Jobs created as passion for outdoors boosts clothing retailer

29th April 2012

Twenty new jobs are being created in North Yorkshire with the launch of a major new superstore.

The jobs are being delivered with the launch of a new 30,000 sq ft Great Outdoors Superstore in Clifton Moor, York, with backing from Yorkshire Bank as part of its Investing for Growth initiative.

The new £1m outlet, in the former Ikon and Diva nightclub, is the second superstore opened by the North East retailer, which also has high street branches in Newcastle and Sunderland.

Great Outdoors Superstore founder and director, Malcolm Crone, said: “We are able to buck the retailing decline and expand due largely to our commitment to top-quality service and stocking household-name brands.

“Our growth is also due to the continuing move towards the outdoors for activities such as camping, fell-walking, climbing and orienteering, among all age groups and the fact that there has been a cross-over and so many people now also enjoy outdoor clothing as leisure wear because it is so comfortable.

“This new store – our first expansion beyond the North East – brings us close to some of North Yorkshire’s vast expanse of wonderful countryside and those who enjoy it. We’ve been with Yorkshire Bank for five years and cannot fault their commitment and enthusiasm for our business.”

The Great Outdoors Superstore is the trading name of MGLO Ltd, founded in 1981 by Malcolm Crone and his wife Diane in the former Grainger covered market in Newcastle, which they still have. Their son, Paul, is now managing director and his wife, Emma, is in charge of human resources.

The company, which has 51 staff and a multi-million pound turnover, is headquartered from its superstore at Shiremoor, Newcastle, and its Sunderland store is at The Bridges.

Yorkshire Bank business partner, Martin Glaholm, said: “Many people believe that growth in online shopping means an inevitable decline in retailing. The Great Outdoors Superstore is showing that this is not necessarily the case as shoppers still value top-quality service and the whole retailing experience.”