Major camping retail chain goes out of business

News

Outdoor gear retailer in administration after more than 50 years

Camping equipment and outdoor clothing chain, Winfields Outdoors, has gone out of business after more than 50 years.

Administrators have been appointed and all Winfields stores and the website have closed and stopped trading.

Lancashire-based Winfields was one of the leading independent outdoor retailers in the UK, employing more than 200 people at its seven branches.

Iain Duff, Content Editor: Campervans/Camping

Iain Duff Content Editor: Campervan/Camping

Iain has been an avid camper since his very first night under canvas in his parents’ back garden, more years ago than he cares to remember. As a fully fledged gear geek he takes every opportunity to try out the latest camping gadgets when he’s out and about!

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More than 50 years in business

Company founder, the late Dale Winfield, started his empire at an old Co-op building in the 1960s, when he began selling odd-sized slippers, then other types of footwear and clothing.

The business grew into one of the northwest’s biggest shoe retailers before expanding into camping equipment and outdoor wear.

The stores stocked top brands including Vango, Outwell, Kampa, Coleman, Robens, easy camp and more.

Branches around England

Dale’s wife, June, took over the running of the business alongside his children, Joe and Janine, following her husband’s death.

The Hazel Mill store in Haslingden, Lancashire, opened in 1976; ther were also branches in Chester, Feckenham, Garforth, Hull, Keswick and Measham.

Readers of Camping magazine voted for Winfields as the Best Independent Retailer of 2024 in the annual awards.

At the time, the company said it had “big plans for the future” and prided itself on providing customers with excellent advice and aftersales care, combined with competitive prices.

Financial losses reported

But in the most recent accounts filed at Companies House last year, it was revealed Winfields made a £1.3m pre-tax loss in 2023 – compared to a profit of just over £1m the year before. The company also saw an 8.98% fall in turnover to £18m.

Jason Elliott and Craig Johns of Cowgills Ltd were appointed as joint administrators of the company on 3 April, 2025.

Director's statement 2024

Since the Covid outbreak in March 2020, the company continued to take measures to mitigate the impact upon the company and general impact upon trade.
The company has experienced the perceived impact upon both buying and selling patterns in the wake of the global pandemic. This has impacted on not only supply chain issues with increased costs but also seasonality and pan-annual buying patterns of customers.
It is expected that the normal pattern and mix of sales will return, albeit over the next couple of years.

Director’s report for the year ending January 2024, signed by June Winfield

The company and the administrators have been contacted for comment.

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