The Rapha Cycle Club is a serious shopping spot for biker enthusiasts looking to get their fix of style-conscious yet still performance-ready apparel.
Found in London's Soho, the Rapha Cycle Club is like a god-like gateway to the pricy lands of an exclusive designer brand. Its exterior rivals even the most mod offices and stores of the avant-garde fashion district. On the contrary, the interior features industrial pipe over-hangings and concrete floors -- giving the space an appropriate garage-like feel. The upscale store fosters a pleasant feeling of community, providing free wall bike racks, coffee, tea and a communal table. By fusing cafe and retail store, the selection of expensive bike bags, windbreakers and helmets becomes that much more appealing.
Even if you're not into exercise, the cycle club sounds like the pretty cool place to hangout.
Upscale Bike Stores
The Rapha Cycle Club is a Mod Haven for Exercise Enthusiasts
Trend Themes
1. Luxury Cycling Apparel - There is an opportunity to disrupt the high-end cycling apparel industry by creating luxury products that are both stylish and performance-ready.
2. Community-focused Retail - The fusion of cafe and retail store creates an atmosphere of community and could be applied to other industries such as running or outdoor sports equipment stores.
3. Industrial Interior Design - The use of industrial design elements in retail spaces could be a disruptive innovation in the fashion industry by creating unique and memorable shopping experiences.
Industry Implications
1. Cycling Accessories - Companies could introduce high-end accessories such as bike bags and helmets that cater to style-conscious cyclists and provide both function and fashion.
2. Coffee Shops - Coffee shops could incorporate retail sections to create a community-focused space that not only offers coffee and pastries but also sells products related to the coffee making process such as high-end mugs or brewing equipment.
3. Athletic Retail - Other athletic retail stores such as running or outdoor sports equipment stores could create a similar welcoming environment and sense of community through the fusion of cafe and retail space.