Next Adventure: Pioneering Outdoor Retail with a Community Focus
Next Adventure, a renowned name in the outdoor retail sector, exemplifies innovation and community engagement in its business practices. With its roots deeply planted in the Pacific Northwest, Next Adventure has become a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts for its extensive range of products and commitment to sustainability.
History of Next Adventure
Founded in 1997 by childhood friends Deek Heykamp and Bryan Knudsen, Next Adventure began as a small outdoor gear consignment store in Portland, Oregon. The founders aimed to make outdoor gear more accessible and affordable, catering to both seasoned adventurers and beginners. The concept quickly caught on, and Next Adventure expanded to include new gear, outdoor rentals, and comprehensive outdoor education programs.
Over the years, Next Adventure has grown significantly, opening multiple locations and broadening its product offerings to include everything from camping and hiking gear to kayaking and snow sports equipment. Despite its growth, the company has remained true to its roots, focusing on affordability, community involvement, and environmental stewardship.
Store Locations and Offerings
Next Adventure’s flagship store remains in Portland, Oregon, but it has expanded to include several other locations:
Grand Avenue Store (Portland, OR): The original and largest store, offering a vast selection of new and used gear, a dedicated paddle sports center, and an extensive ski and snowboard shop.
Scappoose Bay Paddling Center (Scappoose, OR): Specializes in water sports, providing rentals, sales, and instruction for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and canoeing.
Sandy Store (Sandy, OR): Located near Mt. Hood, this store focuses on ski, snowboard, and mountain biking gear, catering to both winter and summer mountain sports enthusiasts.
Each location is strategically chosen based on proximity to outdoor activities, ensuring that the gear and services offered are tailored to the local community’s needs.
Partnership with Locally
In an effort to keep pace with digital trends and enhance customer experience, Next Adventure partnered with Locally, an innovative platform that enables retailers to showcase their in-store inventory on brand websites. This strategic move allows Next Adventure to surface its inventory on the websites of key brands such as Rab, Gregory, Jackson, Hobie, and Astral.
Why Choose Locally?
Enhanced Visibility: By integrating with Locally, Next Adventure gains significant online exposure, attracting customers who start their shopping journey on brand websites.
Local Shopping Encouraged: Locally helps convert online shoppers into local store visitors by showing real-time inventory available near them. This not only supports the local economy but also reduces environmental impacts associated with shipping.
Improved Customer Satisfaction: Customers can see what products are available immediately in their area, which enhances convenience and satisfaction by allowing them to pick up products the same day they find them online.
Stronger Brand Relationships: This partnership strengthens ties with major outdoor brands, ensuring that Next Adventure remains a preferred retailer due to its commitment to accessibility and customer service.
Next Adventure’s choice to partner with Locally underscores its mission to make outdoor adventures accessible to all, promoting local shopping and sustainability. By adapting to technological advances and maintaining strong community ties, Next Adventure not only thrives as a business but also contributes significantly to the outdoor community’s growth and sustainability. As they continue to expand and evolve, their foundational commitment to affordability, community engagement, and environmental stewardship remains unchanged, setting them apart as a leader in the outdoor retail industry.