Blacks outdoor equipment and apparel

Blacks is a prominent British retailer specializing in outdoor clothing, footwear, and equipment. The brand's history dates back to the mid-19th century, founded by Thomas Black, who originally specialized in sailmaking before transitioning into tent manufacturing for the British military and explorers. This heritage established Blacks as a staple in the UK's outdoor industry.

Today, Blacks operates as a retail brand that stocks a variety of third-party labels alongside its own private labels. While its products are designed and developed with the British landscape in mind, manufacturing is outsourced to various global locations including China, Vietnam, and Turkey. The brand caters to hikers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts with a wide range of weather-resistant gear.

In 2012, after experiencing financial difficulties, Blacks Leisure Group was acquired by JD Sports Fashion plc. Under this ownership, Blacks has been integrated into a larger portfolio of outdoor retail brands, including Millets and Ultimate Outdoors. This corporate structure allows Blacks to maintain its heritage while benefiting from the extensive logistical and retail infrastructure of JD Sports, headquartered in Greater Manchester, United Kingdom.