National Trust announces first outdoor retail partner

Blacks, the outdoor clothing and footwear retailer, has signed up to become the National Trust’s first national outdoor retail partner, with the aim to inspire people to get outdoors this autumn. As part of the deal, Blacks will be financially supporting

the National Trust’s autumn outdoor programme, which aims to inspire the public to experience the British countryside, as well as working closely with National Trust rangers, who will be featured in-store and on the retailer’s website testing and reviewing Blacks’ clothing, footwear and outdoor kit.

Rod Hebden, Head of Corporate Partnerships at the National Trust, said: "We're delighted to be teaming up with Blacks. For over 150 years Blacks have been championing the great outdoors, so together we can celebrate the countryside and engage with hundreds of thousands of outdoor enthusiasts."

Barry Bown, Director of Blacks, added: "Both the National Trust and Blacks share a passion for the countryside, so this partnership makes perfect sense.

“We want people to have the best outdoor kit available, in order to help them enjoy their favourite National Trust places all year round, whatever the weather."

The initial partnership will run until January 31, 2013, and the first ‘ranger road test’ features the retailer’s own
brand, Peter Storm.

It has been a challenge year for Blacks, in January the outdoor specialist was acquired by JD Sports after falling into administration, it is hoped that this project will help the retailer, which sells brands including Berghaus, Craghoppers and The North Face, push forward during the autumn and winter trading periods.