March 27, 2013 (Sherbrooke, Quebec) – Ekoi America opened its first retail concept store in North America on March 21 in the city of Sherbrooke, Quebec. The new shop complements stores already operating in France, Portugal and Germany. The French brand, with head office in the South of France, is primarily an on-line retailer of cycling clothing, helmets and other accessories, but Ekoi is also seeing success with its brick and mortar operations. Ekoi America was established in Canada in 2010.

Pedal was on site for the grand opening where Ekoi America president Sébastien Hue told us that while the brand is seeing success world wide, some people do not feel comfortable buying directly from a website, which was the impetus behind establishing retail concept stores in Europe and now in North America – full interview with Hue is below. Hue added that boutiques in Montreal, Quebec City and Toronto may also be in the works down the road as the company plans to expand further into the North American market.

The new store launch attracted people from the Sherbrooke area as well as fans from as far away as Montreal. Ekoi also sponsors one of Canada’s three UCI-level teams and many cyclists, including recently retired pro rider Pierre Olivier Boily, were on hand. Food and refreshments were served in a festive atmosphere as product sales were also available. For more info visit www.ekoi.ca.