Mobility company saves 85 jobs with purchase of condemned Halfords stores

A London electric mobility company has announced that it is saving 85 jobs as it takes over 11 stores from a national transport retailer.

Pure Electric, which specialises in electric transport such as scooters, is taking over 11 of Halfords’ Cycle Republic stores, which had been set to close.

Employees were informed today that all 85 jobs at the stores will be retained.

The new Pure Electric branded stores are due to open by early summer 2020, subject to government lockdown restrictions.

Adam Norris, founder of Pure Electric, said: “The world of mobility is moving incredibly fast and we’re absolutely committed to being at the forefront of this exciting sector by opening prime city-centre locations.

“Our new stores show our vision and the market potential to not only transform the way people move, but the way people try and buy e-scooters and e-bikes.

“We can’t wait to serve customers a bigger range and offer free e-bike test rides.

“Every store will have a fully equipped workshop for servicing and repairs providing a first class service for commuters.

“We’re delighted that in the process of our expansion, we’ve been able to secure 85 colleague jobs from Halfords plc, and look forward to welcoming our new colleagues to the Pure Electric team.

“We thank Graham Stapleton (CEO Halfords plc) and the team at Halfords plc for their collaborative approach.”

Peter Kimberley, previously managing director of Cycle Republic and now Pure Electric international managing director, added: “I know these fantastic high street sites well and I’m looking forward to bringing the Pure Electric brand from online to major cities across the UK, opening up new personal services including test rides to commuters and everybody who is interested in changing the way they move.

“It’s an incredibly exciting time for the world of e-bikes, e-scooters and mobility solutions.

“Personally, I’m really delighted to be able to bring along some great colleagues from Cycle Republic into the Pure Electric family.