Outdoor experts Alpkit opens new store in Inverness
The British B-Corp Alpkit has opened its tenth and most northerly store in Inverness.
Launching in partnership with The Ledge Climbing Gym, Alpkit Inverness will be a hub for outdoor enthusiasts.
Nick Smith, co-founder and Managing Director of Alpkit commented: “Opening our new Inverness store is such an exciting opportunity for us. Community is in the roots of every store we open. Partnering with The Ledge Climbing Gym, Scotland’s only Olympic standard wall and charity, will mean we are at the very heart of such an active and passionate outdoor community.” c
Alpkit was founded on friendship; four climbers, frustrated at the price of kit, came together in 2004. Nearly two decades later, they’re still sticking to their ethos. That’s to offer specialist technical performance clothing and equipment at accessible prices.
Read our full interview with David Hanney, CEO and Co-Founder.
The retailer is on a mission to create community hubs in “honeypots of outdoor activity” in areas including the Lake District, the Peak District and Snowdonia. Alpkit currently has nine other stores in Britain as well as a thriving website. They sell gear to climb, camp, hike, swim, bike, and run.
The Ledge Climbing Gym is Scotland’s only Olympic standard bouldering wall. With over 900m2 of climbing surfaces, it offers lead and roped climbs, an S&C gym, a yoga studio, a functional fitness space and a bouldering space for kids. The Ledge Charity offers support and community for those rehabilitating from cancer; survivors of sexual violence; non-attending school children’ young carers; and children at risk of being involved in county line drug dealing.
The store will hold the full Alpkit range, the fleet of Sonder bikes and a repair station as well running events in and around Inverness.
The repair station will repair outdoor clothing and equipment from any brand. Alpkit’s Repair Heroes work on anything from zip repairs and patches to reconstruction and upcycling.
Alpkit Inverness will also receive donations for the Continuum Project, Alpkit’s contribution to a circular economy. It will collect outdoor clothing and equipment that’s no longer loved and pass it on or recycle it. Absolutely nothing will go to landfill.
Following a successful crowdfunding raise of £2.7mn, Alpkit is continuing its plan to open two stores a year.
The Retail Bulletin sat down with David Hanney, CEO and Co-Founder to find out more about the brand and the new store opening. Click here to access the interview in full.
