GO Outdoors one of the UK's biggest and quickest expanding retail chain based in Sheffield has been on an 18 million pound expansion plan for the last 2 years. So we popped down to its most recent store opening in Bedford which is its 24th Store the 8th most recent opening for this huge successful quick expansion.
The new store which was officially opened by Bedford Mayor Dave Hodgson, which has created 50 new jobs in the town on the Former MFI unit on Norse Road. We popped in on the 14th, the day before the official opening.
The day was wet and the kids bored of the journey so we arrived a little worn despite the short 30 minute journey. However that was soon forgotten as we walked through the wooden gated entrance, yes wooden swing gate as you enter bringing the outdoors in from the start. Now I’m going to compare this to the only other GO Outdoors store I have been to, Coventry. We actually purchased much of our camping equipment from the Coventry store a few years back so we know it well and have since been back a number of times.
So what of Bedford then? Well a new store is always a pleasant visit whomever the retailer. Its all fresh and new with staff ready to answer your every question. And This was no exception. Organised into separate areas making finding what you need very easy indeed. The layout good and well spread out making access for disabled or those with pushchair or pram an ease (Its always nice to retailers think about all its visitors)
The tent display I was most impressed with allowing good all-round access inside and out with plenty of helpful staff ready to assist. One thing I really liked was that the tents are stored on the shop floor shelving which means checking the pack size is as simple as locating on the shelf as you would other smaller products. Don’t get me wrong most retailers will be more than happy to take out of storage for your viewing, however with them on the shop floor you can view for yourself even when busy and no staff member is free to assist.
Some of the pricing was not placed so well, for example we are looking to replace our chairs and looking over GO Outdoors offerings they are placed on brackets hanging from the wall with the prices attached to the wall. so seeing these prices on not only those higher up but those lower down were often obstructed. but this is only a small thing that I'm sure could be quickly and easily resolved.
We also felt that the store did not carry so many products as their store in Coventry but on the whole the newer store is a far better layout offering very easy access, very clean and well located.
My son Zac (age 7) has already asked to go back twice, having searched and found £9.99 in lose change around the house so that he can buy a little green chair that he liked. Its more local for us than Coventry so we will be sure to return again. Sooner if my son gets his way!