Outdoor clothing manufacturer Patagonia has opened its 25th retail store and its first location in Texas. The new 7,000-square-foot Patagonia store is located in a historic building that began life as the W.B. Smith dry goods store in 1884, four years before the state capitol down the street was completed.
The store carries Patagonia-branded outdoor sports and lifestyle products tailored to the Austin market. Items range from layering systems to apparel for climbing, endurance and water sports, skiing, trail running, hiking/trekking and fly fishing. All products reflect the company's well-known commitment to environmental causes, including 100% organic cotton apparel that avoids causing environmental damage from toxic chemicals used in growing conventional cotton.
The store is managed by Jim Hansel, an avid Austin cycling, hiking, canoeing and fishing enthusiast who volunteers teaching bicycle safety to local youth groups and also takes part in local trail and water cleanups. “Every Patagonia store supports local environmental causes, and we are no exception.”
The grand opening of Patagonia's Austin store on Saturday, Nov. 15, from 10am-7pm will feature live entertainment by local bands Austin Homegrown and Alpha Rev in cooperation with KGSR and KROX from 1-5 pm, a Native American flute performance by Daniel G. Benes from 5:30-6:30 pm, and a drawing for five $500 Patagonia gift cards.
Also in attendance was TreeFolks, an Austin-based non-profit urban tree planting organization and Patagonia Inc. grant recipient that has planted tens of thousands of trees at schools, retirement homes and other venues in Austin and Central Texas since its inception in 1989. The organization will also receive proceeds from the sale of 100% organically grown cotton reusable Patagonia tote bags purchased at the event.
