Go Outdoors has unveiled the largest outdoor retail store in Europe, located in York, aiming to revolutionize customer experiences.
- The new store, set in a massive 125,000 sq ft space, hosts 380 brands, appealing to diverse outdoor enthusiasts.
- Innovative technology such as foot scanning machines is introduced to enhance customer service and provide a perfect fit.
- A strategic move to include branded concessions aims to broaden offerings and attract different customer bases.
- CEO Lee Bagnall emphasizes modernizing the outdoor industry by expanding brand variety despite weather-dependent challenges.
On September 7, Go Outdoors, owned by JD Sports, opened the largest outdoor store in Europe at York’s Vangarde Shopping Park. This significant launch aims to enhance the shopping experience for outdoor enthusiasts by offering a wide array of products and services. The spacious 125,000 sq ft site, previously home to John Lewis, was inaugurated by the brand ambassador and TV personality Helen Skelton. It stocks an impressive 380 brands including renowned names like Adidas, Dickies, Salomon, Merrell, and Oakley, alongside newer labels such as Sweaty Betty and Under Armour.
The store also features 30 branded concessions. These partnerships, with leaders like Adidas’ hiking and trail running line Terrex and the outdoor accessories brand Yeti, provide customers luxury and specialized options catering to various specific interests, thereby enhancing the overall shopping experience. Concessions aim to fill expertise gaps in categories where Go Outdoors does not hold direct expertise.
In a bid to ‘de-weather’ their business, the company is integrating advanced technology and expanding their brand variety. The introduction of foot scanning machines is a technological innovation that allows customers to obtain shoe size recommendations and directions for in-store location of products, optimizing the overall customer experience. By offering a diverse selection of clothing and equipment, including leisure and athletic products, the company targets modern consumers who prefer style along with functionality in their outdoor gear.
Go Outdoors CEO Lee Bagnall highlights the strategic expansion and modernization efforts to maintain relevance in an industry heavily impacted by weather variations. The store’s launch is part of a larger expansion strategy that will see two more openings before the end of the year, increasing the total number of UK locations to 95. This expansion aims to attract a broader audience and accommodate various outdoor activities, demonstrating forward-thinking leadership in a competitive retail environment.
Go Outdoors is modernizing and expanding its retail strategy to stay competitive and cater to diverse customer needs.
