~Shopping in Ambleside~
in September 2010
This is not an advertisement or endorsement for any of the shops listed. Ambleside has the 20 outlets featured below, plus two of them have second shops. So that's 22 shops and it's just possible we've missed someone out. It's fair to say that we are spoilt for choice. This is a great source of employment, but can they all survive? Our advice to the purchaser is: shop around.We saved £35 on a pair of boots by comparing prices. And we like being greeted by a warm and welcoming smile, so that's a few of the shops marked down already. Our mystery shopper wanted a pair of boots, some re-proofing compound for his waterproofs and a ladies walking jacket (for his wife).
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Lakes Climber / Runner For runners and rope-climbers. Good cafe upstairs. One or two handy car-parking spaces nearby. |
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Gaynor Sports Something for everybody. They also have another shop for camping and other stuff. |
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Adventure Peaks Offer adventure holidays. They also have another outlet further down the street - for family and juniors. |
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Mountain Warehouse Large Outlet, sorry it's dark. Not in Ambleside, according to the website. Didn't go in due to calling too early. |
Trespass Own-brand stuff. Cheapest "NikWax" in town on the day our mystery shopper paid a visit. |
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Field & Trek Owned by Sports Direct. Lowest priced "Brasher Boots" at the time of our visit. |
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The Epicentre Huge, four-floored conversion from the old "Epicure" restaurant. We tried to order Ham & Eggs, but were turned away. |
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The Mountain Factor Paramo specialists. Gets our vote for customer service. Good deals on "last year's colours". |
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Bike Treks For cyclists, unsurprisingly. "The Trig" is shown here in the long raincoat and his identity will remain secret. |
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There is a form of snobbery associated with paying the highest prices for anything; plenty of opportunities in Ambleside to flash the cards. Don't forget to mention "summiteer.co.uk" when buying from any of these shops, you could be in line for some discount or, at the very least, a blank look.
Next week our mystery shopper will be looking for a wooly hat for the winter, he'll be in Gisburn, Lancashire. Will your shop be featured?
All photos copyright Richard Ratcliffe 2010 ©
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