A former John Lewis site in York has been taken over by Go Outdoors

Go Outdoor’s 125,000 sq ft retail space in Vangrade Shopping Park will be the “biggest outdoor store in Europe” when it opens at the end of the month, the retailer said.

The retail unit was previously occupied by John Lewis which opened in the shopping park in 2014.

The store will house more than 380 brands covering walking, camping and caravanning, watersports, running, fishing, horse riding and climbing, with over 30 branded concession areas.

Brands include stalwarts Adidas, Dickies, Salomon, Merrell and Oakley, as well as a range of newer brands, including Sweaty Betty, Under Armour, Regatta X Orla Kiely, Crewe Clothing, Hunter, Spotty Otter, Thule and Karcher. Men’s, women’s and children’s clothing and sporting equipment ranges will be on offer to customers.

Go Outdoors chief executive Lee Bagnall said: “I am extremely excited and proud to open the biggest outdoor store in Europe [and] thrilled to be able to bring the very best brands, products and services to our customers in York, in our new game-changing flagship store.”

Deb O’Donnell, Vangarde Shopping Centre site manager, said: “The new Go Outdoors store is a welcome addition to the Vangarde shopping centre.

“Not only does it provide a dedicated space for our outdoor-loving customers, but also provides a community hub where customers can relax, meet and enjoy their shopping time. We are excited to open the doors to Europe’s biggest outdoor retail store and welcome our new customers to the Go Outdoors York store.”