Go Outdoors is set to open Europe’s largest outdoor store in York’s Vangarde Shopping Park, previously a John Lewis site.
- The store spans a massive 125,000 sq ft and features 380 brands, including Adidas and Salomon.
- The opening will create 42 new jobs, with a significant portion being filled by local hires.
- A unique Alpine Café will provide fresh, locally-sourced meals, enhancing the shopping experience.
- Brand ambassador Helen Skelton is scheduled to host the opening weekend festivities.
In a landmark move, Go Outdoors is preparing to launch what it claims to be the largest outdoor store in Europe, occupying a vast 125,000 sq ft space in York’s Vangarde Shopping Park. Formerly home to John Lewis, the store is set to open its doors to the public on 23 August, with an event hosted by television personality and brand ambassador Helen Skelton slated for 7-8 September.
A comprehensive retail experience awaits visitors, as the store will showcase an impressive array of 380 brands, encompassing well-known names such as Adidas, Dickies, Salomon, Merrell, and Oakley. Additionally, it will introduce new brands like Sweaty Betty, Under Armour, and Regatta X Orla Kiely, broadening the choice for consumers. The store will also accommodate 30 branded concessions, among which Adidas’s trailblazing hiking and trail running line, Terrex, will make its inaugural appearance.
To complement the extensive retail offerings, the store will feature a new concept eatery, the Alpine Café, which promises to serve freshly prepared meals using locally-sourced ingredients. This fusion of retail and dining is anticipated to create a hub for the community, where customers can enjoy a relaxed and refreshing shopping environment.
Significantly, the opening of this flagship store is expected to generate 42 new employment opportunities, with 28 positions set to be filled by personnel from the previous Go Outdoors store in York. Go Outdoors CEO Lee Bagnall expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating that the aim is to deliver top-tier brands and products to the York community through this pioneering retail initiative.
Vangarde Shopping Centre manager Deb O’Donnell lauded the development, highlighting that it offers more than just a shopping experience. She emphasised that the store would serve as a communal meeting space for outdoor enthusiasts, fostering a vibrant community atmosphere.
Go Outdoors’ new store in York promises to be a transformative retail and communal hub, offering extensive brands and a unique dining experience.
