UK retailer GO Outdoors has today announced a national roll out of cycle stores across the GO Outdoors estate, which will be completed in the next 90 days. The multi-million-pound investment is part of the brand mission ‘to inspire everyone to get outdoors for less and love it as much as they do’.
This significant investment follows the ‘phenomenal success of such stores on a trial level’. Chris Matthews, CEO of GO Outdoors said “We saw over 100% increase in bike and cycling equipment sales in our trial stores signalling that our customers are crying out for great bikes and equipment at great prices.”
He continued “The creation of these expansive cycling departments meets customers needs and looks to position GO Outdoors as the go-to retailer for all cyclists below pro. With research from Sport England showing that over 2,000,000 adults in England are now cycling at least once every week, it seems that the nation’s obsession with cycling is set to continue.”
The new concept store expansion plan will create 240 jobs across the UK and sees stores staffed by ‘a trained and highly knowledgeable team of cycling enthusiasts who are committed to finding the right bikes and equipment for customers.’
As GO Outdoors moves into peak summer season, a total of approximately 1800 jobs will be created from the combination of the retail brand’s expansion into cycling and the launch of six additional superstores this year, including the brand’s first store in Northern Ireland.
GO Outdoors adds that, with each member of staff chosen for their passion for the sport, the brand offers customers expert and honest advice alongside the widest selection of bikes and equipment in the market.
‘Each concept store will house hundreds of cycling products from road bikes to mountain bikes including the newest style from the US, fat bikes. An in-store workshop will offer personalised bike fitting and servicing to ensure shoppers are set to cycle from the shop door.’
As well as being a retail partner to top cycling brands including Orbea, Ghost and Raleigh, GO Outdoors has spent the last two years developing its own award-winning range of Calibre bikes. The company adds that, as an industry recognised brand, the Calibre bike range has received widespread recognition and awards since its launch in 2014 due to its high functionality, competitive pricing and great design.
With cycling as an acute focus for GO Outdoors this year, extensive research and development for the Calibre brand will continue.
Chris Matthews added, “Thanks to this increased investment into cycling, we have the opportunity to bring expertise, passion and, most importantly fantastic cycling equipment at great prices to local communities.”
