 | |  | | | | | | | | | Scotland has just been gifted with another dedicated BMX shop, this time up in Aberdeen. 20Twenty's owner, Mr Johnny Mingo recently took the time to answer us a few questions about his new business venture:
What inspired you to open a BMX shop in Aberdeen?
There has always been a problem getting BMX parts in Scotland, especially in this neck of the woods. After visiting Strictly BMX in Melbourne, I always had it in my head that I would like to try a similar set up in Aberdeen, and when I discovered my friend had a city centre unit going cheap, I couldn't resist.
How long have you been riding?
I've been dedicated to riding since '98. I say dedicated cause it's the main thing I do. It's not that I have a 20" bike lying around my flat so I call my self a BMXer, but rather, everything I do and everywhere I go revolves round my wee bicycle.
Was it a hard decision to make?
I never made the decision as such. The seed had been planted in my head and when the shop became available I got straight to work. Before I had time to think about what I was starting, the stock had already arrived.
Is this your first attempt at making a move into the industry?
I have been doing a BMX clothing label called A>Risk for the last two years which has given me an insight into the industry and I've learnt a good bit about running a business through playing around with it. I'd like to take that a step further next by hopefully getting distribution set up, but for now my hands are full with the shop.
What's been the hardest thing about running the shop so far?
The renovation of the shop was the hardest thing, it took four months, with a lot of financial outlay. It took a lot more time and money than I initially thought and towards the end of it morale was at a low. Since the shop has been up and running though, I get a lot of inspiration/motivation from being involved in something I'm so passionate about, and to be honest, it sometimes doesn't seem like the hard work that it is.
What are your plans for the future?
My objective is to set up a mail order service aimed at supplying Scottish riders with the best UK prices without having to go south of the border. 20TwentyBMX.com is under construction and should be up and running by the beginning of May.
How many times have you had people asking you to just 'sort them out' with stuff instead of paying the proper price?
The pricing policy here is that I'll do my best to match any advertised price within the UK, so I don't often get any complaints. However there is the occasional one who wants a free T or expects trade for whatever reason. The thing they need to realise is that I could 'sort them out' for one month only, but when the bills come in at the end of the month they can say good bye to their local shop. But most folk realise this and I appreciate all their support.
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