August 2025 by Violet Purple
PLEASE BEWARE
I visited the Bedford Norse Road store on Monday 25th August with my partner and my 8-year-old daughter to buy supplies for her upcoming trip. Sadly, this was one of the most uncomfortable shopping experiences I have ever had.
To be clear ? the two ladies on the tills were absolutely lovely. They were polite, professional, and made the payment process pleasant. Unfortunately, my experience with three male members of staff was the complete opposite.
From the start, a tall male staff member (Asian appearance) stood at the end of an aisle staring at us while we browsed sleeping bags. Even when talking to another member of staff, he was fixated on us. Later, when I asked him about wetsuits, he gave very little help and continued to watch us.
The most upsetting moment came when my daughter was trying on hiking boots. My partner had briefly gone to the toilet, so it was just me and my daughter in the seating area. A different male staff member (stocky build, curly hair, possibly Asian or mixed race) came and stood nearby, doing nothing but staring at us. At first I thought he was there to assist, but when I asked about shoe sizes, he gave abrupt, unhelpful answers and continued to just stand and watch us. It was intimidating and made me and my daughter extremely uncomfortable. He only walked away once my partner returned.
As we moved through the store, my partner and I both noticed the tall staff member and what looked like a manager appearing to follow us, watching us like hawks. The store was full of customers, but their focus seemed entirely on us, as if we were being treated like criminals.
This was our first time in a Go Outdoors, and we spent nearly £100 ? but instead of feeling like valued customers, we were made to feel humiliated, targeted, and uncomfortable, especially in front of my young child.
I understand stores need to prevent theft, but this was not reasonable vigilance ? it was harassment. It left me so shaken that I will never return to this branch again. I would urge other families to be cautious about shopping here, as no one should be stared at and followed around a store in this way.
The only positive part of the visit was the kindness of the two till staff, but the behaviour of the other staff members ruined the entire experience.
July 2025 by Desmond Boyle
First visit as we now have a caravan. A huge range of goods from fishing to biking to camping. Well worth a visit even just for a look.
May 2025 by Benji Taylor
Went in to buy some new walking boots but had to wait around for anyone to help me, no one was attending the footwear area for some time and when someone did finally appear they were short with me and didn't pay any attention to me actually trying on the boots or assisting me in the process, given this I abandoned the boxes of boots I didn't want in the fitting area (didn't feel like hunting down the assistant just to clear up) and after walking round the store for a further 20mins I noticed there were now 2 assistants in that area, chatting away, and my abandoned boots were still all left in the fitting area.
April 2025 by Lloyd Hughes
Need to update your website, drove from Northampton. I want my diesel back ?
March 2025 by Lewis Glenister
I really like this shop, as it has a large variety of stock available, and now with the redecoration, it's looking much better, and I also find the staff very helpful and friendly, but, I have 2 complaints for the shop
1. The car park does not look great, and is in need of resurfacing
2. The non member prices are completely insane, and is most definitely not worth going to without the membership, some items for non-members could be over £135, whereas, with the membership, it may only be £50, I think it's ridiculous.
Overall, it's a very good shop though ?.
February 2025 by Andy Martin
Great selection and very reasonably priced. Very helpful and friendly staff thanks
February 2025 by Trish Lawson
Lovely helpful girl on the till ,lots of merchandise some brilliant bargains, added bonus had 20 pound voucher to spend
February 2025 by Kasey Doyle
We really love Go Outdoors and Bedford store has a great range of products and amazing staff. The only downfall is the toilets - it's great that they have them available but the women's toilets were a mess. They had obviously cleaned them the best they could but there was a myriad of issues. Toilet seats too small for the actual toilet bowl, peeling g paint and tiles. Mould. Unfilled soap dispensers and empty paper towel dispensers. There were only 2 toilets in the women's bathroom but only one worked. I found this out via a message written by another customer in sharpie on the back of the door. The other toilet cubicle had alot of messages written on the door and walls saying how gross the toilets were. I know the store had a refurbishment recently but I think the toilets are in dire need of one asap.
January 2025 by Mick Thomas
Great place for all activity supply?s
December 2024 by Dipak Mistry
Great products but buy membership to get the discounted prices.
November 2024 by Simon Carter
Really good outdoor shop, currently having a closing down sale which, sort-of isn't a closing down sale. They are only 'closing down' for a few days to refurbish and re-jig the store.
That said, they are working to clear stock before that happens and there is a 30% off offer running. They already give a good member's discount if you pay for one of their cards.
If you are looking for pretty much anything outdoor kit & clothing related it is always worth calling in here.
October 2024 by Tim Anslow
Plenty of parking and a wide range of stock available. Helpful staff hampered by poor stock control. Still awaiting refurbishment but discounts have increased significantly
October 2024 by Samantha Cox
Excellent discounts but you need to be a member at a cost of £5 for a year
October 2024 by Simon Thomas
Closing down sale is on at the moment 28/9/29
October 2024 by Ian Smith
Very polite and helpful staff.
