August 2025 by Jonathan Weston
OK, i'm going to start by saying that the store used to be absolutely incredible. Like used to be absolutely stupendous - I was spending upwards of £3k a year here on equipment and clothing.
Now, since JD bought them... its much less quote so refined an experience as it once was.
The local staff - all apart from 1 or 2 are amazing - but I know which ones to approach and which ones to avoid.
Half of the biggest niggle I have is this - accuracy of stock levels between the store and the website - or rather the lack thereof.
There is no accuracy - it's so bad it can't even be debated!|
Every single time I go, I usually try my best to plan my purchases in advance by checking out the website first of all, before making a 30 minute journey to the store.
Is there any point in me doing this? Well there used to be, now I just laugh about it, throw the true or false dice in the air and see which way they land, and then hope that the stock is correct, but even my dice can't predict it.
So, the get around... order more stock to have it delivered to the store, this this indeed what the store recommend as the get out of jail free card.
So we did this - and had ordered some shorts and gloves etc to be delivered to the Edinburgh store, and were assured that the stock would arrive in just a few days, landing just in time for me to arrive in Edinburgh for a 7 day Scottish biking trip.
Did that happen? Did they arrive even by the end of our trip? NOPE!
Was I stuck and then robbed blind by the highwaymen at the bike shops at the trails because the stock levels at the Edinburgh store were also incorrect ?? Yep!
Now, going back to pre-JD days, what would have happened?
Well in pre-JD days actually you could order stock and it would appear at the store within 1-2 working days. Compared to the current offering of orders taking 7-9 days to arrive at the store this was saintly, but more importantly this was predictable, it was a standard, and it was great service.
This week, I ordered a product almost 7 working days ago, and it still hasn't turned up at the store.
I wouldn't be so moany about this, only I have seen this store on the pre-JD, and the post JD, and the difference in how the backbone of the company operates is remarkable.
On another completely separate unrelated issue, please for the love of goodness do your homework when buying bigger purchases. Be smart, go to the store frequently were possible, and pay attention to what Go claim the RRP's to be on their products. They make them up to suit themselves.
4 years ago when I bought my Berghaus Air 6 / Air 600 tent, they claimed that the retail on the tent was just £400, and I got the tent on offer at £300. Now they claim that the RRP on the tent is £900 (though labels in the store indicate a higher price).
Don't get fooled into thinking that after Christmas you get a better deal on bigger products, you don't.
Ive been tracking Berghaus pricing for the last 3 years since I noticed this - their cheapest pricing is always August.
In January you'll find that they'll inflate the RRP to make it seem like its a bigger percentage discount that you're actually getting - I have a full album of photos from the last three years which demonstrates this.
Anyway, I sound bitter - I'm not - I'm just missing how efficient the old store used to be, how quickly things were done, and how much more transparent things seemed to be back then.
Now.... it's just not the same company and I miss the Pre-JD version of GoOutdoors.
August 2025 by Barry Davis
Just been to go outdoors for walking shoes, staff very helpful, I was able to make an informed choice because of Olivias expert knowledge and advice, Charlene was wonderful in double checking I was buying for the purpose and if I needed anything else, these 2 ladies were able to multi task me between other clients and had a good balance of leaving me to think and being on hand to help answer my questions.
I bought the same shoes for second time. Very impressed with the products and extensive choice, got a great price also.
August 2025 by LN0205
Twice ive ordered stuff online and been told to collect it then to be told they dont have it in stock
August 2025 by Sarah Wishart
One of our favourite shops! Always has plenty of gear in stock! Warning- camping is addictive & so is buying equipment!
July 2025 by colin SMYLIE
Good selection
June 2025 by David
Hard to avoid not going has everything I need and great pricing.
February 2025 by Michael M
We visited Go Outdoors Newtownabbey store last week. Very impressed by the product range and sale prices, while sale stock was depleted by now we still found a nice Berghaus coat and Merrell trainers. Every staff member helpful, knowledgable and friendly, everyone was pleasant so I won't mention Chloe xx
January 2025 by Carol B
I went to go outdoors today for walking shoes. There are a great choice and good members prices. The young man who helped me get my sizes was really helpful and friendly. All of the staff were lovely to deal with. Great experience!
December 2024 by Emma Simmons
Penrith store served by Tony on Boxing Day.
Went an hour before closing to make sure it was fairly quiet with our nervous dog. We bought our walking boots with us as we wanted something similar. Tony was good with not only us but our dog as well. He knew the boots and what to recommend, was one of the easiest shopping trips and the dog got lots of treats too. Even better I was able to use my national trust card for a bigger discount
November 2024 by Chris McKee
Great store with excellent selection of tents and outdoor gear.
November 2024 by gerry mcveigh
Had called days late to get a click and collect order that was on offer and Chloe was super helpful in making sure I still got the items I had reserved at the discounted price. I left a very happy customer?
October 2024 by Lance Gower
Great staff everything for outdoor activities good value.
September 2024 by Gordon Crawford
Great shop for outdoors. If they don't have it then you don't need it ??
August 2024 by Keeley Lynch
Adam and Ben were absolutely sending it. They had a party for us on the tent and let us test out the fishing rod. Thank you Adam and Ben for your service. Their intelligence has no limit. They really informed us and prepared us to face the big outdoors. Well done lads give yourself a pat on the back
August 2024 by Maria Mc
Have never had a bad experience in this store. Staff are very willing to help and be on hand for advice. Today Adam and Chloe were exceptional with their hard work. They were put through their paces today trying to make things right for us. They were amazing.
