Blacks - Castleford Avis 451

As a relative newcomer to hiking I really valued the knowledge and experience offered by my local store. With so many products available it would be easy to make the wrong choices and wasting your money.

Great customer service. A friendly (ginger bearded) chap took the time to talk me through all the options and explain the pros and cons of each brand until I got the right one.
Was buying waterproof trousers for my hubby who is very picky and he had lots of patience.
Would definitely go back next time I need outdoor clothing.

Katie served me today and was excellent, very engaging and informative on products around the quality, cost and capability associated with outdoor hiking.
All done with very nice and sincere engagement. An excellent employee who represents Blacks at the highest standard.

Perfect sales assistant, Ebony could not have done more.
Firstly I had gone into store to exchange a tee-shirt, asked for help to locate them and within seconds she had a ladder out to find them high up and behind other stock. Item exchanged.
I had moved to look at hiking boots where she joined me and asked if I needed help. A good conversation started about different boots, sizing and after care (including walking shoes that I have had for ages) Boots bought.
Good sales attitude leads to more sales.
I then moved on to boot socks, and again we had a good discussion about brands and weights. Bought 2 pair.
Excellent experience.
I passed my appreciation onto the store manager.
Not often I write reviews but this visit needed one.

Very good experience in store. Mike was a massive help. I came in with the intentions of some new boots and Mike ensured I bought the right pair for me. Very knowledgable and great customer service! Mike is the very reason that I would always go into store for such a big purchase.

I called purposely to Black's at Junc32 to purchase a pair of walking boots for Christmas, as my Husband had taken our daughter for her some and really rated their experience. The Store manager Dave, was exceptionally knowledgeable and could identify the problems I was having with my current walking boots.High arches in my feet are giving me numbness and painful toes and balls of my feet. He recommended some Superfeet insoles, tried various sorts and found the best ones for me. He warned me they would change my life and straightway the whole boots on both feet feel like real game changers. He also demonstrated how to make sure I put on my boot to give the best fit and showed me how to to tie better for a secure fit.
The whole experience made me confident that I had bought the perfect new boots.
Thank you Dave. You were Brilliant, you went above and beyond. We will be happy and returning customers, and will definitely recommend you

After having many constant fault issues with another brand, I decided to have a look in Blacks, I was immediately served by Katie, who was very helpful, extremely knowledgeable, and very patient, offering valued advice, and am very happy to say came away with a very good fitting hiking boot, which also worked with prescribed insoles, I would highly recommend anyone needing assistance with boots for whatever terrain Katie can fit the right boot for your requirements, and Blacks had a very good selection,
Thank you

The young lady who served me was very helpful. Nothing was too much trouble and she was very knowledgeable about the products. I came away with a super pair of Brashers walking shoes. I just wish I had got her name.

Great service from Katie the assistant who helped us at a very busy time choosing our new walking shoes. Really helpful with a winning smile and personality. Good choice in store for what we wanted.

Visited the store today 23.9.25 was served by Katie who was very helpful & knowledgeable nothing was too much for her
Thanks again

I recently made a purchase and the process at the till took a little longer than usual, as the employee was a trainee. I completely understand that everyone needs time to learn, so I was patient and didn’t mind the wait. However, when I got home, I realised the security tag was still attached, so I had to make a return trip to the store.

While the staff (all members were at the till) resolved the issue quickly, there was no acknowledgment of the inconvenience, no apology and not even a smile. A bit of basic courtesy or a simple “sorry” would’ve made the experience feel a lot better. Mistakes happen, but how they’re handled makes all the difference.

Mike at the Castleford store was amazing, I took my daughter for hiking gear and talked through everything, with loads of patience and explained everything to us.

Would strongly recommend

Really helpful, friendly and knowledgeable staff. I tried on quite a few different pairs of walking shoes before deciding which ones I wanted, at no time did the member of staff get fed up of bringing more shoes out.

Dave the manager was excellent we brought a set of size 11 brasher boots in march following his knowledgeable advice.
The proved to be very comfortable
We brought another pair (size 5) for my friend (wife) and would/will return to see Dave again when we next need help.

I recently visited Blacks Outdoor Shop to pick up some gear for my Duke of Edinburgh expedition, and I have to say, the service was absolutely fantastic. One particular staff member went above and beyond to help me choose the perfect backpack for my journey. ( Mike )

I was torn between several options, but they patiently walked me through the features of different brands, helping me compare comfort, durability, and storage space. In the end, they recommended the Osprey backpack, and I couldn’t be happier with my choice! Their expert knowledge, real-world advice, and friendly attitude made the decision so much easier.

On top of that, they shared some excellent DofE tips —from the best way to pack my bag to ensuring my kit is evenly distributed to prevent strain on my back. They also gave me advice on staying dry during unpredictable weather and keeping energy levels up with quick, lightweight snacks.

If you’re preparing for DofE or need quality outdoor gear, I highly recommend visiting Blacks. Their staff are incredibly helpful, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about the outdoors.

Really friendly staff got a really good discount my coat is wonderful second coat I have bought would recommend a vist in store

I don’t often write reviews, but that service we received today in store was outstanding. We were served by Dave Kellett. We were trying to find equipment including walking shoes and a rucksack for my son to use on his D of E. My son has wide feet and we’ve been struggling to find the right walking boots. Dave was patient, knowledgeable and just flipping brilliant. We tried on many boots and he was able to advise and then help us to find a perfect pair of boots. I would throughly recommend to anyone to come to this store and seek out Dave and you will see what I mean. Dave, thanks so much- we really appreciated you today and now I fancy some new walking boots myself! Might see you again soon.

I would like to compliment the store manager David in the outlet store at Junction 32 Castleford.
I visited yesterday with a faulty pair of Merrell waking shoes I purchased online from Millets and was advised by the customer service team to take to my nearest store for a refund.
David was very helpful, supportive of the issues, understanding and friendly.
He sorted out the refund, and instead of me having to reorder online, he had stock in the store and the price was great!
Nothing was too much trouble. Would highly recommend.

Popped in too Blacks today and purchased a rab jacket, I must say Mike was brilliant in regards to customer service and having time to answer all my questions and giving me more info on the jacket I purchased.. First class service

Regards Richard

The staff in store were extremely patient, kind, professional and persisted with the customer services process to resolve a problem with the gift card I was trying to use! They thoroughly deserve a mention and big thanks!