip High Street is good
I always shopped at Ian Black & Eddie Lowe´s shop in Tolworth.
Quote from: The Equalizer on September 06, 2016, 01:39:50 PM
When I were a young lad, growing up just off the North End Road, we had such fine sporting establishments as Apollo Sport and World of Sport - the latter opened by Brian Jacks in about 1982. These were both fine examples of a sports shop. You could go in to either one and find a selection of great sports equipment, be it tennis racquets, cricket bats, table tennis paddles, judo outfits, football boots, basketballs etc.. They were just great. But where have they gone?
High Street sports shops these days are little more than fashion retailers. JD Sports is a dirty great trainer shop, Sports Direct is a dirty great tracksuit bottom and cheap trainer shop, with a sideline in extremely poor quality cheap sports gear. There are no other options. At all.
Decathlon claims to be a sports shop, but is mostly own brand and seems to concentrate on the Outdoors adventures as opposed to true sports.
Any ideas? Should we all club together and start a sports shop?
It isn't just sports gear, the minimalising of alternatives and choices has affected everything - think of the tool shops, the foam and rubber dealers, the variety delicatessens, butchers, bakers, and candlestickmakers - they have all gone, disappeared, and with it a wealth of advice, information, and knowledge. There used to be so many high street oddities but they have all disappeared in a world dominated by corporations who are not good at or for anything.
Quote from: fulhamben on September 06, 2016, 03:20:32 PM
Quote from: The Equalizer on September 06, 2016, 03:09:46 PM
Quote from: RaySmith on September 06, 2016, 02:40:51 PM
The internet is the reason why there aren't many apart from big chains like Sports direct, who do actually have some good quality stuff - the Karimoor range, which now seems to be their's, is very good value.
Online has meant the death of the high street - and we, the consumers must be responsible. Well I always buy online - it's so cheap, plus a have a phobia about shopping. But the shops have gone because people mostly prefer to buy online now.
Sad though this is.
But why is this not true for mountain sports where the customer base is much smaller? It's easier for me to pop out for a 10 minute walk and buy a complete set of rock climbing gear than it is for me to get a set of cricket whites.
have you ever been in a snow and rock shop? they only have to sell one item a year to cover there over heads, well expensive in there. and things like the stuff you mention, you will always want to try on or at least have a look at before you buy.
[/quote)
And how much do you think the shop has to pay to get the items in their shop in the first place?
Quote from: toshes mate on September 06, 2016, 04:17:39 PM
Quote from: The Equalizer on September 06, 2016, 01:39:50 PM
When I were a young lad, growing up just off the North End Road, we had such fine sporting establishments as Apollo Sport and World of Sport - the latter opened by Brian Jacks in about 1982. These were both fine examples of a sports shop. You could go in to either one and find a selection of great sports equipment, be it tennis racquets, cricket bats, table tennis paddles, judo outfits, football boots, basketballs etc.. They were just great. But where have they gone?
High Street sports shops these days are little more than fashion retailers. JD Sports is a dirty great trainer shop, Sports Direct is a dirty great tracksuit bottom and cheap trainer shop, with a sideline in extremely poor quality cheap sports gear. There are no other options. At all.
Decathlon claims to be a sports shop, but is mostly own brand and seems to concentrate on the Outdoors adventures as opposed to true sports.
Any ideas? Should we all club together and start a sports shop?
It isn't just sports gear, the minimalising of alternatives and choices has affected everything - think of the tool shops, the foam and rubber dealers, the variety delicatessens, butchers, bakers, and candlestickmakers - they have all gone, disappeared, and with it a wealth of advice, information, and knowledge. There used to be so many high street oddities but they have all disappeared in a world dominated by corporations who are not good at or for anything.
Well said! And decent music / film shops.
Although, I've seen a lot more butchers, delis and bakers popping up recently. There's some cracking ones on Askew Road. None on East Hill, Wandsworth yet though.
Quote from: The Equalizer on September 06, 2016, 04:24:35 PM
Quote from: toshes mate on September 06, 2016, 04:17:39 PM
Quote from: The Equalizer on September 06, 2016, 01:39:50 PM
When I were a young lad, growing up just off the North End Road, we had such fine sporting establishments as Apollo Sport and World of Sport - the latter opened by Brian Jacks in about 1982. These were both fine examples of a sports shop. You could go in to either one and find a selection of great sports equipment, be it tennis racquets, cricket bats, table tennis paddles, judo outfits, football boots, basketballs etc.. They were just great. But where have they gone?
High Street sports shops these days are little more than fashion retailers. JD Sports is a dirty great trainer shop, Sports Direct is a dirty great tracksuit bottom and cheap trainer shop, with a sideline in extremely poor quality cheap sports gear. There are no other options. At all.
Decathlon claims to be a sports shop, but is mostly own brand and seems to concentrate on the Outdoors adventures as opposed to true sports.
Any ideas? Should we all club together and start a sports shop?
It isn't just sports gear, the minimalising of alternatives and choices has affected everything - think of the tool shops, the foam and rubber dealers, the variety delicatessens, butchers, bakers, and candlestickmakers - they have all gone, disappeared, and with it a wealth of advice, information, and knowledge. There used to be so many high street oddities but they have all disappeared in a world dominated by corporations who are not good at or for anything.
Well said! And decent music / film shops.
Although, I've seen a lot more butchers, delis and bakers popping up recently. There's some cracking ones on Askew Road. None on East Hill, Wandsworth yet though.
Just seen another plastics dealer go bust in Colliers Wood, and the local timber merchants are now quantity only merchants - don't even ask for offcuts because they don't have them anymore.... Makes me so very sad.
Quote from: The Equalizer on September 06, 2016, 04:24:35 PM
Quote from: toshes mate on September 06, 2016, 04:17:39 PM
Quote from: The Equalizer on September 06, 2016, 01:39:50 PM
When I were a young lad, growing up just off the North End Road, we had such fine sporting establishments as Apollo Sport and World of Sport - the latter opened by Brian Jacks in about 1982. These were both fine examples of a sports shop. You could go in to either one and find a selection of great sports equipment, be it tennis racquets, cricket bats, table tennis paddles, judo outfits, football boots, basketballs etc.. They were just great. But where have they gone?
High Street sports shops these days are little more than fashion retailers. JD Sports is a dirty great trainer shop, Sports Direct is a dirty great tracksuit bottom and cheap trainer shop, with a sideline in extremely poor quality cheap sports gear. There are no other options. At all.
Decathlon claims to be a sports shop, but is mostly own brand and seems to concentrate on the Outdoors adventures as opposed to true sports.
Any ideas? Should we all club together and start a sports shop?
It isn't just sports gear, the minimalising of alternatives and choices has affected everything - think of the tool shops, the foam and rubber dealers, the variety delicatessens, butchers, bakers, and candlestickmakers - they have all gone, disappeared, and with it a wealth of advice, information, and knowledge. There used to be so many high street oddities but they have all disappeared in a world dominated by corporations who are not good at or for anything.
Well said! And decent music / film shops.
Although, I've seen a lot more butchers, delis and bakers popping up recently. There's some cracking ones on Askew Road. None on East Hill, Wandsworth yet though.
I had a small retail shop but ended up just being used for info so that people could go and buy items off the net, some had the cheek so come in and ask how to set them up, that is why there are so few small shops around, killed off by the internet and large out of town centres with free parking
Quite a few happy memories of me and my brothers shopping at (ian) Black and (Eddie) Lowe's sports shop in Tolworth. Above the window it read Black and Lowe with Fulam FC and Scotland on one side and Fulham FC and England on the other.
My dad used to own a small sports shop in Worcester Park during the late 90's/early 00's - it became impossible to compete with the bigger names and what with the internet growing it made it so hard for him to make any money out of it.
He would sell equipment for every sport under the sun, offer name printing on shirts, re-string rackets, design & print graphics for t-shirts etc but it became such a financial loss for him he had to pack it all in
Lonsdale sports at the Hammersmith end of Fulham Palace road, run by the Mancini's with our own George Cohen.
As a lad I used to go in and have a chat because the Mancini's knew my Grandad, which meant I got to talk with Mr Cohen as well.
I remember trying to persuade him to sell the England shirt in the window (alongside a Brazil shirt) made by umbro for the 70 World Cup, in the days before replica shirts.
It was for display purposes only and he wouldn't sell it
Allsports in Fulham high street, below Park view Court, opposite the chip shop where I got my first boots from, my first cricket bat etc.
Its a nail bar now, I think?
There was a small sports shop in the Fulham Road, almost opposite the Library (or was it closer to Lilyville Rd?) where I remember Bukta referee's kit always in the window.
Also another small sports shop just past the Fulham town hall on Harwood road (almost corner of Moore park rd) where I got my Gola sports bag and trainers mid 60's
Happy days!
Quote from: epsomraver on September 06, 2016, 04:34:05 PM
Quote from: The Equalizer on September 06, 2016, 04:24:35 PM
Quote from: toshes mate on September 06, 2016, 04:17:39 PM
Quote from: The Equalizer on September 06, 2016, 01:39:50 PM
When I were a young lad, growing up just off the North End Road, we had such fine sporting establishments as Apollo Sport and World of Sport - the latter opened by Brian Jacks in about 1982. These were both fine examples of a sports shop. You could go in to either one and find a selection of great sports equipment, be it tennis racquets, cricket bats, table tennis paddles, judo outfits, football boots, basketballs etc.. They were just great. But where have they gone?
High Street sports shops these days are little more than fashion retailers. JD Sports is a dirty great trainer shop, Sports Direct is a dirty great tracksuit bottom and cheap trainer shop, with a sideline in extremely poor quality cheap sports gear. There are no other options. At all.
Decathlon claims to be a sports shop, but is mostly own brand and seems to concentrate on the Outdoors adventures as opposed to true sports.
Any ideas? Should we all club together and start a sports shop?
It isn't just sports gear, the minimalising of alternatives and choices has affected everything - think of the tool shops, the foam and rubber dealers, the variety delicatessens, butchers, bakers, and candlestickmakers - they have all gone, disappeared, and with it a wealth of advice, information, and knowledge. There used to be so many high street oddities but they have all disappeared in a world dominated by corporations who are not good at or for anything.
Well said! And decent music / film shops.
Although, I've seen a lot more butchers, delis and bakers popping up recently. There's some cracking ones on Askew Road. None on East Hill, Wandsworth yet though.
I had a small retail shop but ended up just being used for info so that people could go and buy items off the net, some had the cheek so come in and ask how to set them up, that is why there are so few small shops around, killed off by the internet and large out of town centres with free parking
Your right ER, not just sports shops these out of town centres have
Closed down.
Bostocks in Mitcham was a good old sports shop "back in the day" as the yoof say now and there is a proper sports shop in Cheam.
The problem is that the traditional sports shop can't compete on price. Knowledge and advice are first class, something you don't get from Sports Direct or tinternet but ultimately it comes down to cost for people looking to keep the spending down.
My son goes through a pair football boots and trainers every season as his feet grow and so trying to buy sensibly always means ending up in Sports Direct.
I used to spend my hard earned paper round money in Parks in Shepherds Bush on Subbuteo still have all the bits and bobs in my loft.
Quote from: TheDaddy on September 06, 2016, 09:16:02 PM
I used to spend my hard earned paper round money in Parks in Shepherds Bush on Subbuteo still have all the bits and bobs in my loft.
Didnt you find it hard not to lose the little men in the grass :dft011:
We have a real sports shop in Swindon called Don Rogers Sports, guess who owns it
Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk
Quote from: bill taylors apprentice on September 06, 2016, 07:37:31 PM
Lonsdale sports at the Hammersmith end of Fulham Palace road, run by the Mancini's with our own George Cohen.
As a lad I used to go in and have a chat because the Mancini's knew my Grandad, which meant I got to talk with Mr Cohen as well.
I remember trying to persuade him to sell the England shirt in the window (alongside a Brazil shirt) made by umbro for the 70 World Cup, in the days before replica shirts.
It was for display purposes only and he wouldn't sell it
Allsports in Fulham high street, below Park view Court, opposite the chip shop where I got my first boots from, my first cricket bat etc.
Its a nail bar now, I think?
There was a small sports shop in the Fulham Road, almost opposite the Library (or was it closer to Lilyville Rd?) where I remember Bukta referee's kit always in the window.
Also another small sports shop just past the Fulham town hall on Harwood road (almost corner of Moore park rd) where I got my Gola sports bag and trainers mid 60's
Happy days!
My uncle's dad used to own a couple if sports shops in Fulham when I was little. One was on New Kings Road, bear Parsons Green and the other may have been the one you mentioned opposite the library. They were called Gaby's.
Interesting the mentions of shops run by old pro's. Here in the West Country we had (in Stroud) a shop owned and run by Don Rogers of Swindon fame and I recall a very prominent shop called Doug Hillard Sports in Bristol (he was ex Rovers I think).
A mate who lived in the Midlands to this day has a carrier bag printed Ron Flowers Sports (ex Wolves). Other than Eddie Lowe and Ian Black were there any other Fulham ex players with shops .... or who ran pubs, another popular career for old pro's?
Quote from: The Cravenette on September 07, 2016, 07:36:55 AM
Quote from: bill taylors apprentice on September 06, 2016, 07:37:31 PM
Lonsdale sports at the Hammersmith end of Fulham Palace road, run by the Mancini's with our own George Cohen.
As a lad I used to go in and have a chat because the Mancini's knew my Grandad, which meant I got to talk with Mr Cohen as well.
I remember trying to persuade him to sell the England shirt in the window (alongside a Brazil shirt) made by umbro for the 70 World Cup, in the days before replica shirts.
It was for display purposes only and he wouldn't sell it
Allsports in Fulham high street, below Park view Court, opposite the chip shop where I got my first boots from, my first cricket bat etc.
Its a nail bar now, I think?
There was a small sports shop in the Fulham Road, almost opposite the Library (or was it closer to Lilyville Rd?) where I remember Bukta referee's kit always in the window.
Also another small sports shop just past the Fulham town hall on Harwood road (almost corner of Moore park rd) where I got my Gola sports bag and trainers mid 60's
Happy days!
My uncle's dad used to own a couple if sports shops in Fulham when I was little. One was on New Kings Road, bear Parsons Green and the other may have been the one you mentioned opposite the library. They were called Gaby's.
Yes ! Gaby's
Its funny how knowing the name of the shop brings the memories back !
It was a tiny, old fashioned shop which never seemed to have a lot of stock compared to modern retailing.
I can almost see Mr "Gaby" in my minds eye now and I think his wife was often in the shop with him.
In those days shops like this never seemed very busy but I think they used to make money from the numerous "Park" teams who ordered their kit through shops like this.
Quote from: MikeW on September 07, 2016, 08:53:07 AM
Other than Eddie Lowe and Ian Black were there any other Fulham ex players with shops .... or who ran pubs, another popular career for old pro's?
Pubs:
Bedford Jezzard had the Thatched House in Dalling Road (where Shane McGowan liked to walk in the summer breeze by the dead old trees.)
Maurice Cook (must have been a centre-forward thing). "And when he finally hung up his boots Maurice and his wife, Joan, took over the old White Hart, Berkhamsted, (now the site of a supermarket), then they moved to the Oddfellows in Apsley and finally the Prince's Arms (now a restaurant) in Boxmoor." (obit.)
Quote from: cmg on September 07, 2016, 11:01:54 AM
Quote from: MikeW on September 07, 2016, 08:53:07 AM
Other than Eddie Lowe and Ian Black were there any other Fulham ex players with shops .... or who ran pubs, another popular career for old pro's?
Pubs:
Bedford Jezzard had the Thatched House in Dalling Road (where Shane McGowan liked to walk in the summer breeze by the dead old trees.)
Maurice Cook (must have been a centre-forward thing). "And when he finally hung up his boots Maurice and his wife, Joan, took over the old White Hart, Berkhamsted, (now the site of a supermarket), then they moved to the Oddfellows in Apsley and finally the Prince's Arms (now a restaurant) in Boxmoor." (obit.)
The bookies on Shorrolds Road, off North End Road, was once owned by one John Norman Haynes. He used to pop across the road to the Con Club occasionally for a game of snooker and a pint with my Dad.
Most of those small shops that have gone missing were run by people who could offer a degree of advice that is not available in the large shops or on line, sure price is important but I am not sure we are really better off in this matter.
Quote from: Woolly Mammoth on September 07, 2016, 12:22:55 AM
Quote from: Berserker on September 06, 2016, 10:13:02 PM
We have a real sports shop in Swindon called Don Rogers Sports, guess who owns it
Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk
I remember that winning goal he scored for Swindon Town against Arsenal in the League Cup Final, all those years ago, was it in the early 70s.
Not quite sure of the date but I still have the red and white painted wooden football rattle my dad made me
Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk
Quote from: bill taylors apprentice on September 07, 2016, 08:57:16 AM
Quote from: The Cravenette on September 07, 2016, 07:36:55 AM
Quote from: bill taylors apprentice on September 06, 2016, 07:37:31 PM
Lonsdale sports at the Hammersmith end of Fulham Palace road, run by the Mancini's with our own George Cohen.
As a lad I used to go in and have a chat because the Mancini's knew my Grandad, which meant I got to talk with Mr Cohen as well.
I remember trying to persuade him to sell the England shirt in the window (alongside a Brazil shirt) made by umbro for the 70 World Cup, in the days before replica shirts.
It was for display purposes only and he wouldn't sell it
Allsports in Fulham high street, below Park view Court, opposite the chip shop where I got my first boots from, my first cricket bat etc.
Its a nail bar now, I think?
There was a small sports shop in the Fulham Road, almost opposite the Library (or was it closer to Lilyville Rd?) where I remember Bukta referee's kit always in the window.
Also another small sports shop just past the Fulham town hall on Harwood road (almost corner of Moore park rd) where I got my Gola sports bag and trainers mid 60's
Happy days!
My uncle's dad used to own a couple if sports shops in Fulham when I was little. One was on New Kings Road, bear Parsons Green and the other may have been the one you mentioned opposite the library. They were called Gaby's.
Yes ! Gaby's
Its funny how knowing the name of the shop brings the memories back !
It was a tiny, old fashioned shop which never seemed to have a lot of stock compared to modern retailing.
I can almost see Mr "Gaby" in my minds eye now and I think his wife was often in the shop with him.
In those days shops like this never seemed very busy but I think they used to make money from the numerous "Park" teams who ordered their kit through shops like this.
Yes that would have been Bert and Marge Gaby and I think they did do a lot of football shirts for Sat/Sun league teams. My uncle should be at the match on Saturday so I will show him this thread.
Quote from: The Equalizer on September 06, 2016, 01:39:50 PM
When I were a young lad, growing up just off the North End Road, we had such fine sporting establishments as Apollo Sport and World of Sport - the latter opened by Brian Jacks in about 1982. These were both fine examples of a sports shop. You could go in to either one and find a selection of great sports equipment, be it tennis racquets, cricket bats, table tennis paddles, judo outfits, football boots, basketballs etc.. They were just great. But where have they gone?
High Street sports shops these days are little more than fashion retailers. JD Sports is a dirty great trainer shop, Sports Direct is a dirty great tracksuit bottom and cheap trainer shop, with a sideline in extremely poor quality cheap sports gear. There are no other options. At all.
Decathlon claims to be a sports shop, but is mostly own brand and seems to concentrate on the Outdoors adventures as opposed to true sports.
Any ideas? Should we all club together and start a sports shop?
I too also lived just off north end road and I loved walking up to world of sport to get my new trainers or footy boots.
I brought my first snooker cue from appolo sports and used to feel like a pro on my way to the snooker hall either at the Fulham legion or the snooker club just off Putney Bridge.
The chap who I think owned appolo sports always gave me loads of old sports posters and various bits and bobs of advertising stuff.
Oh how I miss those days
Quote from: bill taylors apprentice on September 06, 2016, 07:37:31 PM
Lonsdale sports at the Hammersmith end of Fulham Palace road, run by the Mancini's with our own George Cohen.
As a lad I used to go in and have a chat because the Mancini's knew my Grandad, which meant I got to talk with Mr Cohen as well.
I remember trying to persuade him to sell the England shirt in the window (alongside a Brazil shirt) made by umbro for the 70 World Cup, in the days before replica shirts.
It was for display purposes only and he wouldn't sell it
Allsports in Fulham high street, below Park view Court, opposite the chip shop where I got my first boots from, my first cricket bat etc.
Its a nail bar now, I think?
There was a small sports shop in the Fulham Road, almost opposite the Library (or was it closer to Lilyville Rd?) where I remember Bukta referee's kit always in the window.
Also another small sports shop just past the Fulham town hall on Harwood road (almost corner of Moore park rd) where I got my Gola sports bag and trainers mid 60's
Happy days!
Bought my first pair of roller skates in Lonsdale Sports cost me 19/6d, bought them with my paper round money that I'd saved up, came home on the number 11 bus proudly clutching my purchase and then when I got home eager to put them on and try them in my street, which couldn't do today.
Fond memories of my childhood in Fulham.
