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Breathe Outdoors to Gradually Close Alberta Locations After 60 Years in Business
A well-known Alberta-based outdoor gear retailer is set to exit the market after over six decades of serving outdoor enthusiasts. Breathe Outdoors, previously recognized as Campers Village, announced on Thursday the closure of its three stores in Alberta, which will occur gradually over the next six months.
The company’s general manager, Doug Dea, along with owners Ron and Terry Bryant, issued a joint statement citing economic challenges and a downturn in the retail and outdoor sectors as key factors in their decision. They stated, “It is clear that with the downturn in the economy, with the challenges faced by the retail industry and the outdoor industry specifically, it is unsustainable for Breathe Outdoors to continue operations,” as detailed in their official announcement.
With two of its three store leases set to expire by year-end, Breathe Outdoors determined that now was an appropriate time to cease operations and streamline their exit from the market.
“Let this also be an important reminder to support and champion the local businesses you love.”
Breathe Outdoors traces its origins back to 1963 when Campers Village, initially a retail outlet for Northwest Tent & Awning, opened its doors in Edmonton. The company specialized in providing essential camping gear as the popularity of outdoor activities grew. In 2021, the brand rebranded to Breathe Outdoors, aiming to emphasize the benefits of outdoor exploration and the simple joy of connecting with nature.
The company plans to execute a measured closure rather than a swift liquidation, encouraging ongoing community support during this winding down period. Customers will still have the option to shop in-person and online at breatheoutdoors.ca throughout this transition. Updates will be shared via the company’s website and e-newsletter.
In a timeline for the closures, the south Edmonton store will be the first to cease operations, closing its doors on April 30. The west end location will follow on June 30, coinciding with the end of online sales. Lastly, the Calgary store is scheduled to close on September 30. All closure dates may shift depending on inventory levels, but gift cards will remain valid across locations until each store closes.
Although the company currently maintains a 30-day return policy, it announced that starting June 1, all sales in Edmonton and on the website will be final, with a further final purchase policy beginning August 1 in Calgary.
Despite the impending closures, Breathe Outdoors will continue to receive new inventory for the spring and summer seasons, although no additional orders will be placed once the current stock is depleted. “You can expect to see our Friends & Family Sale for one last time this April! There will also be a few more sales throughout the spring/summer, but we are not planning any big blowout sales or liquidations,” they stated.
Moreover, the company’s loyalty program, the Campers Club, will conclude on March 31, urging members to utilize their benefits within the two weeks leading up to the end date.
As they prepare to close, Breathe Outdoors emphasized that this decision does not diminish the contributions of their dedicated staff. “We are incredibly proud of our employees, who have put their hearts into making this business what it is today,” they declared.
The heartfelt message from the company concluded with gratitude for their long-standing customer base: “From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being part of this journey with us. Whether you’ve been with us since the early days or just recently discovered our store, we are so grateful for your support. We hope you continue to explore, seek adventure, and find joy in the great outdoors.”
Source
globalnews.ca