Go Outdoors stores roll out new specialist cycling departments

Cardiff is to be the first in the country to benefit from a new cycling specialist retailer located in Go Outdoors stores.

The UK’s largest outdoor retailer is to roll out what it calls a cycling concept - a new department staffed by expert assistants.

Barry Dunn, Head of Cycling said: "Thanks to the new department opening, we’ll have the opportunity to bring expertise, passion and most importantly fantastic cycling equipment at great prices to Cardiff.

"From our own award-winning bikes to famed brands including Orbea and Ghost, our range, with a wide offering of clothing and accessories, is set to equip locals with all the cycling equipment they could possibly desire whether they are starting out in cycling or an avid fan.

The concept could then roll out to more stores across the UK, with the retailer citing significant investment in the sector as being central to their plans. They say as many as 120 jobs could be created as a result.

Less than six months ago we reported how first-half pre-tax profit fell by almost six per cent at Halfords with the firm blaming ‘disappointing’ cycling performance in the second quarter for the drop.

The company posted profit before tax of £46.4m for the six months up to October 2, 2015 against £49.4m for the same period the previous year despite an increase in revenue of 1.8 per cent.

Chief executive, Jill McDonald, said that while the motoring side of the business performed well and in-store service sales grew strongly, cycling performance in the second quarter was disappointing. “Given the seasonal mix towards cycling during the summer, this contributed to the decline in group profitability for the period."

The firm had previously reported decreased trading for the eight-week period from July 4, 2015 to August 28 2015, blaming poor weather and increased discounting on major brands for an 11 per cent drop compared to the same period the year before.

But specialism seems to pay off, as we recently reported that Velo Vixen, an online clothing store for fashion-conscious female cyclists, has managed to raise half a million pounds in outside investment to expand.

The store, which won awards for its female specific offerings last year, aims to be a friendly space where women of athletic and more leisurely persuasions can find clothing to fit, flatter and perform.

The owners say it is arguably the biggest ever UK investment into a female specific cycling operation.”