Since 2010, the Migros subsidiary has built up a Swiss branch network with seven of its own specialist stores in cities in German- and French-speaking Switzerland, namely Zurich, Basel, Bern, St. Gallen, Geneva and Lausanne. In November 2012, the Migros subsidiary announced its aim to open up medium-sized and smaller Swiss cities with franchise partners. (Ride Business reported and interviewed m-way CEO Hans-Jörg Dohrmann)

According to a press release, the opening in Uster is a first in two respects. On the one hand, it is the first m-way specialist store to be opened outside of a major Swiss city, and on the other, it is the first to be operated by a franchise partner.

Presence in the Zurich Oberland
"Working with franchise partners offers us a good opportunity to open up new regions in addition to setting up and operating our own stores. We are delighted to have found an innovative franchise partner in Mosè Munari. With a store in the third-largest city in the canton of Zurich, we can expand our presence in the densely populated Zurich Oberland," explains Hans-Jörg Dohrmann, Managing Director of m-way.

"Uster and the entire catchment area are virtually predestined for a specialist store for electric vehicles," explains Mosè Munari, owner of the m-way store in Uster. "Firstly, there is nothing else like it here and secondly, the Zurich Oberland with its gently rolling hills is ideal for electric vehicles such as e-bikes and e-scooters, whether for everyday use, commuting to work or leisure," continues Munari.

From banking to e-biking
After leaving secondary school, Munari entered the banking industry in the early 1980s. Over the past thirty years, he has held various positions at various major Swiss and private banks in Switzerland and abroad. For some time, the sports enthusiast had been planning to become self-employed in a young and personal environment that would combine his people skills and his personal passions. As a franchise partner of m-way, Munari is now making a lateral entry into the Swiss bicycle industry and into self-employment.

Not just e-bikes
In the 100 square meter m-way store at Brunnenstrasse 4 in Uster - just behind the train station - customers will find a wide range of e-bikes, e-scooters and accessories. Great importance is attached to service in particular. All e-bikes and e-scooters are available for test rides. The specialist store also has its own workshop, which is open not only to e-bike riders but to all cyclists. "My ultimate goal is to build up a loyal customer base with a flawless service and to become the center for new sustainable mobility in our region," says Munari, formulating his vision.Opening on August 24 and 25
To mark the opening of the m-way store in Uster, Munari is hosting a grand opening weekend on Saturday and Sunday, August 24 and 25, 2013. The various vehicles can be test ridden during both days. And there will be discounts of 10 percent.

www.m-way.ch