BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
British e-bike brand, Volt, will be stocked by Selfridges, the luxury department store with locations in London, Birmingham and Manchester.
Visitors will find the retailer showing four models from Volt’s award-winning range of UK-built and designed e-bikes in-store, with test rides available, enabling even more members of the public to experience an e-bike.
This part of the retail partnership is particularly important.
Taking bikes where people (not cyclists) are found represents a critical element in a growth strategy that benefits the entire industry: More people on bikes is good for everyone.
As an industry, we acknowledge that a significant section of the general public find the idea of entering a specialist cycle retailer a daunting prospect.
Specialist retailers with a passion for cycling often do a great job serving fellow enthusiasts, but can find it more challenging talking with non-cyclists. As a former member of staff in a number of bike shops, I have seen this first-hand, from both the staff and customer viewpoint.
Mainstream retailer partnerships represent a powerful tool for businesses like Volt, aiming to support and encourage members of the public embracing bikes for leisure or commuting as sustainable active travel.
Volt, MD and co-founder, James Metcalfe commented: “We’re thrilled to join Selfridges’ esteemed family as they look towards the future and help bring sustainable transport choices to consumers. With a legacy of curating forward-thinking, innovative brands, Selfridges is the perfect partner to help us bring our bikes to even more customers, both in-store and online.”
Selfridges is set to feature the Burlington, Connect, Metro, and LITE as part of its new in-store offering – a curated selection of folding and non-folding bikes, ensuring customers have plenty of choice.
Volt’s range is now available in the ‘Smartech’ section of its London store, designed to showcase innovative and cutting-edge technology products from some of the world’s most exciting brands. Selfridges’ customers can test-ride Volt’s exceptional bikes on-site and see for themselves why Volt was named BikeBiz micromobility brand of the year in 2023 and shortlisted in 2024.
High Street retail partnerships
The partnership with Selfridges marks VOLT’s latest collaboration with a renowned British retailer, following its launch with John Lewis last year. These partnerships reflect “Volt’s commitment to aligning with iconic brands that share its dedication to quality, innovation, and an exceptional customer experience”.
Rory McCloskey, director of business development, Smartech Retail Group, said: “We’re especially excited to welcome Volt, a leading homegrown British brand, into The Bike Shop at Smartech, Selfridges, London. More than just transport, it’s a celebration of local innovation, thoughtful design, and the future of conscious urban living.”
About Smartech Retail Group:
Founded in 2016, Smartech Retail Group is a future-facing experiential retail company built to champion boundary-pushing ideas and the creators behind them. With 4 flagship locations across Europe and a portfolio of 500+ global brand partners, Smartech exists to bring innovation to life through immersive, design-led experiences that inspire curiosity, creativity, and discovery.
