Bouwer Broers turn 60

Picture: Johan, Nic and Hennie Bouwer in front of their store.

Since Nic and Petrus Bouwer opened their small cycle store in February 1950, the shop has moved to bigger premises in the same street, expanded floor space to 1 600m² and grew their product offering to include fishing tackle, arms and ammunition, camping equipment, braai tools, walking equipment and other outdoor gear in addition to cycling.

Johan Bouwer, a nephew of the founders, joined them in 1967 as a partner. He was joined by Nic’s son Hennie in 1980, when Petrus retired. Nic retired in 1994 and Johan followed him in April this year.

The Bouwers find that customers keep flocking back because of the service they provide. Outdoor sport is specialised and advice from the retailer is of utmost importance to the customer, says Hennie. That is why their customers are prepared to drive across town to buy from them and how they, as independent retailers, manage to survive despite the growth of chain stores.