Great Outdoors Turns 50
This March marks a significant milestone for us at Great Outdoors — we’re celebrating 50 years in business.
It’s a moment that feels both big and, in some ways, quite grounding. Because while a lot has changed over the years, the reason we started — and the way we approach what we do — has stayed largely the same.
From day one, it was about helping people get outside with the right gear and the right advice. That’s still what drives us today.
How It All Started
Great Outdoors began with a simple idea: make good quality outdoor gear more accessible, and back it up with knowledge people could trust.
The outdoor world looked very different back then. There was less choice, less technology, and finding reliable equipment often meant a bit of guesswork. What mattered most was knowing what actually worked.
That’s where we focused our efforts — not just on stocking products, but on understanding them. Taking the time to talk things through. Helping people figure out what they needed, not just what was available.
Over time, that approach built trust. And that trust is what allowed us to grow.
More Than Just a Shop
Looking back, one of the things we value most is the role we’ve played in the wider outdoor community.
We’ve met people at every stage of their journey — from those buying their first waterproof jacket to those preparing for serious mountain trips. There’s something special about being part of that process, even in a small way.
A lot of what happens in-store isn’t just transactional. It’s conversations, shared experiences, recommendations, and sometimes a bit of problem-solving before a trip.
That human side of things has always mattered to us, and it continues to shape how we do things today.
The Gear Has Changed — and So Have We
Over 50 years, outdoor gear has evolved massively. We are proud to always be on the front-foot when it comes to stocking the latest and greatest outdoor innovations - more on this can be found in our timeline on our About Us page.
Jackets are lighter and more breathable. Backpacks are more comfortable and better designed. Footwear performs better across a wider range of conditions. There’s also been a noticeable shift towards more responsible and sustainable manufacturing.
We’ve adapted alongside those changes, being careful about what we stock and why we stock it. The goal has never been to have everything — it’s to have the right things.
Gear that performs well, lasts, and does what it’s supposed to when the weather turns or the conditions get tough.
Marking 50 Years
Reaching 50 years feels like something worth marking properly.
Over the coming weeks, we’ll be running a series of events, giveaways, and competitions — both in-store and online. It’s our way of saying thank you, and also an opportunity to bring people together around something we all share.
We’ll be keeping things fairly straightforward, but there will be plenty of chances to get involved. Definitely keep an eye on our social media through Facebook, Instagram, Youtube and more. We recommend subscribing to our newsletter on our website - as there will be exclusive competitions, giveaways and deals held there!
If you’ve been meaning to drop in, this is a good time to do it. Say hello to our directors Ken & Derek if you see them in the store - they love a chat!
A Genuine Thank You
It’s hard to talk about a milestone like this without acknowledging the people behind it.
Our customers, our team, and the wider outdoor community have all played a part in getting us here. Some of you have been with us for years. Others might have only found us recently.
Either way, your support matters, and it’s something we don’t take lightly.
Looking Ahead
While 50 years gives us a good reason to look back, we’re just as focused on what’s ahead.
More people are getting outdoors now than ever before, and that’s something we see every day. Whether it’s for hiking, travelling, or just getting a bit of fresh air, the outdoors continues to be an important part of people’s lives.
Our role in that hasn’t really changed.
We’re here to help people choose gear that works, offer advice that’s useful to you and your adventure, and make the whole process a bit easier.
Join Us
If you’re around over the next few weeks, keep an eye on what we’ve got planned.
There’ll be updates on events, competitions, and a few other bits along the way. And as always, you’re welcome to call in, have a look around, or just ask a few questions.
