Bike Republic opens in Brussels, ready for French-speaking expansion
Cycling Republicthe bicycle chain of Colruyt Groupopens the doors of its first Brussels store: the group took IMP Bicycle past in Evere. The Brussels flagship store is also the starting signal for further expansion in the French-speaking part of the country.
Race to the South
Today Bike Republic, subsidiary of Colruyt Group, is taking its first steps outside Flanders: the chain of bicycle shops opens the doors of its new store in Evere, Brussels. The opening is the result of the acquisition of a local bicycle shop IMP Bicycle, which now reopens as Bike Republic Evere. The store has a retail area of up to 1500 m² and everything from electric bicycles.
For Bike Republic, which is on an expansion race met D’Ieteren-son Lucien, is the opening of a milestone. The chain wants to become part of the Belgian (e-)bike market, with about 50 to 60 stores spread across the country. “Bike Republic Evere will be our first truly bilingual store and that is an important step towards the French-speaking market in our country. We are aware of the differences between the Flemish and Walloon bicycle markets, but we can now count on the expertise of Isabelle and Michel Parmentier from IMP Bike”, says Wim Teerlynck of Bike Republic.
The chain has so far had 24 stores in Flanders, ten of which have been added in a year. Because Isabelle Parmentier is also vice-chairman of the sector federation Traxio Velo, she can now look for further opportunities. Bike Republic sees this in cargo bikes, for example, for ‘last mile delivery’ in cities. “Just think of the plumber, physiotherapist or hairdresser in Brussels who come to your home, can do this in a sustainable way and can transport. We will also respond to this much more in the future: we have the expertise and the bicycles for this in-house,” says Teerlynck.
Curious about the race on the bicycle market and how new retailers think they can win? Karel Lechat, director of Lucien tells all about it on the Retail Day on Sept 22.
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Bike Republic, Colruyt Group’s bicycle chain, opens the doors of its first Brussels store. The Brussels flagship store is also the starting signal for further expansion in the French-speaking part of the country.