GO Outdoors advised by Gateley and Thompson Heaney as it continues national expansion plans
3rd February 2012
GO Outdoors, the UK's fastest growing retail chain for camping and outdoor activity products, has opened a new store in Erdington, Birmingham in a property deal advised by the real estate team of top 50 national law firm, Gateley. GO were also advised on the deal by retail property specialists, Thompson Heaney Chartered Surveyors.
This new store is the company’s 36th store and is part of the company’s continuing national expansion. With four more planned openings in the first quarter of 2012, the company is on target for its 40th outlet shortly and will have opened 14 new 'superstores' nationally since January 2011. GO Outdoors sells equipment and clothing for all types of outdoor activities including walking, camping and climbing.
The UK outdoor activities sector is performing favourably despite the economic downturn as consumers have continued to invest in outdoor clothing and equipment. In addition to an increase in sales of clothing and accessories triggered by harsh winters, a report by the Outdoor Industries Association revealed that 54 per cent of those partaking in regular outdoor pursuits do not intend to reduce their spending in this area.*
James White, partner in Gateley's Birmingham office and part of the firm's 30-strong retail team, advised Go Outdoors on the store opening. He commented: "Despite a challenging retail environment, Go Outdoors have built on a solid track record and proven business model which has enabled them to continue to expand their retail store portfolio. They have fast become one of the UK's biggest success stories in the outdoor retail sector. We advised on all property aspects of the new store in Erdington and have enjoyed a long working relationship with the management team. We wish them every success as they continue to go from strength-to-strength."
Mike Williams, head of property and business acquisitions at GO Outdoors added: "We established the company in Sheffield more than 40 years ago as Camping and Caravanning Centre with a focus on manufacturing trailer tents and camping furniture. As camping grew in popularity we broadened our retail offer to include camping equipment, clothing and accessories and have enjoyed success and growth as our stores have expanded throughout the UK.
"Our Erdington store is the fourth branch we have opened in the Midlands region. We have worked with the retail team at Gateley and also with Thompson Heaney Surveyors on more than 30 of our national store openings. Each one has a different set of considerations. Gateley's commercial approach and extensive retail property experience combined with the market expertise of Thompson Heaney have been invaluable on every occasion."
* Research carried out by the Outdoor Industries Association (OIA) in its Shaping the Future Part 2 and 3 Report
