There are fears that Evans Cycles, the UK’s largest specialist bricks-and-mortar cycling retailer, could become the latest victim of the crisis gripping the country’s High Street retail sector.
Sky News reports that ECI Partners, the private equity owners of the business founded in south London as FW Evans in 1921, are inviting bids for the business by the end of next week.
Companies approached by PricewaterhouseCoopers, appointed earlier this month by ECI Partners to explore options for the business, include other private equity firms and retailers, as well as retail turnaround specialists.
According to Sky News, it is unclear whether a potential buyer of the business, which trades from around 60 stores having expanded steadily outside its London and the south east heartland in recent years, might look to secure a company voluntary arrangement to close underperforming stores.
In common with many other businesses that trade principally from physical stores, Evans Cycles has been hit by competition from both specialist online-only retailers, as well as general internet-based retailers and, in particular, Amazon.
Price competition has squeezed margins, and at the same time the High Street has been hit by rising overheads, with a number of household names including House of Fraser and Mothercare running into major financial difficulties in recent months.
Luckily that infrastructure is versatile enough to be used for other modes....
Fair point!...
Micro-USB aside. Im interested in one for my Road One backpack but not for £30.
Indeed, some of the replies have been the most, er, productive responses. They are right, I can ride roads for free every weekend, and I do. Which...
Watch this short GNC tutorial - Tips For Getting Your Saddle Position Right https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVu5Zrktm40
The movement sensor on/off for the rear light is something I would love. But to be worthwhile it has to consume zero juice whilst off. In which...
Old Bethnal Green Road - I got distracted by the pigeons in the 'after' shot - they're definitely preferring the new lay out.
I read "The New Forest Equestrian Association claimed..." and didn't really have to go much further.
I am always left wondering if the driver really did get sent on a course. Seems like it would be an easy thing to fob the victim off with.
And your smartphone reminding you to drink more "fuel" and keep your carb intake up is very, very good - for Gatorade sales (and data harvesting).