Taiwan-based bicycle manufacturer Giant has opened its fifth UK standalone store at Rutland Water in the East Midlands. The new shop, which opened its doors last Saturday, joins existing outlets at Bristol, Cambridge, Liverpool and Twickenham, with a sixth opening soon in Bromley, South East London.
The Giant Store – Rutland Water is in Normanton on the south shore of the lake, and is run by Tim Harris, an existing independent Giant dealer, whose Rutland Group, which was recently awarded the accolade of the UK’s number-one Cytech qualified bike store by the Association of Bicycle Technicians, also operates Rutland Water Cycling and Grafham Water Cycling.
Ian Beasant, Manager Director of Giant UK, said: “We are delighted about the latest edition to our brand stores – Rutland has great facilities, we aim to offer the local community and enthusiasts a new cycling experience.”
He added: “By working closely with quality retailers the brand store experience is helping us understand consumer demands.”
The new store showcases the whole Giant range, including a hire and demo fleet, with custom bike fitting available as well as a comprehensive range of accessories.
Paul Rymer, Store Manager, said: “We are really looking forward to working in the Giant brand store environment. Giant are already a familiar name around Rutland, now we will have the complete Giant experience to offer our customers.”
Besides the soon-to-open Bromley store, Giant plans to roll out the concept in other key locations and is in discussions with a number of potential partners.
Giant Store - Rutland Water
Normanton Car Park, South Shore, Nr Edith Weston, Rutland LE15 8HD
Opening time (Summer)
Mon - Fri: 9am till 6pm / Sat & Sun: 9am till 6.30pm
Simon has been news editor at road.cc since 2009, reporting on 10 editions and counting of pro cycling’s biggest races such as the Tour de France, stories on issues including infrastructure and campaigning, and interviewing some of the biggest names in cycling. A law and languages graduate, published translator and former retail analyst, his background has proved invaluable in reporting on issues as diverse as cycling-related court cases, anti-doping investigations, and the bike industry. He splits his time between London and Cambridge, and loves taking his miniature schnauzer Elodie on adventures in the basket of her Elephant Bike.