A RETAILER that has traded in York for 15 years is to close in September.

Roger Povey has run skatewear shop Mayhem in Goodramgate for the past five years, after spending ten years in Jubbergate.

But with the pressures of the recession and internet shopping, he said he can no longer afford to keep the store and is moving to trading online only.

Roger, who co-owned The Secret Spot surf shop in Scarborough, which is now fully owned by his business partner, said he recognised there was no provision for boarders in York when he started out. He said: “Fifteen years ago I realised this was a very good business, and it traded very successfully from 1996 to 1999. Then the big boys joined the party, like O’Neill and Free Spirit and our bubble burst.

“It’s been a case since then of ever decreasing circles and trying to stay focused on what we do, supplying skaters and snowboarders.”

To achieve this focus, Roger said he has always employed passionate staff to foster the scene in York and provide informed advice to loyal customers.

He said: “Every single member of staff is involved in what they do because they love it.”

Roger now employs one full-time member of staff and two part-time staff, but in its heyday the shop employed six full-time staff.

He said: “I will miss that. But people don’t spend enough money to keep a shop as expensive as this one alive.

“The numbers just don’t add up anymore.

“It’s partly the recession – people don’t have as much money, but also the enormous choice online. I can stock about 20 different trainers, but a brand may make 1,000 different trainers. Online customers can choose from all 1,000 of them.

“My customers will be able to buy my products and I will still be the guy on the end of the phone.”

Roger is now holding a closing down sale before the shop closes in September, also selling commemorative t-shirts for loyal customers who want to remember the store.