Canadian outdoor apparel brand Arc’teryx has opened its first NSW store in Bondi Junction, with more stores planned to open over the next few years.
The new store joins two existing locations in Melbourne, at Chadstone and Emporium.
Arc’teryx reported that New South Wales is home to a large portion of its Australian consumer base, claiming locations such as the Blue Mountains and Kosciuszko National Park have contributed to this market share.
Australian marketing manager Hayden Stevens said the brand has been in Australia for over a decade via a dedicated website and through wholesale distribution in local retailers such as Incu, Paddy Pallin and Trek & Travel.
“But the store will afford us the opportunity to connect on an even more impactful level,” Stevens said.
“Sydney has been identified as the Australian hub for the brand, and we’re excited to help our community get out there and experience the New South Wales outdoors, preserving it in the process.”
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Arc’teryx has reported significant growth in the Australian market. It added that Australia’s interest in adventure sports such as rock climbing, trail running and mountain biking has grown rapidly over the past few years, with the trail running community reporting growth of 12% year-on-year for the past decade.
The brand cited both its garment design and community focus for its Australian growth.
Arc’teryx offers free repairs across all garments via its ReBird program which covers three areas: re-care, re-gear and re-cut. The program includes on-site repair for customer garments, sells a range of second-hand apparel, and diverts waste fabric and material to create brand-new products.
ReBird will be in operation at its new Bondi Junction store.
“The more time we’re able to spend in a place, the more we’re able to design apparel and gear that best suits that environment,” Stevens said. “Our Sydney launch will allow us to explore the mountains, bush and coastline of New South Wales, and continue to develop our range in line with what our community here really needs.”
The store will also act as an activation space for a series of community events. Confirmed events so far include a ski night, a climbing party and a group trail run, with plans in place to connect with more local businesses, athletes and networks.