An Oxford outdoors store “woven into the tapestry of outdoor adventures” will close its doors after going into administration in 2020.

Go Outdoors in Old Abingdon Road, a shop specialising in camping equipment, tents, walking, running and climbing gear, will shut today (Friday, December 8).

It is understood that the building is in a state of disrepair and the company couldn’t get insurance to safely work in it anymore.

READ MORE: Go Outdoors in Oxford to shut down

A spokesperson for the company said: “Go Outdoors intends to invest in a new and improved store, to continue serving its loyal customer base in Oxford.

“Until a new premises is confirmed, the closest store to the current location is Swindon, sitting just off the A420.

“Customers can visit the Go Outdoors website to browse the full range of outdoor apparel and equipment, available for home delivery. Alternatively, a full list of stores can be found online.”

The spokesperson added that every effort will be made by Go Outdoors to continue employing its Oxford colleagues within one of the group’s stores.

City councillor Linda Smith, cabinet member for housing, said: "I loved browsing the wares at the cavernous Go Outdoors shop off Abingdon Road, and even more so when my son became a scout and we became entitled to a family discount.

“I could spend hours wandering around in there, admiring the tents and planning well equipped forays to the wild edges of Britain.”

Oxford outdoor enthusiasts voiced their disappointment at the forthcoming closure, including Keira Garrigan, founder of Little Oxplorers, an organisation that encourages families to get active.

She said: “I feel a bit sad really. For us a trip to Go Outdoors is kind of woven into the tapestry of outdoor adventure.

“We get all our camping gear from there. What I really liked about it was in the car park, they had a section off to the side where tents were put up.

“On a visit, you could go into each tent, see how it is set up, check the zips and for us as a family, buying a tent is a massive thing. Being able to test them first was really helpful.

“It was also really fun for the children. It gave them something to do while we were there, and they used to look forward to it.”

Many Oxford folks are concerned that once Go Outdoors closes, there aren’t many outdoor retail outlets nearby.

The store is offering a 20 per cent discount on all products when shoppers use a member’s card, until the closure.

 

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This story was written by Matthew Norman, he joined the team in 2022 as a Facebook community reporter.

Matthew covers Bicester and focuses on finding stories from diverse communities.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Matthew.norman@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @OxMailMattN1