Outdoor & Cycle Concepts, the British company behind iconic high-street brands Cotswold Outdoor, Runners Need and Snow + Rock, has renamed to Cotswold Outdoor Group.Founded in the Cotswolds over 50 years ago in 1974, the company has updated its name to better reflect its business portfolio in 2025.
The group operates 75 stores across its three fascia in the UK.
This year the group is activating a multi-year strategy to accelerate its position as a leading premium retailer in the UK and building a brand that’s optimised for the retail landscape of tomorrow.
The strategy places an emphasis on delivering a premium and elevated retail experience whilst doubling down on its reputation for industry-leading customer service. The group will continue to work with top outdoor brands and partners who share its goal of protecting and opening up the outdoors.
Cotswold Outdoor Group is realising its plan by expanding its estate, with two new stores penned to open – a Cotswold Outdoor & Runners Need store in Merry Hill, West Midlands in April and a Runners Need in Clifton, Bristol in May – affirming its commitment to bricks and mortar by creating stores of the future.
The company recently unveiled a brand refresh that challenges its customers to “Find Your Element” – a call to action that delivers on the group’s mission to build a happier and healthier society outdoors – as it makes an investment in a brand consumers will love.
As part of its long-term strategy, the group is making positive steps forward in its sustainability ambitions. The group’s 2024 Sustainability Report revealed a reduction of 60% in its carbon emissions since 2019 as well as receiving 56,000kg of kit through its Recycle My Gear scheme in the past year.
Jamie Kristow, CEO, said: “Renaming as Cotswold Outdoor Group marks an exciting new chapter for the business as we evolve alongside a dynamic retail landscape.
“As a business, we’re focused on the premiumisation of our retail experience – one that’s customer-centric and aspirational – providing a platform for a happier and healthier society outdoors.
“Underpinning this will be one of the group’s superpowers – a first-class customer service delivered by our network of in-store experts who give customers the confidence to spend more time outside.”
