BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
All Terrain Cycles has opened a ‘cycling megastore’ in Wetherby, Yorkshire ahead of the arrival of the Tour de France’s Grand Depart.
Costing around £1 million, the two-storey, 9,000 sq ft showroom has over 1,000 mountain, road and BMX bikes as well as clothing and accessories in stock.
Located on Audby Lane on the outskirts of the town, close to the A1, the retail unit has undergone a complete refurbishment to transform it into a modern showroom selling leading brands such as Trek and Cannondale. It also features a workshop staffed by trained mechanics.
Councillor Tom Murray, Lord Mayor of Leeds, mounted a custom-built racing tricycle to mark the launch of the new store earlier this week.
“Since gaining planning permission in early April, we have pulled out all the stops to create a state-of-the-art cycling superstore,” said All Terrain Cycles managing director Tony Booth. “We’ve now completed the fit-out of the ground floor, first floor showrooms and workshop and have been welcoming our first customers this week.”
Mr Booth continues: “The timing couldn’t be better given the mounting excitement around the Grand Depart. We’re already seeing increasing numbers of cyclists enjoying the Yorkshire countryside and we anticipate that, much like Wimbledon, interest in the sport will increase after July as it benefits from an enhanced profile. We expect to see a marked uplift in sales in the 18 months after the tour.
“The combination of our Wetherby and Saltaire outlets will put us within reach of a huge number of customers who want to see and try the bikes before they buy. As well as a massive choice, they will also be able to take advantage of attractive finance options and expert advice from our friendly, trained staff.”
The All Terrain Cycles business was originally established in 1907 and the success of its thriving retail outlet at Salts Mill, Saltaire in Shipley, as well as a growing online business, have enabled it to open its second store in the region and become one of the largest cycle retailers in the North of England, boasting a turnover of £3m.
Further to its two branches, the business also has a 12,000 sq ft warehouse at Salts Mill that is the base for the firm’s thriving e-commerce business.
