In reply to Removed Userysingo:
Cotswold do do excellent training! As has already been said full timers like to get out on their weekends!!!
Also weekenders are quite often students who are not in enough to know where everything is (Cotswold change the location of products within store regularly/daily). They are also often unaware of new products.
The ones who are very helpfull are usually the ones who own half or the Cotswold stock themselves (even before they started working there) and still look at other products on offer from manufacturers that aren't stocked - because they want more/different gear!
I used to get told off for talking too much! (appologies to those who chatted too long to me) I worked at Cotswold Outdoor Liverpool for a year (Start of Jan 2010 to end of Dec 2010) - I feel I have done my time, although it's a great company. I met some very interesting people and developed very good contacts. However, I also learnt alot from customers. Customer service is a top priority at Cotswold and I certainly notice when I go to some other outdoor shops - the lack of people to ask and lack of knowledge!
The fixation with TNF is because that is what the demand is for - that is where the money is - in fashion.
The worst thing about working at Cotswold was my bank statement used to say:
Cotswold Outdoor Ltd In £xxx
Cotswold Outdoor Ltd Out £xxx