What will happen to Bike World? This question was not only on the minds of the more than 130 employees of the Migros subsidiary, but also many other bicycle retailers in Switzerland. The sale or even liquidation threatens to flood the bike market in Switzerland with even more discounted goods.

Now it is clear: Thömus is taking over 12 of the 16 locations as well as all 111 employees and 22 apprentices. The new owner will make the staff of the stores in Hinwil and Winterthur a job offer at another location, according to a statement from the Migros Cooperative Federation FMC. Apparently, several companies were interested in Bike World. When asked by Ride, the FMC explained why it opted for Thömus as follows: "The top priority was to find the best possible solution for our employees. This was followed by criteria such as taking over as many locations as possible, attractive conditions and the desire to conclude the deal as quickly as possible. In Thömus, we have found the ideal buyer."

"Migros Bike World" until February 1, Thömus Bike World from March 1, 2025

The stores will reopen on March 1, 2025 under the name Thömus Bike World. The FMC already decided in June to close the Bike World stores in Vernier and Gland at the end of September 2024 and has drawn up a redundancy plan for their employees. Thömus is only taking on the employees of the 14 remaining branches.

And as far as the discount battle is concerned, it has already begun, as a look at the online store shows. According to Thömus CEO Thomas Binggeli, it is part of the agreement that the discount in Bike World will remain within the normal market range until the stores are closed for the transformation into Thömus Bike World. New products will still be purchased selectively, explains the FMC, "the existing range will basically be sold off."