The Bike-Shed.com store, which opened in the discount retailer’s Huddersfield shop on May 10, is the first of up to 15 similar ‘store within a store’ outlets Direct Golf is considering opening.
At 4,000 sq ft, the shop is open seven days a week and holds more than £150,000-worth of stock.
“The diversification into cycling has been in the pipeline for a number of years,” store manager Joe Vanyuscsak says.
“It was something our owner, John Andrew, has been very keen to do for some time.
“But the time needed to be right and the improvement in the economy, allied to the Tour de France’s visit to Yorkshire this summer, means the timing is perfect for us.
“And, of course, the Bike-Shed.com brand benefits from the experience gained in 23 years of successful retailing achieved by Direct Golf.”
The store stocks a 50/50 split between road and off-road bikes.
Vanyuscsak adds: “We are catering for all levels of cyclist, from the first-time buyer to the serious rider who requires a higher spec bike and specialist advice and knowledge.
“To that end, we have an in-house mechanic who is Cytech qualified – the bicycle industry’s recognised training and qualification scheme for mechanics and retail staff – heading our service and repair centre.”
Direct Golf has 20 stores in the UK.
