GO Outdoors Express

GO Outdoors Express at St Paul’s is a compact two-floor specialist store focused on practical kit for people who spend time outside, from everyday walkers and commuters to hikers, campers and cyclists. As part of the wider GO Outdoors chain, it draws on a large national range of outdoor equipment, including a substantial selection of fishing tackle, fishing rods and fishing reels available through the brand’s overall offering, while tailoring the in‑store stock to the needs of city customers who need gear that fits around work and travel.

The shop is positioned as an accessible place to pick up outdoor clothing, footwear and accessories without travelling to a retail park or large warehouse store. Racks of waterproofs, insulated layers and fleeces are set alongside boots, rucksacks and daypacks, cycling accessories and camping basics, giving customers a broad choice for short walking holidays, longer hikes or occasional trips to the bank or shore with a rod. The broader GO Outdoors range includes thousands of pieces of fishing gear and fishing accessories, so staff can often advise on items that may not be on the shelf but are available through the chain, which is useful for anglers looking to match specific carp fishing or sea fishing styles with the right equipment.

Product range and focus

In store, the emphasis falls strongly on clothing and footwear for wet and changeable weather, with staff frequently mentioned in independent feedback for helping customers choose waterproof jackets, walking boots and insulated layers that suit real‑world use rather than just the label. Visitors describe picking up good‑value fleeces and winter coats, often at sale prices that feel competitive for a central London location, and finding options for both daily commuting and weekend hikes. Although this branch is not a pure angling specialist, the wider brand’s focus on fishing equipment such as rods, reels, bait and bankside accessories means that outdoor enthusiasts who also fish can build much of their kit list within the GO Outdoors ecosystem, combining boots and waterproofs with selected fishing tackle and luggage.

The chain’s online description of its fishing offering highlights a large range that covers carp, coarse and sea disciplines, with well‑known brands like Westlake, Sonik and Trakker available across stores and online. This is particularly relevant for customers who prefer to see and try on their clothing and footwear in person at St Paul’s, then order more specialised fishing gear via the same retailer, taking advantage of advice from staff who understand how different boots, jackets and packs fit into a day by the water. For beginners, this unified approach can make it easier to put together a first set of fishing equipment that balances budget and durability, while experienced anglers may use the store mainly for apparel and travel‑friendly accessories.

Customer service: strengths and weaknesses

One of the most striking aspects of this store is the consistency of comments about individual staff members. Names such as Gavin, Tim, Joel, Evie, Alam, Ryan and others appear repeatedly in online reviews, with customers praising their patience, knowledge and willingness to spend time understanding what someone actually needs rather than pushing the most expensive product. Shoppers describe staff carefully measuring feet for hiking boots, asking about budget and intended terrain, and explaining technical details such as waterproof membranes, support and fitting, which can be important for anyone buying footwear to wear on long walks or while carrying fishing tackle along a riverbank.

Several customers mention walking away with boots or jackets that felt well‑matched to their plans, from long-distance hikes to everyday commuting, and note that staff were open in their advice about which items offered the best value. There are also reports of efficient help with membership queries and pricing issues, where team members have taken ownership of a problem and resolved it on the spot in a friendly, professional manner. For many potential customers, this focus on genuine advice rather than hard selling is a clear positive, especially when buying items like waterproofs or boots that will be used repeatedly on trips, including outings with fishing gear where comfort and weather protection are crucial.

However, feedback is not universally positive, and anyone considering a visit should be aware of some recurring criticisms. A detailed account from one visitor describes frustration with the way a rain jacket purchase was handled, particularly the refusal to allow the use of fitting rooms for trying on jackets that included inner fleeces. Having to try on layers in the middle of the shop, without somewhere convenient to place personal belongings, left this customer feeling uncomfortable and ultimately led them to leave without buying. Another reviewer reports delays and poor communication when collecting an ordered rucksack, with the store failing to proactively update them when the item arrived and staff initially appearing rushed and inattentive at collection, although a manager eventually stepped in to help.

These negative experiences suggest that, while the team frequently delivers attentive service, processes around changing facilities and special orders may still need refinement. For customers planning to invest in technical jackets they might also wear on wet fishing days, or large packs that need careful adjustment, the lack of private changing space and occasional communication gaps could be frustrating. On the other hand, the involvement of managers in resolving issues, and the volume of strongly positive comments about frontline staff, indicates a store culture that does aim to get things right, even if execution is not flawless every time.

Pricing, value and membership

Price is frequently mentioned as a strength for this branch, particularly when combined with the retailer’s membership scheme. Some customers describe being pleasantly surprised at how much they were able to purchase during promotions, including multiple fleeces and a winter coat for a relatively modest sum, especially when stacked with membership discounts. For people building up an outdoor wardrobe for hiking, camping or trips that involve fishing tackle, this can make it easier to afford reliable, mid‑range gear rather than compromising on quality.

The membership scheme itself is often introduced at the checkout or during product selection, with staff explaining how it affects prices and where it provides the most benefit. Independent reviewers highlight that the discounts can be significant on certain items, making the store attractive for repeat purchases over time. Anglers who regularly need new waterproof layers, thermal base layers or robust footwear to accompany their fishing rods, fishing reels and luggage may find that membership pays for itself quickly, especially if they also use the wider GO Outdoors network or website for more specialised fishing gear.

Store layout and shopping experience

The St Paul’s Express format is designed to fit a broad selection of stock into a relatively compact footprint over two floors. This brings the advantage of having a range of categories—walking, camping, cycling, running and some equipment options—within easy reach, but it also means the space can feel busy at peak times. Customers often remark on the convenience of being able to pop in during a break from work to pick up a jacket, backpack or accessories, then return later to refine choices after taking advice from staff. For anglers who mainly want to update clothing, footwear and smaller fishing accessories, this central format is practical and time‑efficient.

On the downside, the compact layout contributes to some of the concerns mentioned in reviews, such as the lack of changing‑room access for trying on layered jackets or more complex garments. When the shop is busy, it can be harder to find a quiet corner to assess the fit of a waterproof or to check how a pack sits on the back when loaded, which matters if you intend to carry fishing equipment and supplies for long periods. That said, the fact that staff are repeatedly praised for taking time with customers suggests that, when the store is not at its busiest, it can offer a fairly personal shopping experience despite the limited space.

Suitability for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts

While GO Outdoors Express St Paul’s is not a dedicated angling shop with aisles of rods and bait, it is part of a wider retailer that clearly positions itself as a destination for fishing tackle, fishing gear and related accessories alongside hiking and camping products. This makes the branch particularly useful for anglers who already know what they want in terms of hard fishing equipment, and who primarily need to ensure they have the right clothing, footwear and luggage for long sessions on the bank, boat or shore. Staff experience with boots, waterproofs and packs can be highly relevant when choosing kit that will keep you comfortable and dry while you focus on your casting and watercraft.

For those new to angling, the store can serve as an approachable starting point for building the non‑tackle side of their kit list: waterproof jackets suitable for sudden downpours, breathable layers for early‑morning starts, and footwear with enough grip and support for damp riverbanks or rocky marks. Once these basics are in place, customers can then tap into the broader GO Outdoors range of fishing rods, fishing reels and fishing tackle through other branches or online, often with guidance from staff members who understand how different clothing and footwear choices support particular types of carp fishing, coarse trips or coastal sessions.

Balanced view for potential visitors

Overall, GO Outdoors Express St Paul’s presents a mixed but generally positive picture for potential customers. On the positive side, there is consistent, detailed praise for individual staff who are described as attentive, knowledgeable and genuinely interested in matching products to customers’ needs, whether that is a commuting waterproof, hill‑walking boots or layers that will also see use beside the water with a set of fishing tackle. The national retailer’s broad range of fishing gear and outdoor equipment adds depth behind the compact store front, giving customers options that go beyond what is physically on the shelves.

On the other hand, there are clear areas where the experience does not always meet expectations. Limitations around changing facilities can be a significant drawback for anyone wanting to try on technical jackets or multiple layers in privacy, and communication around special orders and collections has, at times, fallen short. Prospective visitors who value very quiet, spacious environments may also find the express format more functional than relaxing, especially at busy times. For most outdoor enthusiasts and anglers, though, the combination of central convenience, access to a wide product range and frequently praised staff service makes this store a practical option when assembling or updating clothing, footwear and accessories to sit alongside their preferred fishing equipment.