Sandpoint may have changed a lot over the past four decades, but one brick storefront on First Avenue has remained pretty much the same: Outdoor Experience.
The gear may have advanced over the years, but OE’s mission to remain a pillar of all things outdoors in Sandpoint has remained part of the company’s ethos since the beginning.
To celebrate 40 years in business, OE owner Jenny Curto is throwing a party on Saturday, Nov. 7 from 3-6 p.m. at the store (314 N. First Ave., in Sandpoint).
“A really big part of our success over the years depends on access to outdoor recreation,” Curto told the Reader. “So we really wanted to celebrate alongside the nonprofits that make that happen in Sandpoint.”
Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness, Pend Oreille Pedalers, Kaniksu Land Trust and the Sandpoint Nordic Club will all be on hand at the anniversary party, each providing tables with activities or giveaways for attendees. Matchwood Brewing Co. also donated beverages for the event and all of OE’s brand partners contributed items for customer appreciation giveaways, which will occur throughout the afternoon.
OE owner Jenny Curto puruses the wall of shoes at the shop. Photo by Ben Olson
Opened in 1986 by Kevin Nye and Mark DeLaVergne, Outdoor Experience continues to be a local flagship source gear including cycling, paddling, camping, hiking, running, climbing, snow sports and more.
Nye took over as sole owner in 2015 before retiring and selling the business to Curto in 2019, who has run it ever since.
“It’s been here for so long, it’s an honor to be able to carry this forward,” Curto said.
Not only does OE carry all the gear needed for outdoor adventure, it’s also become a preferred place for folks to stop by and ask for a nudge in the right direction.
“There’s nothing more wholesome than when someone walks in the door and they say, ‘I’m traveling through town and here for one day. Where should I go hiking? Where should I get a beer after and where can I camp tonight?’” Curto said.
In her time owning the business, Curto has seen the small business model change quite a bit — especially through the pandemic and with the explosion of online shopping — but, ultimately, she believes in the power of supporting local businesses; especially when it comes to her six employees.
“It enables a life for all of us that work here that we really value, like surrounding ourselves with co-workers and customers that share the same passions,” Curto said.
When dollars are spent at local retailers, Curto said, they don’t leave town; they continue to travel around the community.
“We’re paying our employees and, you know you’ve seen them at Eichardt’s or the Farmers’ Market or the Panida,” she said. “They’re spending their money back in the community, so it’s like this sweet little circle of life that gets missed when you only buy online.”
Curto pointed to a regional map on her counter and said it’s often a conversation piece between OE employees and customers looking for places to recreate.
“Think about Hank [Graves] and Jane [Arndt] and folks who work here that have either worked here for decades or have lived here for decades,” Curto said. “They just have so much knowledge of not only the gear, but the local area. That’s why we have this map out on the counter here.”
Curto invites everyone to come by and celebrate with her and her staff at the 40th anniversary party.
“I’m grateful that we get to stay in this same location and grateful we’ve had some of the same customers who have been supporting us for the entire time,” Curto said.
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