BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
Cycle Republic has opened the doors to its newest bike shop this week.
Located in Glasgow city centre, the opening marks Cycle Republic’s second Scottish store following its launch in Edinburgh last year. It also becomes the 20th Cycle Republic store in the UK.
The expansion north of the border comes as part of significant investment in the Cycling Action Plan for Scotland. The proposal outlines an ambitious strategy proposed by Transport Scotland to have ten per cent of everyday journeys made via bike by 2020.
The current Scottish Government has committed to maintaining record levels of cycling investment for the remainder of their parliamentary term. The investment will be utilised as part of an ambitious six-year plan to enhance infrastructure and change behaviour towards sustainable travel; the ultimate aim to make Scotland a safer, more active nation.
A study commissioned by Cycling Scotland estimated that cycling is worth over £500 million per year to the Scottish economy. This value incorporates manufacturing, retail and tourism activity, but fails to account for the additional benefits in health, the environment or traffic congestion.
Cycle Republic has already been announced as the official mechanical partner of the Etape Loch Ness, Nightrider and Pedal for Scotland sportives, all of which take place later this year. These three events alone will see almost 20,000 participants.
Recreational cycling in Scotland has also seen an upsurge, evident from the dozens of cycle clubs now established up and down the country. The introduction of new facilities such as the Chris Hoy Velodrome in Glasgow has enhanced cycling opportunities.
Peter Kimberly, Cycle Republic managing director, stated: “I’m delighted to open Glasgow; our 20th store in just over three years. Scotland has seen huge uplift in cycling recently and I wanted Cycle Republic here to support wherever possible. As always, we’ll bring an incredible range of award-winning cycle brands and an unparalleled workshop experience to our customers.”
Cycle Republic Glasgow is located within the Scottish Legal Life Society Building at 107 – 109 Bothwell Street. Over £1,500 worth of prizes were given away to the first 30 customers through the doors; prizes included clothing luggage and accessories.
The new shop is spread over 4,500 square feet of retail space, stocking over 130 bikes and thousands of cycle accessories. The retailer is carrying cycling brands including Boardman, Basso, Haibike, Mavic, Kask, Bern, Pearl Izumi and Gore as well as the new range of French designed Lapierre bikes. A specific female range featuring the exclusive Pendleton and Orla Kiely bikes are also stocked.
