Evans Cycles has announced it will reopen eleven stores to help keep key workers on the move during the coronavirus outbreak.
Stores at Kingston, Cheltenham, Gatwick, Reading, Guildford, Manchester - Trafford, Sheffield and Leicester have been reopened. Three London stores at Clapham, Notting Hill and Kings Cross are also open.
Evans say the stores "will be staffed by those who have volunteered to return to work and are keen to play their part in supporting key workers during the virus outbreak."
The brand, which is owned by Mike Ashley, came under fire last week for raising the price of indoor bike trainers above RRP in response to increased demand. However, Evans Cycles hope that by reopening some stores they can provide assistance to what they say is an increasing number of people travelling by bike for essential journeys.
As a transport provider, bicycle shops are listed as essential retailers on the Government's official guidance.
Strict safety measures have been introduced to the stores, including limiting how many customers can enter at any given time, marking out '2 metre zones' throughout the shop floor and imposing contactless payment.
Evans Cycles will continue to offer a free bike MOT to key workers, to help those on the front-line travel safely. Pumping up tyres, adjusting brakes and offering mechanical advice to keep the bikes of those who need them most in action.
A spokesperson from Evans Cycles said: "We have already seen that the bicycle is becoming a preferred means to keep key workers moving. With this in mind, where it is possible and safe to do so, a selection of our stores will reopen focusing on essential maintenance services or to provide parts that will help people stay safe on the road. Early feedback from customers has been very positive and they clearly value the support we are providing at this time."
"This is not business as usual. Maintaining the wellbeing of our store colleagues and customers is essential and, as such, stores will follow stringent measures on social distancing and cleanliness. We urge all customers to follow the Government's guidance and only travel to our stores where necessary. We will continue to review which stores are open, ensuring we strike the right balance between providing essential services and protecting the health of colleagues and customers."
Where possible, customers are encouraged to use the online shop and home delivery service which remains the safest way to shop. Evans Cycles 'Click and Collect' service has also been suspended.
Evans Cycles spokesperson continued: "All of the staff at Evans Cycles would like to sincerely thank customers for their continued support in these uncertain times. Their patience and loyalty as we work through this rapidly developing situation is greatly appreciated. The team is doing everything possible to maintain high customer service standards during these extraordinary times."
Customers can find up to date information about their local Evans Cycles stores, including which stores are open, on the dedicated store finder pages at evanscycles.com.
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