Ahead of a summer filled with staycations and short getaways in the great outdoors, Cotswold Outdoor, Snow+Rock and Runners Need are excited to launch an in-store appointment service to coincide with stores reopening.
Appointments are free to arrange, in-store or online, and come with no obligation to spend. By booking an appointment, customers get priority in-store service at the pre-arranged time. Appointments are available to book at selected stores which opened on Monday 15 June, with further stores opening in the coming weeks.
In line with government advice, there will be several new store processes and policies in place to help keep customers and in-store experts safe. These include one-way systems, limiting the number of customers in-store at a time and constantly reviewed hygiene measures.
Cotswold Outdoor’s 60-minute Camping Kit List is perfect for those embarking on their first camping trip, while those who have discovered or rekindled their love for running during lockdown will benefit from a 30-minute Gait Analysis at Runners Need, using advanced technologies to match runners with the right shoes to help support every stride and protect against injury.
Cotswold Outdoor:
- Adventure Kit List (90 minutes): Designed to prepare people for their expeditions with personalised advice for their activity and destination. From DofE expeditions to Everest Base Camp treks, appointments can be tailored to suit the customer and their requirements.
- Camping Kit List (60 minutes): Expert advice on tents, sleeping equipment, accessories and everything else a customer needs for a great camping trip. At certain stores, tents can be pitched inside to show customers exactly what they’re buying.
- Electronics Advice (30 minutes): Explanation and demonstration of GPS, smartwatch, fitness tracker and action camera devices.
Outdoor Footwear Fitting (60 minutes): In-store experts measure the customer’s feet and discuss any existing concerns, before finding and fitting the perfect pair of boots/shoes for comfort and support on the trails. - Rucksack Fitting (30 minutes): In-store experts work with customers to determine what features they need from their next rucksack, then select and fit a pack from the range.
As part of the move to reopen stores to the public, the retailers have introduced the following safety measures to keep customers and staff safe in-store:
Observing a queuing system when the store is at capacity
Keeping a 2m distance from other customers and store staff
Adhering to the one-way system laid out in store
Following recommended hygiene practices
Paying by card
New safety measures that will be followed by store staff include:
Increased hand-washing
Additional cleaning procedures
PPE for in-store staff
Social distancing measures behind the counter
Closed fitting rooms
Returns quarantined for 72 hours
Contactless returns processing
E-receipts to avoid receipt contact point
Socially distanced fittings
Encouraging customers to take items home to try on rather than trying in-store
