INDEPENDENT OUTDOOR RETAILER OF THE YEAR

Winfields Outdoors

Do you have a favourite local outdoors shop that you return to time and time again? Chances are that you do.

And chances are you keep going back because they’re friendly, knowledgeable and always willing to go the extra mile to help their customers. Big superstore chains and online shops have their place, but nothing quite matches the wisdom and customer service you get from an independent retailer.

With seven stores around the UK, Winfields is one of the bigger players in the outdoor market, but despite its multiple locations, it retains the spirit of a local retailer. Part of the reason for that is that the business is still in the hands of the Winfield family after more than 50 years of trading.

The company prides itself on providing customers with excellent advice and aftersales care combined with competitive prices, and readers of Camping magazine and its various digital platforms are clearly impressed – voting for Winfields as the Best Independent Retailer of 2024.

There is no substitute for being able to see 'in real life' camping equipment set up before you buy, and there are extensive indoor and outdoor displays of camping gear at most of the seven Winfields branches. The top camping and outdoor brands are all stocked, including Vango, Outwell, Kampa, Coleman, Robens, Easy Camp and more.

Company founder, the late Dale Winfield, started his empire at an old Co-op building in the 1960s, where he began selling oddsized slippers, before moving onto selling other types of footwear and clothing.

Winfields Outdoors is now led by his widow, June, alongside children, Joe and Janine. Today, the company employs more than 200 members of staff, and now has stores in Haslingden, Chester, Feckenham, Garforth, Hull, Keswick and Measham. After more than 50 years, it remains proudly independent and dedicated to its loyal customer base across the country.