Europe’s Largest Outdoor Store Opens in York at Vangarde Shopping Park

GO Outdoors has officially opened its flagship store in York, marking a significant milestone for outdoor enthusiasts across Europe. The GO York store, located in Vangarde Shopping Park, boasts the title of the largest outdoor retail store on the continent, opening its doors to the public on 23rd August 2024.

The store’s grand opening weekend, held on 7th and 8th September, promises a wealth of activities and exclusive deals for visitors.

The store has already captured the imagination of shoppers, with social media users describing the experience as akin to being a “kid in a candy shop” or walking into a "Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, but for the outdoors."

Grand opening festivities

The grand opening of GO York features a variety of attractions and activities to appeal to families, outdoor enthusiasts, and shoppers alike. Helen Skelton, TV star and GO Outdoors brand ambassador, will officially inaugurate the store, drawing the winners of a raffle where a Garmin Fenix 8, valued at over £900, will be awarded.

Visitors can expect an array of family-friendly entertainment, including face painting, balloon modelling, and live DJ performances. Free goodie bags will be given to the first 500 shoppers entering the store on Saturday, 7th September, with four bags containing a silver ticket and one lucky bag containing a golden ticket, winning an adventure pack worth over £3,000.

Meet the experts and brand demonstrations

GO York has partnered with several leading outdoor brands to offer live demonstrations and expert consultations throughout the opening weekend. Brands like Weber and Campingaz will showcase their products, while specialists from Garmin, Adidas Terrex, Hunter, Montane, The North Face, and Thule will be on hand to offer advice and answer customer queries.

Store manager Nik Hodges shared his excitement:

“I am incredibly proud to have opened the biggest outdoor store in Europe. The buzz on social media has been overwhelming, and we’re looking forward to welcoming everyone this weekend. We have an exciting range of activities, including free climbing walls, cooking classes, and a Q&A session with Helen Skelton. This store is not only an achievement for GO Outdoors but also a boost for the York community.”

An outdoor superstore like no other

Covering a massive 125,000 square feet, GO York offers an unparalleled shopping experience for outdoor enthusiasts, with over 380 brands represented in-store. The store caters to various outdoor activities, including walking, camping, caravanning, watersports, running, fishing, horse riding, and climbing.

GO York features more than 30 branded concession areas, including the largest Yeti store in Europe and the most extensive Garmin store in the UK. Other notable concessions include:

• Adidas Terrex: First-ever UK in-store concession
• Stanley: Europe’s largest store with the widest range of products
• World of Weber: Featuring over 30 grills on display
• Whitestores Outdoor Living: Specialising in outdoor furniture
• Leisure Lakes: Showcasing the latest in cycling equipment
• Jessops Discovery Store: UK’s first in a GO Outdoors store

The sheer variety of products, from high-performance gear to casual outdoor clothing, sets this store apart from any other outdoor retailer in Europe.

A unique shopping and dining experience

Adding to the store’s appeal is the Alpine Café, a new concept café where customers can enjoy locally sourced meals while taking a break from their shopping experience. This café further enhances the community feel of the store, offering a place to relax and connect with other outdoor enthusiasts.

Deb O'Donnell, Centre Manager at Vangarde Shopping Park, welcomed the addition of the new GO Outdoors store:

“The store not only brings an incredible range of outdoor products to our customers but also provides a hub for the community to meet and enjoy a unique shopping experience. We are thrilled to open the doors to Europe’s largest outdoor retail store and look forward to welcoming shoppers from across the region.”

Exclusive brands and new arrivals

The York store also introduces new brands such as Sweaty Betty, Under Armour, Regatta X Orla Kiely, Crewe Clothing, and Karcher, alongside well-known names like Spotty Otter and Hunter. This extensive selection ensures that GO York caters to all outdoor needs, from performance gear to stylish outdoor clothing.

Lee Bagnall, CEO of GO Outdoors, commented on the store’s opening:

“This flagship store is a game-changer for us. We are incredibly proud to bring the best outdoor brands, products, and services to York in what is now the largest outdoor store in Europe. The feedback from the local community has been phenomenal, and we’re excited to continue serving both new and loyal customers.”

Jobs and community impact

The opening of GO York has created 42 new jobs, with 28 employees transferring from the previous GO Outdoors store in the area. The store also offers various services, including helmet, boot, and backpack fittings, as well as bike and kit repairs. A dedicated mountaineering section and interactive OS reality maps are available to provide an immersive shopping experience.

GO York stands as a testament to GO Outdoors' commitment to providing top-tier products and services to its customers. The opening event is set to be a landmark occasion, with the store establishing itself as a must-visit destination for anyone with a passion for the outdoors.

For further details on the store’s opening hours and the full range of events, visit the official GO Outdoors website.