BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
Rioters attacked Chalk Farm, North London branch of Evans Cycles in the early hours of yesterday (Tuesday) morning.
Following earlier reports, Evans has confirmed that around 70 bikes were taken from the shop, which remains closed as the firm cleans up the damage.
Chalk Farm was the only Evans store to suffer a break in, but the Croydon branch is closed due to the aftermath and police presence making the store inaccessible to customers.
“It took us all of yesterday to assess the impact of the break in as the area was cordoned off by police for a good proportion of the day," said managing director Mike Rice. "Approximately 70 or so bikes were taken from the store as well as accessories and clothing.”
“Yesterday our staff, assisted by colleagues from head office and other stores undertook a massive effort to clean up the damage, but we’re still in clean-up mode. There is a lot of work to do to get the store up and running again but we hope to be open for business again early next week.”
Evans’ overflow workshop facility in Bermondsey, South London, was also targeted by looters.
“We are conscious that this will be having an impact on our customers who have orders to collect at the store and have dropped their bikes in for repair in our workshop. We thank our customers for being patient while we assess the situation and will contact all affected customers as soon as we can.”
“In light of the situation we’re taking on-going precautions to protect our stores, our stock and safeguard our staff.”
There’s more on how the riots are affecting the bike trade here.
