A popular outdoor clothing and equipment shop has announced its imminent closure to make way for a different kind of store. 

Blacks which is situated on Chain Street next to Castle Fine Art and Bravissimo currently sports a number of clearance posters in its windows to let shoppers know its days are numbered. 

The signs currently read "Closing Down: All stock must go! 30% off absolutely everything."

Established in 1863, Blacks has grown from nautical-based beginnings to become one of the most recognisable and well-loved brands in the UK, providing the best outdoor clothing, footwear, and equipment.

Blacks proudly stock the highest quality, premium outdoor brands such as Berghaus, Rab, The North Face, Salomon, Scarpa, VANGO, adidas Terrex, and Osprey, with a huge range of outdoor products including tents, sleeping bags, BBQs & grills, waterproof jackets, walking trousers, walking boots and much more.

A spokesperson for the company has reached out to say that despite Blacks closing, a brand new shop selling outdoor clothing will take its place. 

Reading's Blacks store will be converted into a GO Outdoors Express store in January 2025.

The new store will give GO customers more access to the best value and brands, including more ways to use their GO membership.

Lee Bagnall, CEO of JD Outdoors comments on the conversion:  ”With the best outdoor brands we are confident this conversion will offer a rewarding shopping experience for outdoor enthusiasts in Reading.

"The new GO Express store will also allow Reading hoppers to benefit from our GO Outdoors loyalty programme, which provides lower prices available for members.

“While this may come as a surprise to some of our loyal Blacks customers in Reading, we are committed to continuing to provide the level of service and quality that our customers expect in the GO Express stores.”

Those still needing their Blacks fix needn't worry; they can still buy products on their online shop.

GO Outdoors was founded in Sheffield in 1998. Now with over 80 stores and 250 outdoor brands across 9 different activities, GO Outdoors has grown to become one of the UK’s biggest and most loved outdoor retail chains.

The company is well known around the UK for offering unbeatable in-store ranges of quality outdoor equipment and clothing, with the aim of inspiring everyone to get outdoors for less and love it as much as they do.

By employing thousands of outdoor enthusiasts, each chosen for their passion for outdoor activity, the brand ensures that customers receive great advice and products, all at discount prices.