Nottinghamshire-based British bicycle brand Raleigh has announced plans to launch its first experience centre in the city. Raleigh says the new centre today which will be based on Maid Marian Way, and will focus on local consumer experiences and embrace the current and future direction of the brand.
Raleigh was founded in Nottingham in 1887, and during the company's peak in the 1970s it employed more than 13,000 across the UK. A large amount of production was moved overseas but the company still operates from a facility in Eastwood, where some manufacturing still takes place.
The new centre in the brand's hometown will exhibit hero bicycles in the centre from different chapters of their history. Such as the iconic Chopper, Burner and Grifter, alongside showcasing key milestones for the brand, including how Raleigh was created.
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The new centre will offer a social hub for likeminded people to connect, learn and gather. The purpose of the centre is to create a community space, where local schools and organisations will be invited to partake in initiatives that promote the use of safe cycling.
Planned workshops for the centre will create new jobs in the community whilst further opening up the discussion about topics that the team are passionate about, including improving the confidence in women through cycling, benefits of riding a bike for mental health or simply bike maintenance and cycling safety.
The experience centre will also offer a fully integrated shopping experience for customers. It will display the full range of Raleigh and Haibike models, along with providing the option to try out a range of sizes so customers can find out what works best for them.
Raleigh’s Managing Director, Lee Kidger, said: "Whilst consumer habits have changed and we are seeing more engagement online, we still believe that a retail store has its place in the bicycle market, consumers still want to see and test bikes before making a purchase. Moreso consumers are looking for an experience – to be excited by the brand and to build trust with a local point of contact."
Raleigh hopes to open the doors to the new centre late November and will welcome the Nottingham council to cut the ribbon. Nottingham residents will also be invited to join the opening day festivities and celebrate the new experience centre.
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