BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
This weekend Chain Reaction Cycles held the official opening of its brand new flagship store on Boucher Road, Belfast.
Olympic medalist Wendy Houvenaghel cut the ribbon and rode with local cyclists on roads in the area, as well as taking part in photo opportunities and an in-store Q&A. Cool FM was also on the scene to help launch the store, as were local clubs, cycling fans and CRC staff riders.
CRC confirmed it was opening a flagship store in March, following rumours in the trade.
“It was a pleasure to have someone of Wendy’s calibre to open the brand new store, and to offer local riders the chance to ride alongside a rider of such quality was superb,” enthused CRC events manager Simon Cordner. “Who better to open the new store than an Olympic medalist? We look forward to hosting many more events at the store, including the upcoming ride-out with Garmin Cervélo rider Dan Martin on October 22nd.”
CRC MD Chris Watson said he was pleased to be back on the High Street: “This is a special day for CRC, we have wanted to provide a personal face-to-face service for our customers for some time.
"Although we are in a challenging economic cycle there is a positive and continuous trend to a healthier and more active society and we at CRC hope to be able to meet those cycling, running and swimming requirements.”
Jim Berkeley, head of CRC Retail, commented: “With 10,000sq ft of space and free parking on the Boucher Road we stock a wide range of products for cyclists, runners and swimmers.
"We have integrated the shop with the website and can now offer all our customers the same excellent value and service as they would get online. We are showcasing over 180 bikes, thousands of components, clothing and accessories. We will be providing a truly unique shopping experience.”
