Its a constant stuggle having a small bike repair business, our insurance alone is over 2.5k a year,(its the road risk and the fact that bike shops are renound for getting "visited") we know that tyres for us are a no no, as some companies selling tyres for £4 more than they bought them for, who can compete with that ?? and why would you want to. the workshop is quiet between October and March, but the bills are not, overheads come in 24/7
We sell some 3nd hand bits on ebay but normally again find that the sellers fees take a big chunk out of the sale. We are constantly up against people who set up in their home garage, without full insurance, offering service and repair.
I would hate to have a bike dealers selling clothing and helmets, people coming in to try on models and sizes - and then going off to ebay to buy, you end up with stock that is 2nd hand before its even left the shelf.
There is a bit of a turn on the high street, more little shops bakers etc opening up, lets hope the trend continues.