Shop Profile: The Kite Store

"It is with great sadness that, after 30 and a bit years, I have to
announce that we are selling up and closing down" - The Kite Store.
The Kite Store Ceased trading on 31st March 2006.

The Kite Store is based within the fringes of London's Covent Garden. On first entering the shop you are struck by the blaze of colour from the many different types of kites adorning the ceiling and walls.

Co-owners Andy King & Mark Cottrell founded the kite store back in 1976, and it is the oldest kite shop in Europe as well as being Flexifoil's only Platinum dealer, explains Andy. The atmosphere is very relaxed and you are entirely free to browse at your leisure. If you need help, then expert friendly advice is readily available from Andy, Mark or Brigid. Carl Robertshaw can often be found helping out in the shop too.

The Kite Store, November 2001

As well as kites, material, spares, books and magazines, they also stock yo-yo's, rubber band guns, rockets, solar toys, steam boats, etc, etc. They also offer a repair service for very reasonable rates, if you are unfortunate enough to break your kite (this is in addition to the usual manufacturers warranty & repair services).

Andy King was the founder of the Kite Traders International group, and is the only non- US member. He was also a founding member of STACK and is now an honorary member.

If you are in Covent Garden then this is well worth a visit.

* Old photo of The Kite Store here.