Friday, 29 March 2024
News

Cycle Republic footprint spreads to UK’s North East

Cycle Republic has expanded its presence with an opening in Gateshead, taking the store portfolio to 21.

The new store features Cycle Republic’s first dedicated Shimano service centre, offering customers a unique servicing and repair experience managed by Shimano certified staff. The new service centre will also stock an enhanced range of Shimano components and parts including pedals, group sets and brakes.

A fully equipped bike workshop, providing same-day servicing and repairs can also be found in store.

As with other openings, Cycle Republic’s decision to open in the North East comes on the back of investment in cycling in the region.

The Department for Transport has dedicated £10.6 million into the ‘Fit for Cycling’ initiative, a three year cycling strategy implemented and overseen by the Newcastle City Council. This strategy is intended to improve cycling accessibility and safety through developments in infrastructure and education in the Tyne and Wear district.

Commenting on the store opening, Cycle Republic Managing Director Peter Kimberley stated: “I’m delighted to open a store in Gateshead; our twenty-first store in just over three years. Newcastle and Gateshead has seen a huge uplift in cycling recently and I wanted Cycle Republic here to be a part of that. We’ll bring an incredible range of award winning cycle brands and an unparalleled workshop experience to our customers!”

The Gateshead branch is located in Allison Court, a retail park directly opposite the Metrocentre, the UK’s largest shopping and leisure complex and one which attracts twenty-one million visitors annually.

The new unit, previously occupied by electronic goods retailer Maplin, boasts over 5,500 square feet of retail space. Over 160 bikes, including nearly 30 electric bikes, and thousands of cycle accessories are to be carried.

To hear more about the Cycle Republic strategy, including why stores are offering to ride new customers to work, check in with our interview with Kimberley here.