Portland’s Next Adventure, originally scheduled to close its stores earlier this year, will now transition ownership to a group of local investors and its long-time management team.
In May, Deek Heykamp and Bryan Knudsen, who co-founded the retail chain in 1997, announced plans to retire and close the stores, including a flagship on Grand Avenue in Portland, its Paddle Sports Center at SE 7th Avenue in Portland and a store in Sandy.
However, Next Adventure stated that a management-led coalition of local investors has stepped in to preserve the business. The new structure focuses on local ownership and employee participation to keep the stores community focused.
Heykamp announced on Tuesday, October 21, “We are so excited about the amazing team that has come together to keep the company’s legacy alive. Bryan and I have had a great 29-year run, and we love this business. It’s wonderful to see how many people wanted this community outdoor store to continue on, and we know it’s in the very best hands.”
A spokesperson for the new ownership group, which has not been identified, added, “Next Adventure is more than just a store; it’s a hub for everyone who loves the Northwest outdoors. We are incredibly proud to secure its future with a model that directly benefits the people who know the business best—its employees and our local community.”
Next Adventure will officially begin transitioning to its new ownership and management team on November 1, 2025. The transition will occur gradually from November 1, 2025, through April 30, 2026.
A retirement sale has sold off most of the retailer’s apparel and camping inventory, but Next Adventure anticipates being fully restocked soon. The Sandy store will be open by mid-November. The Central Eastside store at 426 SE Grand Avenue, including the bargain basement, will reopen November 1.
As announced, the company’s Scappoose Bay Paddle Sports Center reopened October 1 with new owners, Cody James Pace and Bri Eckenrodt, and a new name: The Paddle Shack.
Image courtesy Next Adventure
