This is a huge moment for us. We’ve been dreaming of opening a store in Scotland since the beginning. So to be launching our first Scottish store, in the country’s capital, is a real milestone.
This is a huge moment for us. We’ve been dreaming of opening a store in Scotland since the beginning. So to be launching our first Scottish store, in the country’s capital, is a real milestone.
Scotland is important to us. The mountains and munros, the rivers and lochs. The paths, trails and winding roads are in our DNA.
It’s a landscape that offers so much that we spend our days planning and dreaming until we can return.
Retail on the high-street is under pressure. Opening our sixth store in Edinburgh (yes sixth!) is great step for us in helping to do our part for the local community, as well as get to know our Scottish customers better.
Not only is this a milestone, but the transformation project we took on to get here was pretty outstanding (if we don’t say so ourselves).
Transforming ‘The Shed’ into our Quirky Alpkit Home
Known locally as ‘The Shed’, the building we’ve moved in to has a hundred year history.
Built for use in the paper industry, this industrial unit has recently been used for furniture sales and storage. When we first saw it, it took real vision to see the potential. Wall to wall boxes, furniture and home accessories, it was a car booters’ paradise.
It's not hard to see why it's known as 'The Shed'.
The transformation has been a real project. Our other stores had all been stores before, so basic retail infrastructure was already in place.
Edinburgh on the other hand was a blank slate.
It’s been an amazing journey to plan out our vision for Alpkit Edinburgh, but it hasn’t come without its challenges.
Being an old industrial unit, there were no home comforts like insulation. We didn’t want to end up heating the whole of Edinburgh through winter. So we got to work.
The walls have been framed, insulated and cladded. The roof has been insulated and panelled. Windows have had secondary glazing fitted.
The existing mezzanine has been expanded to make plenty of room for all those Sonder Bikes and it’s had a full rewire, been fully decorated and fitted out in true Alpkit style.
Before and after the transformation - Turning an empty industrial unit into a welcoming Alpkit store.
“I’m so proud of what the team has achieved with the Edinburgh space. Taking an industrial unit that would probably always be used as such, and turning it into something different and special. It has the usual Alpkit quirks and warming feel, but also something really unique that I hope everyone will feel when they visit.” – Mark Stacey, Head of Retail
The Edinburgh store team, along with a fantastic bunch of trades people, have been working round the clock. Keeping Covid safe in a national lockdown. Bringing us something to be proud of.
We're happy to be able to share Alpkit Edinburgh by opening our doors to the local community and our customers.
What’s on Offer?
In store you’ll find a fully functioning repair station to help keep your kit going. You can also drop your old kit into our Continuum Project donation box and we’ll get it into the hands of those who need it.
Visit our bike workshop for any trail and roadside maintenance. Get measured up with our bike fit service. Or cast your eye over (and even try out) our full range of Sonder Bikes.
Alpkit Edinburgh is located in an ideal location. We’re just down the road from the iconic Arthur’s Seat in Holyrood Park, and a stone’s throw from The Meadows. Plenty of exploring to do, right on the doorstep.
Store Manager Matt and the amazing team have a wealth of knowledge about the local and surrounding area. So whether you run, hike, climb, camp, swim or bike, if you’re in the area there’s no excuse for missing a visit… See you there!
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