GO Outdoors To Create More Jobs Over Next Two Years

NEWS: GO Outdoors To Create 1000 New Retail Jobs in Two Years

GO Outdoors – the UK’s fastest growing outdoor retailer (www.gooutdoors.co.uk) – has revealed plans to create 1000 new retail jobs over the next two years starting with three new stores in West Yorkshire, the North East and the South East.

By June 2009, GO Outdoors will have opened a total of five new stores since the £18 million refinancing package set up with Bank of Scotland Corporate in Spring 2008. And the planned expansion targets a total of 30 stores by 2011.

Sheffield-based GO Outdoors will invest a total of £5 million in these three new store openings creating more than 150 new jobs in the process. The outdoor retailer's new expansion plans follow on from another two new successful store openings in the past three months in Wolverhampton and Bristol creating a further 80 new jobs.

GO Outdoors is now on target to operate 14 stores by the end of June – each store selling more than 20,000 big-brand price-guaranteed outdoor products.

John Graham, GO Outdoors managing director, said,

“We have big plans for GO Outdoors. And our next three stores in West Yorkshire, the North East and South East are an important part of those plans. The refinancing agreement with Bank of Scotland Corporate means we can now pursue a rapid controlled expansion plan.

“GO Outdoors actively seeks low-rent off-pitch locations and the money we save is passed on to our customers. That's why we guarantee to beat any price on any stock item sold by any of our competitors. The guarantee includes the biggest outdoor brands. It's not a promise we make lightly – but GO Outdoors customers know that if they buy from us they won't find it cheaper anywhere else.

“And it's not just about price. We have built a team who are passionate about the outdoors lifestyle and we encourage their enthusiasm when they advise customers – experts and novices alike.

“We are transforming the UK outdoor retail experience by opening the Whatever our customers need, we have thousands of products at guaranteed best prices perfect for everything from walking the dog to conquering K2; from camping in the lakes to cycling to work; from riding down mountain paths to going on a safari; and, from climbing the Three Peaks to fishing in Scotland.”

In 2007 GO Outdoors opened Scotland's largest outdoor retail outlet in Coatbridge - more than 70,000 square feet of retail space.

And in October 2008 GO Outdoors Bristol became the South West’s first themed 43,000 square feet outdoor superstore featuring a six-metre-high family-friendly climbing wall. In a break with traditional outdoor store layouts, customers enter the new store via a walk-through on a hand-made timber path. The themed area also features more than 4.5 tonnes of limestone fashioned into a hand-built dry-stone wall plus TV and demonstration areas for the different products.

David Hunt, director of commercial banking for Bank of Scotland Corporate in Sheffield, is a firm supporter of GO Outdoors’ philosophy and business model.

David said,

“This company is a fantastic example of a retail business that identified a niche and has stuck firmly to a winning formula through a combination of sound business practice linked to an entrepreneurial spirit. We had no hesitation in backing the business plan and the experienced management team that created it and everyone concerned is already seeing the benefits of the refinancing package”.

Stephen Ingram (partner in Ingram Forrest Corporate Finance) initially acted for the management team when GO Outdoors was the subject of a buy in management buy out in 1998. He was subsequently retained as financial advisor to the company and advised on the transfer of GO’s business to Bank of Scotland.

Stephen said,

“The term facility put in place for GO by Bank of Scotland was very well structured to support the company’s expansion plans. The robustness of the facility - as well as GO’s business model - is clearly evidenced by the current rate of new store openings.”

Rucksack Buying Guide - Volume 1 The Day Pack

Happy New Year everyone,

It's a New Year and fresh with your resolutions (hopefully) still in tact you're probably telling yourself that this year is finally the year you take that plunge. You do that 'something' different. You may be planning to go travelling. See some of the world out there. Europe, America, Asia, Australasia, Africa - Whatever your travel choice the travellers best friend and closest companion is of course....The Rucksack.

Anyone who has travelled will regale you with stories and tales of sights they've seen but if there's something that makes the list of 'what ifs' it's what if they had taken a bag that was right? Too hasty in buying maybe? Bought cheaper rather than what was right for them? These problems occur a lot. Many Outdoor brands are making some fantastic backpacks for whatever the need and right now is probably the best time to pick one up. Just before the season starts.

Over the next few blogs i will introduce the different features you should be looking for when buying your rucksack. This edition will be aimed at the Day Pack.

Day pack Features
The Day pack is the smallest of the rucksack family and is often a standard backpack lightweight and ideal for walking and one day use.

Many day packs lack more technical features like padded hip belts and back systems but these are generally not needed for single day use.

Bellow are a few features you should look for when buying a day pack:


1) Hydration Compatible - An internal pocket, drinking straw exit hole, and fastening for mouth piece that allow a hydration unit to be fitted to the bag.

2) Integral Rain Cover - Pack away covers in the lid or base of a rucksack give your bag extra rain protection

3) Wand Pockets - Fabric or mesh pockets which can be found on the sides which allow you to attach items for easy access. This could be ideal for Maps or food bars




4) Walking Pole Attachment - Loops or eyelets at the base of the bag and fastening higher up to keep your walking pole securely attached.

5) Compression Straps - Straps on the sides of the rucksack that will give you the use of compressing a bulky or half full bag more comfortable to carry

6) Padded Hip Belt - The more weight the bag has the higher the percentage that is carried predominantly on the hips should be. While many day packs may not have a hip belt most small packs that are designed to carry a heavier load should come with this option to help take some of the effort from your back and shoulders.



7) Hydration Unit - Some daypack models include a drinking system. This consists of a tough flexible bladder and a drinking straw mouth piece. Brands like Camelbak are famous for this type of bag. Hydration Packs can be essential for hot weather and intense activities where regular fluids are needed with ease. Great for outdoor runners, or Cyclists who take part in competitions.

8) Air Flow Back System - This is a tensioned mesh back that creates a comforting space between the bag and the users back which keeps you cool and reduces sweat on your back. These bags are great for walking or leisurely activities but not good for more intense excursions like climbing or cycling.


Hopefully these guides will help you when choosing a Backpack online as not everyone is fortunate enough to be able to drop into a store to get expert advice from sales staff.

At GO Outdoors we have a large range of Day Packs available each with their own redeeming features from some of the industries biggest brands and at some of the industries lowest prices.

View our range of Daypacks here

That's all for now,

Next time: Rucksack Buying Guide - Volume 2 The Backpack


Brandon

Merry Christmas from GO Outdoors

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Well by now you should be all shopped up, though there are a few great last minute bargains out there to be had in stores nationwide.

Hopefully you picked up all that you needed and you're looking forward to the Christmas break.

But for us there isn't much of a break as our Biggest Ever sale is set to start online at GOoutdoors.co.uk Christmas day, and in our stores (click here to find your nearest store)throughout the UK on the 26th December. Sales brochures have been sent out and the range will be on the Website Christmas day. But don't be fooled, there's more than you think if you browse the stores or the site you'll find a whole host of sale options that aren't in the brochure.

Everyone loves a bargain, but be sure to get in there quick because everything in the sale is under a 'while stocks last' policy, so when it's gone....it's probably gone.

Also be on the look out for our ten deals of Christmas. A different big saving deal each day for ten days starting Boxing Day.


So that's all the heads up i can give you.

Merry Christmas to you and yours from all the GO Outdoors Team.

http://www.gootudoors.co.uk/

That's all for now

Brandon

Outdoor Gadgets and Gifts

There aren't many shopping days left before Christmas and by now you've probably picked up the vast majority of what you're likely to buy. But one thing we've noticed is that like most years 'Gadgets' such as pocket knives, torch sets, head torches and multi-tools have been a popular buy.

We've all got that one relative who loves something like this and sits around on Christmas day fiddling around with it and showing off what it can do. It's the nearest thing to a toy a grown man can get away with. So if you have a Father, Uncle, Son, Nephew, Boyfriend, Husband, Grandfather or anyone else then think about the various outdoor Gadgets available on the market right now if you're still stuck for a last minute idea or stocking filler.

Here are a few popular choices:

Leatherman
The popular multi-tool brand have a large range of multi-tools. They are truly a one stop gadget for anyone who spends a lot of time in the outdoors. Leatherman products are robust and durable and you get what you pay for - a quality and useful multi-tool.

Leatherman Multi-Tools


Head Torches
Head Torches have been really popular through 2008. There are a wide range available from battery powered to wind up and standard or LED lighting. These range in price and some outdoor enthusiasts wouldn't pack a bag without including this useful bit of kit.

Range of Headtorches


Pocket Knives
Just as valuable as a multi-tool a pocket knife can save your life in desperate situations in the wild. There's a reason Swiss Army Knives are deemed one of the more useful things you can have when on an expedition. There are a few brands and varieties when it comes to Pocket knives so choose wisely when picking up yours.

Range of Pocket Knives


There are many gadgets for lovers of the outdoors and all of them make great gifts for Christmas, Birthdays or any other special occasion. The right gadget can keep you prepared for the worst when embracing nature.

That's all for now

Brandon

Half Price Christmas Gift Ideas from GO Outdoors

It's the 1st of December already, can you believe it?

I for one haven't started Christmas shopping yet and I'm sure I'm not alone there. With money being a big issue for a lot of people this year there's some good news from GO Outdoors as we've introduced out Half Price and Less Sale now, ready for you to pick up a few lats minute bargains for your loved ones.

Why wait till after Christmas for the sale when you can pick up something for cheap right now?

From December 1st till Christmas day the Half Price and Less Sale offers any outdoor enthusiast great value offers on some of our most popular lines throughout 2008

Gifts for Walkers
Walkers make up a vast majority of our customers and if you know somebody who enjoys walking, hiking or mountaineering then we have the cut price equipment to make their festive season.

Reductions on Walking Boots
Reductions on Waterproof Jackets
Reductions on Walking Poles

As well as big names like Mountain Equipment, Bergahus, Paramo and The North Face


Gifts for Campers
Do you know somebody with a passion for sleeping outdoors? We've also cut prices on a range from our GO Camping section

Reductions on Tents
Reductions on Rucksacks


Gifts for Gadget Lovers
There's nothing finer than a good gadget for Christmas. We've all got that person in the family who loves to show off their new present over Christmas dinner and at GO Outdoors you'll find a range of Gadgets for that person in your life.

Reductions on Multi-Tools
Reductions on Pocket Knifes
Reductions on Torches


Still at a loss? We also have Gift Vouchers available so you can let that special someone buy exactly what they want. Vouchers available in £5, £10, and £20 values.

So if you're stuck for what to buy this Christmas then head over to the GO Outdoors website or your nearest GO Outdoors store and take a look around and be inspired to buy the Outdoor enthusiast in your life exactly what they want this festive season.

That's all for now

Happy Shopping

Helping you out this 'Black Friday'

Hello again,

Black Friday may be more of an American concept. It is the name of the Friday after Thanks Giving because it marks the 'official' day that Christmas shopping begins for most Americans. You can usually find that many companies have special black Friday offers.

So in a bid to help out our customers when times are in fact pretty bad for money right now, GO Outdoors are cutting 20% off of ALL Brasher socks and 20% off of Paramo Clothing.

This sale runs hand in hand with the Price Crash sale which ends this Sunday to make way for our big Christmas blow out sale of 'Half Price and Less' which is set to start Monday December 1st 2008.

Discount Brasher Socks
Brasher have been one of 'the' names in walking and hiking for a while now, making comfortable and durable boots for all seasons. But for every good pair of boots you need a nice, thick pair of walking socks and Brasher make just that. At GO Outdoors we have a range of around 8 different styles of Brasher socks, all with 20% off! From four season socks, to lite socks, to men's and women's socks. To check out this great offer click here

Discount Paramo Clothing
Paramo have been making waves in the Outdoor clothing industry since the 80's developing their own breathable fabrics to create functional, comfortable clothing for any outdoor enthusiast. If you're still stuck for those final Christmas presents for loved ones then check out the Paramo collection at GO Outdoors and pick up a bargain you won't find at that price anywhere else. Click here to take advantage.

GO Outdoors are trying to make Christmas as painless as possible for our customers which means big offers, big name brands and low prices and our ever changing, ever evolving Christmas gift page

Stop by the website to find out more and what current offers are available or sign up for the GO Outdoors newsletter via the home page to get exclusive offers before anyone else on the web.

You can also add GO Outdoors as a friend on Facebook
Or
As a friend on Myspace

That's all for now!

Waterproof Jacket Buying Guide

Winter Jackets, Waterproof Coats - whatever you call them the Waterproof is one of the most important bits of kit for any outdoor enthusiast who wishes to brave the elements. This guide will take you through the ideal kind of Jacket for a few common disciplines. So if you're heavily into your outdoor activity or just looking for a jacket to keep you warm and dry this winter then GO Outdoors offer you the advice you need before you buy.

Activities and Usage

Lowland Walking / Rambling - Lightweight Waterproof Jackets

Ideal for the casual walker or wearer or for anyone that doesn't expect to wear the jacket all day. These jackets are best for hiking, summer trips or people packing with weight in mind and may experience a bit of rain. These jackets are also ideal for runners who don't mind running in the rain or take part in mountain marathons and fell races.

Hill Walking / Trekking - Mid weight Waterproof Jackets

These jackets are designed to function well in mountain weather to offer the highest level of weather protection for dedicated hill walkers. These jackets are made from tough fabrics and with a more technical design for the best possible performance on the mountains.

Mountaineering / Snowsports

These jackets are the highest level of waterproof protection. The jackets are best suited for people who take part in rock climbing, ice climbing, summer and winter mountaineering and the vast array of snowsports. The jackets are intended to be suitable for steep slopes and the cold wet winter weather conditions of the northern parts of Scotland.

Waterproof Jacket Features

Hood - As you lose over 30% of your body heat through your head it is important to keep it protected and warm. Your hood can be fixed or detachable and as you probably need to see where you are going when you GO Outdoors, you have to make sure that when it is done up, it doesn’t impair your vision in any way. You may also want to fit a helmet/hat under your hood, so keep an eye out for compatibility of your jackets hood for your chosen activity.

Zips - Zips are the most important closure method in all jackets. They allow you to get your jacket on quickly when the conditions worsen, or take it off when the sun appears. Some jackets have 'Zip-in Compatibility' for complete comfort and protection.

Zip-in-Compatibility - this means you can zip a specific fleece mid-layer into the jacket using inner zips. This gives you a complete layering system to protect you from cold and wet conditions.

Pit Zips and Core Vents - Zips and vents allow your body to cool down without taking off a layer. Pit zips offer fresh air for those underarms that can get sweaty if carrying a rucksack for a long period of time. Core vents, such as front zips and ventilation flaps, allow your body heat to dissipate therefore increasing ventilation and keeping you cool.

Length - Jacket length is very important to those who want to perch on a rock, patch of grass to eat their lunch while on a hike, climb or run. The length is usually measured from the base of the collar to the hem.

Long Waterproof Jackets - with drop tails aren’t just good for sitting down without getting your posterior wet, they are ideal for bikers and give great protection for walkers from the wind and rain; making sure that there isn’t a gap between your over-trousers and your jacket. These will have a shorter front due to the material usage and fit and may restrict your movement compared to shorter waterproofs.

Mid Length Waterproof Jackets - are the most common on the market, giving protection to your waist region and the top of your legs when walking.

Short Waterproof Jackets - will be more lightweight and usually pack down to a smaller size. These have been designed for use with a harness for a greater freedom of movements but gaps can be made when bending over.

Pockets - Most pockets on waterproof jackets should have storm flaps to protect the opening of the pocket from water. In newly designed jackets most of the pockets (including chest pockets) may have a mesh lining to increase ventilation, if open, through the jacket. Chest pockets can range in size and most offer space for an OS map or at least a mobile phone or snack to eat while walking. Mountaineering jackets usually only have chest pockets due to the harness reducing access to waist pockets.


Hopefully this guide will be of help to get you around some quite tricky technical terms when it comes to buying a good quality Waterproof Jacket. For a full range of Jackets and Coats for any weather condition from GO Outdoors, check below.

Men's Jackets: Click Here
Women's Jackets: Click Here
Kids Jackets: Click Here


That's all for now...

Reel Rock Film Tour 2008

The Reel Rock tour is coming to the UK,

In association with The North Face, The Reel Rock film festival is hitting the UK over the next month or so. It should be a great little get together for anyone interested in Climbing. The festival is to showcase amateur and pro production climbing and adventure videos. It's not just sitting in a room and watching the big screen though, these events are known to be great networking meet and greets for anyone interested in climbing or the outdoors to come down and share their passion with like minded people.

There should be a few decent gear give aways too at the meets and a chance to meet some of the UK's top climbers. It was a big success last year and looks to be a bigger hit this year. I recommend checking it out if you can. I'm going to be trying to get down to the event when it comes to the Climbing Works in Sheffield.

Here's the dates:

The Climbing Works - Sheffield, - Sun 9th November
Glasgow University Mountaineering Club - Glasgow, Thurs 13th November
Durham Climbing Centre - Durham, - Sun 16th November
The Tower Climbing Centre - Leicester - Sun 23rd November

All the events start at 8:30 and tickets are available on the door.


This of course was the first year Reel Rock wanted people to send in their 3 minute films for a competition to win a bunch of Climbing Gear and the chance to see their films featured on the door.

It should be a good night so check it out if you're near any of the event venues.

Or check their website for more details: http://www.reelrocktour.com

That's all from me,

Until next time!

Brandon

Kit up for the Upcoming Ski Season

If we're going to be cold, we might as well have fun doing it.

It's ski season and many, including myself are heading for the slopes in the coming months to try and ignore/push aside the prospect of 'what to buy a loved one for Christmas' because you know and i know that they never help you out. Apparently 'whatever you get will be fine' when we all know that's a bit of a lie. But that's another blog for another time.

Back to the slopes.

Around this time of year is a really good time to pick up a bargain when it comes to Skiing Equipment. It's the start of the season sale for most outdoor companies and GO Outdoors are no different. It's the time of year when the walking boots, the tents get put on the back burner to really hype up the new lines of ski clothing, so why not pick up some sale items before you head for the slopes?

I read on a few climbing and walking forums that some people are struggling to come by sallopettes. Obviously these guys are looking in the wrong places because they're quite regularly available if you know the right places to go.

You'll notice a lot of companies will really be hyping North Face and Berghaus over the next few months, and why not? They make great quality outdoor gear and are really popular among outdoor enthusiasts and skiers alike, but as with anything it pays to shop around. There are some great brands out there such as Dare 2b, Five Seasons and more. My advice would be to get in and seek out the bargains now. Everybody waits for the standard after Christmas sales, or mid-summer sales so you're likely to pick up a little something, something if you beat the crowd.

As well as the sale priced clothing and equipment you're likely to pick up a side deal or two in the process. At GO outdoors we're offering a great ski deal where when you spend over £150 on Columbia Ski wear then you have the chance to get some free ski flights, which with the rising prices of flights right now, could be a god send. It's all to do with Columbia celebrating their 70th Anniversary. This deal hasn't gone live yet and won't till November 1st so you'll have to check back on the website then for more details. Obviously the usual T&C's will apply. Check out Columbia's site for some details.

So for those heading on out to the hills this winter, hopefully you'll have an awesome time - i know i will. It's a lot of people's favourite time of year and this should be one to remember, put the Christmas shopping on hold for a week or two and get out the Ski's or the Snowboard and get wild.

Until next time!

Brandon
www.gooutdoors.co.uk

Mountain Marathon Musings

Amid talks of a credit crunch, a recession and Britney Spears day to day activities i have to wonder whether good old mother nature felt a little....left out. I say that because every time we stop complaining about the weather or our lack of a summer long enough to focus on something else - nature rears it's attention seeking side. Personally i think mother nature just likes the media attention, as seen with her full blown attack on the OMM this weekend.

The vast over-exaggeration from the news today stating that the lake district nearly became a 'morgue' was just the comic relief i needed to cheer me up after all the new equipment i bought for the mountain marathon went unused because for the first time ever it was cancelled due to the weather.

My new North Face Waterproof Jacket was really put to the test this weekend and I'm happy to say that despite the odds it did keep me dry and that's probably why I'm not one of the unfortunate people who apparently left the Lake District with hypothermia this weekend.

I'm disappointed more than anything because this year i went all out. I did a lot more training than previous times, was looking to test in view of reviewing a lot of new equipment and was ready for a tiring but fun weekend. The pocket rocket camping stove will have to remain unreviewed at this point. Setting up my tent in the living room and running on a treadmill for hours ready to settle into some dehydrated food delights and a bag of Romney's fudge just didn't have as much appeal as enduring the rigors and sheer beauty of the Lake District.

I have to say though most of us out there this weekend were blissfully unaware of the epic over-exaggeration the media was making of things to the point of me strolling back in the house a little disappointed and slightly soggy and having to explain to my partner that i hadn't just come from the worlds most disorganized event and England's worst natural disaster as the news would have you believe, but instead I'd come from a well organized, well taken care of event where the organizers had full control and made the right decision to start the marathon and to cancel it when they did. Another great testament to the hard work of the Mountain Rescuers.


Roll on next year i say.