A new sports shop opens in Hove, East Sussex on May 28.
Nick Rivett Sport, part of the Intersport network, will have its official opening on June 2, when Sussex cricketers Monty Panesar and Michael Thornely will be on ribbon-cutting duty.
Owner Nick Rivett, a Brighton University graduate and Hove resident, will be assisted in the venture by wife Jo, an experienced retail buyer, and dad Richard, who coached Josh Lewsey at Amersham & Chiltern RFC.
The opening of the store will be the culmination of a dream for Nick, a chartered accountant, who always wanted to open a sports shop in Hove.
“I know first-hand how hard it is to find high quality sports kit and good customer service in Brighton and Hove,” he explains.
“The larger national sports retailers are great for standard sports kit, but they don’t always have the personal customer service and expertise you need when purchasing specialist equipment. You really need to love your cricket bat, hockey stick or running trainers. Having the right equipment can make such a difference to your game.”
Says dad, Richard: “When Nick was at school I used to get numerous phone calls from the headmaster asking why Nick wasn’t at school. I would then drive down to the local cricket nets to find him practicing his wicket-keeping. I knew then he would have a career in sport one way or another.”
Nick adds: “I watched the Brighton and Hove marathon from outside of our new shop and I had goose bumps the whole time. I think it was due to the fact that my childhood dreams were being realised.
“It also dawned on me just how huge the undertaking was that I committed to – especially in this tough economic climate. But I have every confidence in Nick Rivett Sport and the people around me. I know that we can make this new family venture a success.”
