When the Federal Council used emergency legislation to curb the spread of coronavirus from March 16, there was a special regulation for workshops for means of transport. This also applies to bike stores whose workshops can be operational. However, the procedure for bike sales is cumbersome: test rides are possible, but the contact surfaces on the bikes must be disinfected. Consultations are permitted via telephone, email or video chat, and a consultation in the open air is permitted, but not inside the bike store. According to today's point de presse from the Federal Council, this regime will not change until May 11th.

"The situation is currently such that the sales premises of the two-wheeler companies will not open until May 11. We are disappointed by this decision. Our businesses now have four weeks of experience with this extraordinary situation. During this time, they have learned how to maintain the necessary distances and hygiene regulations, how the payment process must be carried out and what other measures are necessary in the store. The two-wheeler businesses have done very well. The disappointment is great, because the two-wheeler stores have proven that they could open very quickly."

Home improvement store vs. specialist retailer

It is also worth noting that DIY stores can open from April 27. DIY stores usually have a bike department: this means that DIY stores can easily get a slice of the bike sales pie in what is actually the most sales-intensive spring period. Swiss bike stores have to start the race late because, as mentioned, they can only open their sales areas on May 11. DIY bike departments are not involved in the high-end bike segment, while DIY stores and specialist retailers are competing with each other in the children's and beginner's bike segment.