Cycle dealers speak out on Tesco ‘Bike Shops’

Following the introduction of ‘in-store’ Bike Shops in several new Tesco stores, independent bicycle dealers have told BikeBiz that the move doesn’t pose a threat to the UK’s cycle dealers.

Cycling On owner Steve Barnett said: “On balance, my own feeling is that the independent retail sector has little to fear from Tesco or any other supermarket. You cannot get away from the basic fact that what we do is incompatible with their business models.”

Misson Cycle’s David Wilsher thought that the move might even benefit some IBDs. He told BikeBiz: "Cycle shops should not be concerned by Tesco’s move. Dealers will be able to charge to put the bikes sold by Tesco into working order, like many of us still do for the Halford sales.”

Leisure Lakes’ Andy Ramsdale added that Tesco’s move reflects the situation on the continent. "“If we look further afield into Europe and one of the biggest cycling Meccas in Europe – France – you’ve been able to buy a ‘Velo’ in a hypermarche for many years. And how strong is cycling there? Could this actually help support the cycling industry?"

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