BEST INDEPENDENT RETAILER
● WINNER WINFIELDS OUTDOORS
Do you have a favourite local outdoors shop that you return to time and time again? If you are serious about camping, the 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 after-sales care, combined with competitive prices, and readers of Camping magazine and our various digital platforms obviously agree – voting for Winfields as the Best Independent Retailer of 2024 in our awards.
A Winfields spokesperson said, “This is an extremely proud moment for everyone at Winfields. We are immensely grateful to all who voted and would like to publicly state our appreciation to our customers far and wide – without them and their continued support of independent retailers, we wouldn’t have this award.
“Winfields has some big plans for the future, starting with some exciting things for 2024. We aim to continue providing customers with the service and products they love, so they can continue enjoying the hobbies they love and creating memories with their loved ones.”
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 tents and camping gear at most of the seven Winfields branches. The top 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 odd-sized slippers, before moving onto other types of footwear and clothing.
The business quickly grew into one of the northwest’s biggest shoe retailers but it was the expansion into the sale of camping equipment and outdoor wear that really helped Winfields make its mark. The Hazel Mill store in Haslingden, Lancashire, opened in 1976 and is where the company Dale founded is still based today.
Winfields Outdoors is now led by his wife, June, alongside children, Joe and Janine. Today, the company employs more than 200 members of staff, and, as well as the Haslingden branch, has stores in 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.
Nothing quite matches the customer service you get from an independent retailer