After outfitting generations of Memphians for river runs, trail days and bike rides, family-owned Outdoors Inc. is calling it a career. The longtime outdoor retailer has announced it will close its final store, wrapping up what founder Joe Royer, 78, described as “a great, great run.” A going-out-of-business sale is underway, though a hard closing date has not yet been set.
Announcement and timeline
The decision went public in a social media post earlier this week, according to the Daily Memphian. In that message, the company thanked customers, staff and vendors and invited the community to “share stories” as the shop winds down operations, turning its final weeks into something of a citywide goodbye party.
Decades of local history
Royer and co-founder Lawrence Migliara launched Outdoors Inc. in 1974, initially focused on paddling, before steadily expanding into camping, cycling, paddling, climbing and skiing gear, reporting by The Commercial Appeal notes. Along the way, the shop helped spark local events, including canoe and kayak races and community rides, that grew into staples of Memphis’s outdoor scene.
Sale details and what to expect
The business kicked off its going-out-of-business sale on Monday, with bike-shop discounts rolling out on Tuesday, as reported by Action News 5. Most items are marked between 25% and 60% off, while big-ticket categories like boats, bikes and electronics are priced individually. Some services, such as bike maintenance, are not included in the markdowns. All sales are in-person and final, so there are no rain checks and no returns.
Staff, customers and the community
Staffers and longtime shoppers have been flooding social media with memories and old photos. General manager Andy King called Outdoors Inc. “a Memphis institution,” while Chief Operating Officer Mary Royer New described the closure as “happy sad,” according to The Commercial Appeal. Ownership has encouraged people to stop by not just to hunt for bargains but to swap stories and say a proper goodbye.
Where to follow updates
For anyone tracking what is left and how long the lights will stay on, Outdoors Inc.’s website and social media channels remain the go-to sources for inventory notes and timing updates. The company’s contact page lists its East Memphis address and phone numbers for in-store questions, and local outlets are expected to follow any final announcements from the Royer family and their team.
