AN OUTDOOR retailer is hoping to capitalise on Didcot’s proximity to nature sites as it becomes the latest brand to launch in the expanded Orchard Centre.

Mountain Warehouse’s opening on Friday means the centre’s 28-unit extension is now half full - more than five months on from being finished.

The store’s fourth Oxfordshire branch, it will offer clothing and equipment for outdoor activities including walking, running, cycling, camping and skiing.

It follows the recent openings of JoJo Maman Bebe and FatFace in the centre along with new restaurants including Nando’s and the large Berro Lounge also launching.

Mountain Warehouse manager Ben Urlotti, who lives in the town, said he hoped the shop would serve a range of customers - from experienced hikers to those looking for a coat to go back to school.

He added: “There’s so many walking places around here and a lot of the school students do their Duke of Edinburgh Awards which involves outdoor activities.

“There’s no where that currently caters for this in Didcot.

“We’ve got a range of equipment and clothing to suit all ages and abilities and we’re not just for people who are really active.

“For shoppers, I think the town is becoming a real alternative to places like Oxford and Reading.”

Andrew Berger-North, the UK director of Retail Parks at the shopping centre’s owner Hammerson said the shop would be a ‘great addition.’

He added: “We are delighted that the recent expansion continues to attract high quality brands to make their debut in the town.”

The centre’s redevelopment was seen as a way of helping Didcot plan for the future - when thousands more residents are expected to move in as big housing estate projects are finished.

It launched with only six units let in March but the situation has improved with sought-after shops deciding to sign up.

On Saturday, shoppers in the centre were still undecided as to whether the project has been a success.

Didcot resident Angela Vaughn said she hadn’t really used the shops since their opening, preferring to head to bigger shopping destinations.

On Mountain Warehouse, she said: “I’m not really an active kind of person so it’s not really a place I would go.

“But it’s good to have a mix of places that will attract more people.”

Fellow resident Ian Marshall, 57, said he was likely to shop at Mountain Warehouse to buy ski clothing and equipment.

The telecoms manager said: “It’s great for me because I ski a lot and there hasn’t been anywhere in town where I could buy this sort of stuff before.

“I have found myself using the shops more often than I used to - it saves you the journey to Oxford.

“We’ve got a reasonable mix of places but we’re waiting to see what comes next.”