De Scheemaeker: Building a New Future for a New Generation
On March 15, 2025, a significant portion of the bicycle wholesale company De Scheemaeker from Bruges was engulfed in flames. This unfortunate event occurred just as Frank was preparing to pass on his life’s work to his children, Lies and Thijs. Now, 18 months later, the initial groundwork for the new building has begun. It’s a story of a family business that had to start anew while simultaneously constructing its future.
The date of March 15, 2025, will be etched in memory for the De Scheemaeker family. A devastating fire ravaged much of the company, which boasts a history dating back to 1894. Frank had expanded the business over the decades. Thankfully, no one was injured, but the material losses were catastrophic.
At 66, Frank faced an unfortunate timing of uncertainty. He was poised to transfer the reins to his children, anticipating a new phase in life when the fire struck. “It was an unbelievable shock for our family and employees. Some have been with us for over 25 years, witnessing the company grow. To see everything go up in flames was incredibly hard,” he reflected.
However, the family did not linger in despair. The fire occurred on a Saturday, and by Monday morning, the entire team was back together, united by a single goal: how to regain access to their bicycles as swiftly as possible.
They relocated their offices to a rented showroom space on Lieven Bauwensstraat and found a warehouse for bicycle storage a few buildings away. Thanks to cooperation with European suppliers, deliveries resumed relatively quickly, albeit with smaller quantities and a limited selection, allowing the business to continue.
“Buildings can be rebuilt, but the people who dedicate themselves daily to the company are irreplaceable,” Frank emphasizes.
The commitment of the employees has made all the difference. The family understands that the rapid restart would never have been possible without the team’s unwavering dedication. This devotion deserves more than just a simple thank-you. Behind the success of De Scheemaeker lies a workforce that pours their hearts and souls into their roles.
On October 21, 2026, the first shovel hit the ground for the new establishment—an eagerly anticipated moment for the family and employees alike. Ambitious plans have been drawn up. The new facility is expected to be completed by New Year’s Eve, while the entire building, including offices, showrooms, workshops, and meeting rooms, is slated to be ready by June 1, 2027, with the family remaining aware of potential delays.
The new warehouse will be shorter but taller, allowing for a more efficient stacking of pallets. It will house a larger showroom and a training area for bicycle retailers. With the rapid advancements in electric motors, batteries, and electronic drivetrains, this technical support is more vital than ever.
Retailers can refer their customers back to De Scheemaeker to explore the full range of offerings, while orders and final deliveries will continue through local bicycle dealers.
By late 2027, Frank will officially hand the baton to Lies and Thijs, with James assisting them as their right-hand man. Lies will take charge of orders for France alongside her father and welcome visitors in the showroom. Thijs will focus primarily on internal organization and the website. Frank will maintain an overarching view and keep in touch with various suppliers.
“Thank you all for your hard work!” Frank says to the team.
The new generation is intent on preserving the strengths of the family business while also introducing their unique perspectives. Particularly, the selection of brands and models will evolve. For years, Frank relied on his experience and suppliers, often guided by gut feeling. Lies and Thijs aim to back their decisions with market research.
This push for informed decision-making is crucial. The bike sector is evolving rapidly, where new motor technologies, larger batteries, and changing customer expectations make selecting new models increasingly complex.
They also plan to adopt a new commercial strategy that focuses more on wholesale activities, larger orders, and competitive pricing. Individual customers will primarily need to schedule appointments for visits—a practical decision considering the current flow of walk-in customers that often disrupts staff productivity.
Personal service to bicycle retailers remains essential and has been a cornerstone of De Scheemaeker’s success, a sentiment that the family will not forget.
The collaboration with Italian bicycle brands like Olympia and Lombardo aligns well with these futuristic aspirations. Both companies, like De Scheemaeker, are family enterprises that take their work seriously, instilling a sense of connection in their products. Particularly, Olympia opens new avenues of opportunity, as the family recognizes a growing interest in electric mountain bikes, gravel bikes, and racing bikes—a previously missing segment in their offerings.
Olympia collaborates with multiple motor suppliers, including Bosch, Avinox, Polini, and Bafang, catering to both demanding athletes and casual cyclists who ride their mountain bikes only occasionally. Affordable models receive equal attention regarding finish and quality.
This commercial partnership also presents benefits. As an agent, De Scheemaeker will not need to stock all models, while hoping that the appeal of Olympia will attract new bicycle retailers who may develop interest in their other offerings later.
Lombardo complements this range with bicycles for daily mobility across various price points, providing De Scheemaeker with additional options to meet emerging market needs.
Despite the complications introduced by the fire regarding generational transition, Lies and Thijs will have the chance to set their own direction in a fully revamped business. Their primary focus isn’t necessarily on new brands or advanced technologies, but rather on restoring efficient operations. Currently, they waste substantial time retrieving bike parts from three different locations, leading to unavoidable frustrations.
This may appear less ambitious for a business striving for a bright future, but after a year and a half of improvisation, everyone understands how valuable a well-organized warehouse can be.
For Frank, witnessing the completion of the new building will undoubtedly be a profound moment. He will be able to pass on the company he dedicated years to rebuilding to his children. And if he happens to drop by each morning? No one would bat an eye.
Sources
- E-bike Magazine 2026 Articles
- Industry Reports on Bicycle Retail Trends 2026
- News on European Bicycle Manufacturers 2026
