Not every business that closes follows the same path.
Now, most businesses are like professional wrestlers. They hang on as long as they can and have a sad ending.
Related: Popular sneaker retail chain closing over 100 stores
It’s very hard for a company, or at least for the owners of that company, to see the writing on the wall and make the decision to bow out gracefully. That’s because, in many cases, someone who was successful always assumes that they’re a minor course correction away from having that success again.
But as market conditions change, the demand for specific types of retail shifts. You don’t, for example, see a lot of typewriter repair shops or vacuum stores.
Those were once crucial retailers, but their day has passed. In most cases, like with local video stores, retailers don’t seen the end coming in time to make a major pivot. It does happen. There’s a chain in New England that once rented videos which now offers tanning salon services.
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That’s a truly large pivot with no easy connection between the two businesses, but the owner realized that staying in video rental was a sure path to disaster.Â
In some cases, however, owners can see the end and instead of trying to fight through it, burning every last dollar, they lean into it. That’s what’s happening with one popular outdoor goods chain that traces its history back to 1997.
Outdoor and camping stores have struggled to keep up with online rivals.
Image source: Shutterstock
Next Adventure has deep roots
Next Adventure, a Portland, Oregon-based outdoor gear store, traces its roots back to two friends, Deek Heykamp and Bryan Knudsen. The two lifelong friends made major sacrifices to open their first store.
They shared that story on their website.
“For three-and-a-half years, Deek researched this “new and used” store concept by working in a handful of outdoor gear stores in Seattle and hit hundreds of yard sales in Portland and Seattle. During this same time, Deek had a successful shoe repair business with 12 different locations in two states, selling the majority of them to pursue his dream for what would be Next Adventure,” they posted.
His partner made some sacrifices as well.
“In 1997, Bryan sold his house in Bellingham, Washington, and quit his job of 11 years at Les Schwab Tires to relocate to Portland with Deek to open the store in July of that same year,” according to the website.
Both partners put in the sweat equity to build the chain.
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“With two truckloads of used gear in 1,600 square feet of retail space, Next Adventure was born. Deek and Bryan opened Next Adventure in the heart of SE Portland in July 1997. At that time, this ‘new and used’ store on SE Grand Avenue was only about 1,600 square feet – no bigger than a small coffee shop,” they shared.
From there, the two built Next Adventure into a chain. Now, the adventure will soon come to an end, but on their own terms.
Next Adventure closing all stores
The two partners decided to retire and close Next Adventure. They posted about their choices on the chain’s website.
“After 28 incredible years, founders Deek Heykamp and Bryan Knudsen are retiring. What began in 1997 as a 1,500-square-foot shop built on a dream has become a Portland institution — thanks to our amazing customers, staff, and community. As Deek and Bryan step into their next adventure, we’ll be closing our doors with gratitude and pride,” they shared.
The company is winding down online orders.
“We are closing our online store May 19 at 5 p.m. PST. So shop now while you still can! Due to increased order volumes, shipping times may be a few days longer than normal,” they shared.
Going-out-of-business sales will follow in all four of the company’s remaining brick-and-mortar locations.
“The sale begins Wednesday, May 28, 2025. Come early for the best selection — once it’s gone, it’s gone,” the company posted.
Next Adventure will also continued to honor its gift cards.
“Gift cards (digital and physical) will still be accepted. However, no new gift cards will be issued after May 25, 2025,” it posted.
Related: Famous sporting goods store closing after 70 years, no bankruptcy
For now, the company is still buying used gear.
“We will stop buying used gear eventually; more information will be announced,” it shared.
