The retail landscape in Tayside saw a significant shift recently with the Regatta Dundee store closure.
After a relatively short tenure in one of the city’s most prominent shopping hubs, the outdoor giant officially shuttered its doors, leaving a noticeable void in the Overgate Centre.
For local hikers, campers, and dog-walkers who relied on the brand’s Great Outdoors value proposition, the exit has raised several questions.
Why did a brand that only arrived in 2022 leave so soon? What happens to shoppers who have recent purchases or gift cards? And most importantly, where can you find affordable waterproofs in Dundee now?
For those left with unusable gift cards or questions about where to find their next pair of walking boots, navigating the aftermath of such a sudden exit can be frustrating.
Below, we look at why Regatta chose to leave the Overgate, what it means for your consumer rights, and which local retailers are best placed to fill the gap.
Why did the Regatta Dundee store close down?
The departure of Regatta from the Overgate Shopping Centre in April 2025 came as a surprise to many, especially given that the store had only opened its doors in 2022.
While the brand has not issued a singular smoking gun reason, retail analysts point to a combination of strategic and macroeconomic factors.
1. The Two-Year Itch and Lease Terms
Many modern retail leases in shopping centres like the Overgate include break clauses at the two or three-year mark. If a store does not meet specific turnover targets within that initial window, it is often more financially viable for a brand to exit rather than commit to a long-term, decade-long lease.
2. Retail Consolidation
Regatta, which also owns brands like Craghoppers and Dare2b, has been shifting its focus toward larger concept stores and outlet hubs.
The Dundee unit, while well-positioned, may not have fit the brand’s 2026 vision of massive, experiential showrooms found in retail parks rather than traditional city-centre malls.
The move reflects a broader re-calibration across the British high street, where even established names are trimming their physical estates to focus on high-performing hubs.
A similar pattern emerged during the UK toy chain entertainer store closure, where the brand opted to close underperforming standalone units in favour of more profitable partnership models.
For Regatta, this often means prioritizing locations that can showcase their full range of Craghoppers and Dare2b alongside their core products.
3. The Cinch of Online Shopping
Dundee has seen a significant rise in Click and Collect culture. With Regatta’s robust online presence and frequent digital-only sales, the necessity of maintaining a physical footprint in every major Scottish city has diminished.
This local departure mirrors a wider trend highlighted by the British Retail Consortium (BRC), whose recent footfall monitors show that Scottish high streets have faced a notably steeper decline in shopper visits compared to the UK average.
Much of this is attributed to the growing preference for out-of-town retail parks that offer the convenience of free parking.
What happened during the Regatta Dundee closing down sale?
Before the final shutters came down, the store held a widely publicised Closing Down Sale. For several weeks, shoppers in the Overgate saw discounts of up to 70% or 80% across the board.
While these sales are excellent for bargain hunters looking for cheap waterproof jackets or fleece layers, they often serve a functional business purpose: Stock Liquidation.
Cost Efficiency: It is often cheaper to sell stock at a loss locally than it is to pack, ship, and redistribute it to other branches or central warehouses.
Liability Reduction: Clearing the floor allows the brand to hand back a clean unit to the landlord (Sovereign Centros) without incurring storage penalties.
Where is the nearest Regatta store to Dundee now?
If you are a loyalist to the Regatta brand and prefer to try before you buy, you will now need to travel outside the city limits. Fortunately, several locations remain within a reasonable driving distance of Dundee.
Comparison: Nearest Regatta Branches to Dundee
| Location | Distance from Dundee | Store Type | Best For |
| Perth (St John’s St) | ~22 Miles | High Street Store | Full range and new season arrivals. |
| St Andrews (Market St) | ~13 Miles | Small Format | Quick essentials and coastal wear. |
| Sterling Mills (Tillicoultry) | ~45 Miles | Outlet Store | Previous season stock and 50%+ discounts. |
| Livingston Designer Outlet | ~55 Miles | Large Outlet | The biggest selection of Regatta and Craghoppers. |
How can I return items or use gift cards after the Dundee closure?
One of the biggest pain points for shoppers during a store closure is the management of returns and existing credit. If you bought an item during the final weeks in the Overgate, here is the official guidance:
- Statutory Rights: Your consumer rights do not vanish just because a store closes. If an item is faulty, Regatta (the company) is still liable.
- Gift Cards: Regatta gift cards are brand-wide. You can still use them at any other UK store or on the official Regatta.com website.
- Returns Policy: You cannot return items to a closed store. You must either visit the nearest open branch (Perth or St Andrews) or contact their Customer Service team to arrange a postal return.
- Online Purchases: If you bought an item online and intended to return it to the Dundee store to save on postage, you will now likely have to use the brand’s online returns portal (which may involve a small courier fee).
Which local shops are the best alternatives for outdoor gear in Dundee?
Dundee remains a gateway to the Highlands, and there are still several excellent retailers where you can find high-quality outdoor equipment.
1. Mountain Warehouse (Overgate & Gallagher Retail Park)
As Regatta’s direct competitor, Mountain Warehouse offers a similar value-first price point. Their store at Gallagher Retail Park is particularly large and offers free parking, making it a more convenient choice for many than the old Overgate unit.
2. Trespass (Wellgate Centre & Gallagher Retail Park)
A Scottish brand through and through, Trespass offers technical gear that is often more style-focused. They frequently run Clearance events that rival Regatta’s pricing.
3. Tiso (Whitehall Street)
For those looking for higher-end, technical gear (think North Face, Rab, or Patagonia), Tiso remains the local expert. While more expensive than Regatta, the expertise of the staff and the quality of the gear are top-tier.
Is the Overgate Centre struggling?
The Regatta Dundee store closure shouldn’t necessarily be seen as a sign of a failing shopping centre. While the Overgate has lost brands like Debenhams and Topshop in recent years, it has also seen a resurgence in lifestyle brands and leisure units.
This transition toward experience-led retail is a national phenomenon rather than a local failure. We’ve seen this play out in the hospitality sector too; the Costa Coffee Greengates closure serves as a prime example of a major brand withdrawing from long-standing locations to protect its wider margins.
Consequently, the prime units formerly occupied by mid-market clothing brands like Regatta are increasingly being repurposed for leisure use, such as gym chains or competitive socialising venues.
The retail trend in 2026 is shifting away from mid-market clothing toward experience and value. The units formerly occupied by clothing retailers are increasingly being eyed by gym chains, cinemas, and competitive socialising venues (like indoor golf or bowling).
FAQ about Regatta Dundee Store Closure
Is Regatta Dundee closed for good?
Yes, the store in the Overgate Centre officially closed in April 2025 and is no longer trading. There are currently no public plans for the brand to reopen a standalone store within Dundee city centre.
Can I still buy Regatta gear in Dundee?
Yes. While the standalone store is gone, Regatta stock is often carried by third-party retailers. You can frequently find Regatta and Craghoppers products in The Range (Milton of Craigie) or within the outdoor sections of large supermarkets like Asda Milton.
Who is moving into the old Regatta unit in the Overgate?
As of mid-2025, the unit is being marketed for lease. Speculation suggests a fast-casual dining brand or a health and beauty retailer may take the space, following the recent trend of diversification in the mall.
What should I do if I have a faulty item from the Dundee store?
Do not attempt to take it to the Overgate. Instead, visit the Regatta Support Portal and use their Contact Us form. You will need your receipt or proof of purchase to claim a refund or replacement.
Conclusion
The Regatta Dundee store closure marks the end of a chapter for the Overgate, but it doesn’t mean the end of accessible outdoor gear for the people of Tayside.
By shifting your shopping habits to nearby Perth, visiting the Gallagher Retail Park, or utilising the brand’s online portal, you can still access the gear you need for your next adventure.
Practical Next Steps for Dundee Shoppers
- Use your credit: Don’t let gift cards gather dust; since the Dundee branch is gone, you should redeem them via the official website or at the Perth store before they reach their expiry date.
- Visit the Fair City: For those who need a professional boot fitting, the Perth branch on St John’s Street remains the most reliable physical alternative for Tayside residents.
