GLOBAL LEADER
The opening of Ribble Cycles’ fantastic new showroom has sparked a wave of excitement, which isn’t surprising as it’s undoubtedly the best in the world – and it’s right here in the Ribble Valley
Returning to its prestigious heritage, world-renowned Ribble Cycles has opened a state-of-the-art flagship showroom in the heart of the Ribble Valley. Leading this exciting project is Commercial Director David Stacey, who says: “Personally I am really passionate about this, it is a world class experience in the Ribble Valley, which is the perfect location for cycling as we have beautiful countryside and an abundance of quiet lanes along which to explore it! Fantastic riding like this is the ideal backdrop for our world-class range of bikes.”
Located at Barrow Brook, just off the A59, the flagship showroom is just a few minutes’ drive from the M6, M65 and the national motorway network: “This was really important to us as people travel from all over the UK to visit us,” explains David. “We needed ease of access and a unit that was a blank canvas, which is exactly what we got.”
In a brand-new unit spanning a generous 2,000 sq ft, Ribble Cycles, which dates back to 1897, is bringing the brand truly into the 21st century. At the foot of majestic Pendle Hill and surrounded by stunning countryside, visitors to the flagship showroom will be greeted by Europe’s largest indoor 4K display at nine metres wide, and a fully digital retail experience.
“It is a focal point that is engaging. The showroom is of a standard that is commensurate with our worldwide brand. We wanted something that is truly the best of its kind globally,” adds David.
While manufacture will continue at the Preston site, the new Ribble Cycles showroom is leading the way in omni-channel retail whereby customers can engage with the brand however they prefer. Customers can now shop online on the website, come into the new showroom, speak to the UK-based customer service team via phone, email or text chat – or even use the ‘Virtual Showroom’ feature on the website which will connect customers to an agent in the Clitheroe store via a live video link. There has never been more ways to engage, and Ribble are confident of delivering an exceptional experience however customers choose to interact with them.
“Whichever way the customer wants to buy their bike, we have all the different options available. We just want to make sure they ultimately get the best bike for them.”
Unlike most bike retailers who stack their cycles closely together to maximise space, Ribble Cycles showcase their bikes so customers have a 360 degree view: “The way we have done it means customers can see the bikes properly, like pieces of art. They are on plinths but can be taken down so customers can touch and feel them.”
Next to each bike is a digital tablet looping a video of that particular bike in action: “It is a very immersive, sensory experience showing what the bike can do. Customers can also use the tablet to get content on the bike from our website, such as imagery and FAQs and even customer and press reviews. With each tablet customers have all the information in front of them – it’s a really exciting showroom concept.”
One of Ribble Cycles’ unique selling points is the customisation of bikes, which makes them very different to other retailers: “With our Bike Builder experience we can customise to any specification and in the new showroom we have all the options on display. If customers want to see the difference between an alloy and carbon wheel, for example, we have them here to touch and feel.
“Similarly, with our CustomColour service we have a designated area in the showroom with tube samples in a colour wheel so you can see exactly what your chosen shade looks like ‘in the flesh’ and how it will look teamed with a different shade.”
With a friendly, experienced team at the Barrow Brook showroom, customer service remains at the heart of Ribble Cycles: “If customers have never ridden a bike before – or if they are riding at professional level, we have staff that have the relevant technical experience.
“First and foremost, we want the flagship showroom to be a fun and engaging experience for everyone. We want customers to get up close and personal with our bikes, whether that’s one of the latest e-bikes, a new bike to commute to work on, or a pro-level bike to win their next race.
“The showroom and the brand have a legacy that will continue for many generations to come and we want people to be blown away by this latest chapter in Ribble Cycles’ history.”
The new Ribble Cycles showroom, just off the A59 is now open – free parking is available
Ribble Cycles
Unit 1 Barrow Brook Trade Park
Barrow Brook, Clitheroe BB7 9BQ
ribblecycles.co.uk
Monday to Friday: 9.00-20.00
Saturday: 9.00-18.00
Sunday: 11.00-17.00
