Century-Old Yesteryear Cyclery Has Announced Closure
The landmark New Bedford business will conclude 111 years of operations at the end of 2026.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Owner Kim Camara has announced that Yesteryear Cyclery will close its doors on December 31, 2026. The historic New Bedford shop, which was founded in 1915, will shutter due to the owner's declining health, rising costs, and a lack of successors.
Why it matters
The closure marks the end of a 111-year legacy for one of New Bedford's oldest businesses. The owner is currently working to manage the transition of services, including the liquidation of property and inventory.
The business has operated for 111 years since its founding in 1915, with current owner Kim Camara marking his tenure since 1958. Camara's initial pay at the shop was 6 cents a week when he started at age 5.
The players
Kim Camara
He is the 73-year-old owner and president of Yesteryear Cyclery who began working at the family shop in 1958.
Adriano Camara
He was the founder of Yesteryear Cyclery who established the business in 1915 after arriving from Madeira, Portugal.
The details
Kim Camara, 73, will place the building, property, and remaining inventory on the market as part of the closure process. Three current employees plan to launch a separate, smaller-scale offshoot to continue serving the local area, while Camara is negotiating with other dealers to maintain parts and service availability.
Timeline
Adriano Camara opened the store in 1915.
Kim Camara began working at the shop in 1958.
Kim Camara became president in 1985.
The closure was announced via Facebook video on September 19, 2026.
The shop will cease all operations on December 31, 2026.
Market Landscape
The closure of Yesteryear Cyclery reflects a broader shift as multi-generational small businesses face pressure from rising operational costs and succession challenges. This departure signals a changing retail environment in New Bedford as long-standing fixtures are replaced by smaller, niche operations.
Customers with outstanding service needs should be aware that the shop will fully cease operations by the end of 2026. Management plans to publish a directory for future warranty services and will donate any unclaimed bicycles left at the shop.
The takeaway
Legacy businesses often face unique challenges when attempting to navigate multi-generational transitions in a modern economic climate. Residents looking to preserve local history should note that employee-led offshoots may provide a path forward for specialized services.
Further reading
Find more local business updates on our New Bedford Openings & Closings page.
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