Member Article

Edinburgh Bicycle Cooperative to expand Manchester presence

Co-operative cycling retailer, Edinburgh Bicycle Co-operative, has announced plans for growth and significant investment in its Manchester store.

Its Manchester branch, located on Wilmslow Road opposite the Whitworth Art Gallery, opened in 2007 and covers 7,000 sq ft of retail space.

To date, the retailer now possesses stores in Newcastle, Leeds, Manchester and Sheffield and boasts 175 staff, including 120 members or (‘owners’), and the business’ turnover is just under £12m

The plans have seen the retailer announce a growth target for Manchester of 10% in the next 12 months.

In order to achieve this growth, the co-operative aims to increase its investments in marketing and staffing for the Manchester store by 30% and 25% respectively by 2020.

The store also expects to see an increase in revenue for its Manchester interests as a result of the Oxford Road Corridor development, which will see the creation of Dutch-style cycle lanes.

Deputy managing director at Edinburgh Bicycle Co-operative, Alan Nestor, said: “Greater Manchester has a vibrant, established cycling culture which we proud to be a part of and are excited to be involved in aiding the growth of.

“Manchester is a city under development where cycling is concerned, and we are proud to be at the heart of that, working with Transport for Greater Manchester to improve and increase the culture of cycling in the city.

“Our own growth plans are part of this ambition, and we believe more cycling equals a better environment, and so are keen to ensure we can support any initiatives within the local area to promote cycling and cycle use.

“Investment in our stores is important to us, as we are a business driven by a quality customer experience.

“At the root of our co-operative ethos is the idea that we are putting owners in front of customers.

“In doing so we are ensuring an investment and care in the service delivery and customer experience, as when they come into the store they will, in most cases, be speaking with someone who owns the business.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sophia Taha .