Bicycles are in abundance again, but queues for repairs are threatening to get long

Major players such as D’Ieteren and Colruyt are throwing themselves into the growing market. By buying up small bike shops and attaching them to their chains. “That is not a direct result of the boom that the sector experienced during the corona crisis, but rather a catch-up movement, you have seen this in the Netherlands for some time,” says Filip Rylant. “Small players are anchoring themselves locally and are focusing on a niche range. In cities you see shops that specialize in cargo or longtail bikes on which you can transport children or goods.”

”Chains can build up larger stocks due to a larger cash flow. Attracting technical personnel for repairs is also difficult for larger chains.”