Go outdoors set to go into administration as 2,400 jobs under threat

The camping and hiking specialists were forced to close all 67 of its UK stores, including the site at Pallion Retail Park in Sunderland, due to the coronavirus lockdown.

Go Outdoors employs around 2,400 people across the UK, selling waterproof clothing, tents and other camping equipment. Jobs are under serious threat after the chain’s owners, JD Sports, filed for court protection for its subsidiary business to keep creditors at bay with administrators yet to be appointed.

In a statement, JD Sports said a 10-day moratorium would ensure that creditors cannot take legal action without permission of the court.

"The group can confirm that it has considered a number of strategic options for Go and that Go's directors have lodged the notice in court," bosses said.

"This notice creates an immediate moratorium around the company and its property, which lasts for 10 business days. During this moratorium, Go's creditors cannot take legal action or continue with any existing legal proceedings against the company without the court's permission.

“Administrators have not yet been appointed and the group will make no further comment at this time."

Go Outdoors faced teething troubles with a new plan on how to get goods into its stores. Previously, brands would deliver their products straight to each individual store.

Bosses thought they could do better by opening a warehouse in Cheshire in February last year, but they were later forced to acknowledge that this hit the ability to replenish shops.

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