Decathlon creates ‘microclimate pod’ to simulate extreme weather on Mount Snowdon

Booth mimics temperatures, sounds and smells of Wales' biggest mountain

Decathlon has created a “microclimate pod” to simulate the extreme weather conditions of Mount Snowdon - so walkers can try out the latest hiking gear before they face the 3,560 ft giant.

The booth mimics the temperature, sounds and even the smells of Wales’ biggest mountain to allow customers to experience the harsh conditions ahead of their trek.

Instead of attempting the peak unprepared, customers can put footwear, trousers and backpacks to the test to see if the items meet their needs.

The microclimate experience for prospective adventurers is at the Decathlon store in Surrey Quays, London.

The pod also features a backdrop view of the mountain itself and native plant life.

Christian Baggaley, head of operations at Decathlon UK, said: “We have seen a real increase in the number of shoppers opting to use click & collect since 2017 and are constantly looking at ways to make the overall shopping experience better for our customers.

“That’s why we are excited to collaborate with Barclaycard on this trial – to further encourage shoppers into our stores so they can experience everything it has to offer.”

The development of the Mount Snowdon simulator comes after a study of 250 retailers, which found 72 per cent of respondents believed click and collect services could boost high street footfall.

A separate study of 2,000 adults, carried out through OnePoll, found seven in 10 now use the service – twice a month on average.

However, 15 per cent often did not manage to make it to the shop to collect their purchases.

It is estimated that about £228m worth of goods are uncollected every year.

Thirty per cent of those who had not collected their purchase described the click & collect process as a “hassle” and said they preferred to wait for a refund before reordering for home delivery.

Other issues included long wait times, poorly staffed collection points and struggles to find the designated click and collect area.

But half of adults said they would be more likely to pick up their order if merchants incentivised them with special offers or experiences.

Kirsty Morris, director of Barclaycard Payment Solutions, said: “Click & collect is a win-win for both retailers and consumers.

“Brands have the opportunity to not only increase the number of shoppers through their doors but also to reduce costs and returns, while generating revenue from ‘click & collectors’ purchasing additional items in-store.

“Enhancing the click & collect experience is a potentially lucrative way for retailers to ward off the unprecedented challenges of the high street and bridge the gap between online and in-store shopping.”

The microclimate experience is available for click & collect customers to try at the Decathlon Surrey Quays store between 20 and 23 August.

SWNS