Last weekend, we embarked on an exciting journey to the newly unveiled GO Outdoors store in York, which stands as the largest of its kind in Europe. Situated in the former John Lewis site at the Vangarde Shopping Centre, this massive outdoor retail haven offers a unique shopping experience, especially for those passionate about camping, bushcraft, and outdoor adventures.
A Grand Opening: The New GO Outdoors Experience
While the store officially opened its doors on August 22, 2024, the real excitement is just around the corner with the grand opening weekend scheduled for September 7-8, 2024. This event promises to be a highlight for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. The transformation of the old John Lewis building into this expansive retail space has generated significant buzz, making it a must-visit destination for anyone with a love for the outdoors.
GO Outdoors has truly redefined the shopping experience for outdoor gear and adventure equipment. The store is not only the largest GO Outdoors location in Europe but also features an impressive collection of outdoor essentials and specialist gear, making it a treasure trove for anyone involved in camping, bushcraft, or prepping.
The Highlight of the Visit: The Yeti Collection
As a huge Yeti fan, my primary reason for visiting was to explore the store’s extensive Yeti collection. GO Outdoors boasts the largest selection of Yeti products in Europe, offering everything from rugged coolers to durable drinkware. This collection is a dream come true for those who value high-quality, reliable gear for their outdoor adventures.
While the store's Yeti range was indeed comprehensive, I noticed that some core items were absent from the shelves. Specifically, the Camino totes and Panga dry bags were not available, which was a little disappointing. Nevertheless, the store still provided a vast array of Yeti gear, including popular items like the Roadie coolers and a complete selection Rambler drinkware including the latest colours such as Key Lime, and King Crab.
An Array of Activities and Experiences: Grand Opening Weekend Events
In addition to its impressive product range, the GO Outdoors store in York has planned a series of exciting activities and events for its grand opening weekend on September 7-8, 2024. Here’s what you can expect:
Opening Ceremony with Helen Skelton: The grand opening weekend will be kicked off by a special appearance from TV star and GO Outdoors brand ambassador, Helen Skelton. Known for her adventurous spirit and engaging television presence, Skelton will cut the ribbon to officially launch the store’s celebrations.
Exclusive Goodie Bags: The first 500 groups of people entering the store on Saturday will receive free goodie bags. These bags are filled with outdoor essentials and are a great way to kick off your visit.
Brand Demonstrations and Expert Advice: Throughout the weekend, there will be live demonstrations from top brands such as Weber and Campingaz. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn from the best in the business. Additionally, you’ll have the chance to meet brand experts from Garmin, Adidas Terrex, Hunter, Montane, The North Face, and Thule. Their insights can help you make informed decisions about the gear you need for your next adventure.
Family-Friendly Entertainment: The store will also host a variety of family-friendly activities, including face painters, balloon modellers, and DJs. These activities ensure there’s something for everyone to enjoy, making it a perfect outing for the whole family. Plus, there will be prizes to be won alongside the goodie bags.
What Makes This Store Special?
The sheer scale and variety offered by the GO Outdoors store in York are unparalleled. Here’s a closer look at what makes this store a must-visit destination:
Record-Breaking Size: The store covers a staggering 125,000 square feet, making it the largest GO Outdoors location in Europe. With over 380 brands represented, you’ll find gear for every outdoor activity imaginable, from walking and camping to watersports, running, fishing, horse riding, and climbing.
Unique Branded Concessions: The store features more than 30 branded concession areas, including some of the largest and most comprehensive in Europe. Highlights include the biggest Yeti store in Europe, a new Garmin store with the most extensive range on display in the UK, and the first-ever Adidas Terrex in-store concession in Britain. Additionally, you’ll find Stanley’s largest store in Europe and the biggest World of Weber concession with over 30 grills on display.
Diverse Retail Offerings: Beyond outdoor gear, the store also houses several other exciting retail experiences. There’s a Whitestores Outdoor Living store, a Leisure Lakes cycling concept store, and the UK’s first Jessops Discovery store. Each of these areas offers something unique, whether you’re into outdoor living, cycling, or photography.
Alpine Café: After exploring the vast store, you can relax and refuel at the Alpine Café, a new concept café offering fresh meals made with locally sourced produce. It’s the perfect spot to take a break and enjoy some quality food before continuing your shopping adventure.
Why It’s Worth a Visit
Visiting this GO Outdoors store is not just about shopping—it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the outdoor community and connect with fellow enthusiasts. The store’s extensive range of products, combined with the planned activities, makes it a valuable destination for anyone involved in camping, bushcraft, prepping, and self-sufficiency.
Here are a few reasons why it’s worth the visit, especially during the grand opening weekend:
Comprehensive Gear Selection: With the largest Yeti collection in Europe and a wide array of other outdoor products, you’re likely to find exactly what you need for your next adventure.
Engaging Events: The planned workshops and demonstrations offer a chance to enhance your skills and knowledge, making it a valuable experience beyond just shopping.
Exclusive Deals: Take advantage of the grand opening discounts and special offers to upgrade your gear at bargain prices, ensuring you’re well-equipped for your upcoming adventures.
Family Fun: With entertainment options for all ages, including face painting, balloon modelling, and DJ performances, it’s an event the whole family can enjoy.
Plan Your Visit
If you’re nearby or planning a trip to York, this GO Outdoors store should definitely be on your itinerary. The combination of an extensive product range, engaging activities, and exclusive offers makes it a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike.
In conclusion, the new GO Outdoors store in York is a fantastic addition to the outdoor retail landscape. Whether you’re a Yeti aficionado or simply looking to enhance your outdoor gear collection, this store offers something for everyone. With its vast selection, engaging events, and family-friendly atmosphere, it’s definitely worth a visit. Happy adventuring! For more information, including directions and opening times visit the official: Go Outdoors York page.
As someone who has just been to the York go out doors this article is very informative