Retailer JD Outdoors to open over a dozen new stores as Brits get outside

Outdoors retailer, JD Outdoors, the name behind brands such as GO Outdoors, Blacks and Millets, has announced the opening of over a dozen new stores by the end of the summer.

This comes amid what JD describes as a “huge spike in demand” for outdoor products, as Britain spends more time outside in the UK and Europe.

Adding nearly half a million square feet of retail space and creating over 400 jobs already this year, including new premises in Bangor, Swindon, Newcastle, Bury and Derby, the retailer is offering more customers than ever the largest selection of outdoor equipment and apparel under the convenience of one roof.

Activities including camping, hiking, cycling, and fishing have seen increases in demand for related equipment since before the pandemic. Traffic on the GO Outdoors website for “camping” so far this year is up +44 per cent vs 2019, alongside “walking” (+69 per cent), “cycling” (+21 per cent) and “fishing” (+72 per cent).

Carly Czuba, marketing director of JD Outdoors, commented on the retailer’s recent growth: “We are absolutely delighted with the success of the new stores, and we’re not done yet.

“Each store has proven hugely popular in its respective community, with crowds queuing in their hundreds to celebrate the openings and meet a range of outdoor enthusiasts.

“We invited our brand ambassadors David Seaman, Helen Skelton, and Julia Bradbury to open the stores, and share tales of their epic outdoor experiences with our customers. You could feel the buzz at each opening event – customers in Newcastle even camped overnight!

“Our GO Outdoors members club has grown phenomenally, with the stores significantly contributing towards the total registration and is now the largest outdoor club in Europe.”

Lee Bagnall, CEO of JD Outdoors, added: “I am delighted that our stores and team continue to grow and to inspire and equip thousands of people to enjoy the Great British outdoors and National Parks.

“Our outdoor businesses had a much-improved year with an elevated demand for holidays in the UK and a general recognition of the physical and mental health benefits of spending time outdoors combining to drive strong demand for outdoor living and cycling categories in particular.”

GO Outdoors is set to open three more new stores in Yorkshire, Cornwall and Sheffield alongside investing in new store formats in a further three during the rest of 2022.

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