The five story outdoor mill in Holmfirth
Outdoor and camping equipment internet specialist Outdoormania.co.uk has acquired new 15,000 sq. ft. premises that could be destined to become one of the largest outdoor retail destination sites in the Yorkshire region.
Outdoormania, which also runs dedicated skiwear and camping websites Skimania and Campmania, has been actively seeking a suitable site to re-house its head office, to extend its Internet services and to offer full retail to existing and new customers in the region.
After nearly five years of searching, Outdoormania recently acquired the five storey building close to its present location in Holmfirth near Huddersfield. The building was a former theatre, cafe bar and restaurant owned by the former Cragrats empire.
"The building is perfect, not only to house our Internet sales businesses and customer services teams but also to extend our services to retailing. Through the Internet, we are constantly asked by customers if they can view items or try them on. With the plans for retail, we will be in a position to offer this facility whilst, at the same time, offering key service and the same great Internet prices," commented managing director Sara Longden.
Plans for the building include the formation of dedicated retail camping equipment, outdoor clothing, footwear and skiwear departments, a focus on high levels of customer service and a stylish panoramic cafe bar on the top floor. Being located in the Pennine town of Holmfirth, the site is hoped to become a destination for walkers, mountain bikers and campers, adding to the existing attraction of the surrounding beauty of the 'Last of the Summer Wine' countryside.
"We are excited by the prospects the building brings. Being a former cafe bar and restaurant, it is in excellent condition with lots of natural light and a great deal of character," added Ms. Longden. "Having researched what else is in the region, we are confident that we will create something that is totally unique; a true high quality destination venue that doesn't exist anywhere outside key National Park towns.
"We plan to extend our Internet customer services offerings onto the shop floor. In particular, we will concentrate on providing high levels of service to those who are new to walking, camping or skiing. We aim to guide customers though the process on a one to one basis. A service which just isn't possible over the Internet. "
Also planned are links with local organisations and councils to offer weekly walks and mountain bike rides from the premises, whilst the proposed cafe will also provide a central meeting point for those pursuing outdoor activities in the area.
Outdoormania and Skimania can be contacted online at www.outdoormania.co.uk or www.skimania.co.uk or by telephone on 0870 495 5500 (normal national rates apply).
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
