GO Outdoors has launched the first search for Cumbria’s most adventurous outdoor enthusiast.
The search celebrates the opening of the new Penrith GO Outdoors superstore on Ullswater Road in Penrith (formerly occupied J.T. Atkinson and Sons Home and Garden Centre) on Saturday May 26th. It is the UK’s largest outdoor retailer’s first Cumbrian store.
The Penrith store opening will be dedicated to the Cumbrian Outdoor Adventurer of the Year.
The outdoor retailer is appealing to local groups or individuals to nominate inspirational Cumbrians who have faced an outdoor challenge – or used outdoor pursuits to benefit the local community.
New GO Outdoors store manager Colin Bell said,
“We’ve all heard about adventurers like Ranulph Fiennes and Bear Grylls, but we’re looking for our very own local outdoor hero. That means someone from the Cumbrian community who has achieved something extraordinary through outdoor pursuits.
“Perhaps they’ve climbed a mountain against all the odds? Or, raised money for charity trekking in Nepal? Equally significant could be someone who has inspired others to enjoy the benefits of outdoor adventure – perhaps through work with a local community group like the scouts or guides?”
The 36,000 square feet store represents a £1.5 million investment and is generating 40 new jobs.
In a break with traditional outdoor store layouts, customers at the new GO Outdoors will enter the new store through a walk through on a hand-made timber path.
The centre piece family-friendly six metre high indoor climbing wall will allow customers to experience indoor rock climbing, before putting new footwear to the test on a range of different walking surfaces.
The store will also feature a seating area and offer more than 20,000 outdoor product lines. Everything from walking boots to ski-wear, fleeces to cycling equipment and tents to fishing will all feature in 13 individual store departments.
The dedicated tent area will have over 40 tents in more than 10,000 square feet of synthetic turf.
Colin added,
“We hope that the achievements of the outdoor adventurer chosen to open the store will inspire others throughout Cumbria.
“We are open to suggestions and will make a decision based on the personal story behind the adventure which captures our imagination the most. We want this store opening to be a fitting tribute to a local outdoor enthusiast’s achievements.”
In the first instance, Cumbrians can nominate adventurous local groups or individuals by emailing a brief reason along with their own contact details to Penrith@gooutdoors.co.uk.
