CHESSINGTON, UK – After recently opened stores in the USA, Specialized is to open in November its first concept store in Europe. The Specialized store will be located in Chester, in the UK. The American bike maker says about this new move: “As part of a continuing strategy to develop a tool to grow the overall cycling market, the Specialized Concept Store (Chester) Ltd is an innovative retail experience that serves cycling enthusiasts with a depth of products and range of services.”
The store will be owned and managed by Bike Factory, a retailer of Specialized products for over 20 years. The Concept Store will be located next to Bike Factory, however it will be run and managed separately. The store will cover 3,500sq feet on two floors and will use the same designs and fixtures as the recently opened stores in the USA. Specialized bicycles and equipment will be sold exclusively but other products and brands such as locks or lighting can be sold alongside the Specialized range for a complete experience in this new professional, elegant and non-intimidating environment.
Richard Hemington, Managing Director of Specialized in the UK says: “The Specialized brand in partnership with our dealers is ready to make this step. We have no intention to take over existing businesses that are successful with their current store and brand mix. We seek to add outlets in locations where existing dealers feel there is opportunity to do so”.
More at: www.specializeduk.com
by
Bike Europe
25 Oct 2006