An outdoor retailing company says it will create 1,000 jobs over the next three years as it continues its expansion.
Sheffield-based GO Outdoors is planning the buck the general downward industry trend and open three new stores in Stockton-on-Tees, West Yorkshire and the South East, employing an extra 150 workers. The firm says its medium-term plan is to have 30 stores running by the end of 2011.
The company currently runs 11 stores in Britain, with 550 employees.
GO Outdoors last year secured an £18m financing deal with the now troubled Bank of Scotland Corporate to enable it to expand. At the time of the deal, in April 2008, John Graham, managing director of GO Outdoors said: “These are exciting times for GO Outdoors. We have already established a very successful outdoors retail model.
“Our plan is to build on this by opening more large retail destination stores.”
GO Outdoors bases it business on discounting and carrying a large stock range. In common with most outdoor clothing and equipment sellers, it also operates an online outfit.
Mr Graham says the credit crunch and its associated recession have actually been good for his company, with holidaymakers choosing UK destinations in preference to travelling abroad. Britain’s climate encourages the need to buy outdoor clothing, which has benefited the company.
GO Outdoors began life as CCC in Sheffield more than 40 years ago.
A management buy-out in 1998 was led by Mr Graham and the company’s chairman Paul Caplan.
David Hunt, of Bank of Scotland Corporate in Sheffield said: “GO Outdoors is a fantastic example of an entrepreneurial retail business that has found its niche in the market.
“The opportunity to back such an enterprising business with an experienced management team and a well thought-out expansion plan was far too good to miss.”
The Piglit
21 January 2009Big mistake.
The deepening recession will challenge all niche retailers and this is historically a market which is very responsive to economic conditions
They would have been better improving and promoting their online service, which can allow expansion at minimal marginal cost.
Online sales over the last period were overall up 30pc
Tinto63
21 January 2009Good luck to them, certainly some good bargains at Go Coatbridge. Last time I went saved over 50% on rrp on a range of clothing.
I am reluctant to buy clothing online and would never buy boots on the internet.
Kinder Kid
22 January 2009Having worked in retail in the past, rrp is exactly that - the price at which the manufacturer recommends the item be sold. Although I like to shop at Go Outdoors and think that in some instances it is great, I tend to look at other shops and on line as well. However good luck to them and long may they continue.