Sitka Gear opening attracts hundreds
Hundreds of Sitka Gear fans stood in line Saturday, June 21, for the 10 a.m. grand opening of the new outdoor gear store at 11337 Parkside Drive.
Thomas Brown, the first person in that line, was at the store for 18 hours.
“I want to get some new waders,” he said. “It’s not the only place (to buy waders), but (Sitka’s) got some of the best quality.”
Likewise, Sitka’s staff was amped up for the event.
“We’re very, very excited,” said Sarah Tava, Sitka’s retail channel leader. “It was an intentional place that we wanted to be, partly due to the community here; also the love for different pursuits in nature.
“Knoxville makes all the sense in the world for us,” she added. “We did a real estate tour and kind of looked all over Knoxville.”
However, “we really loved the synergy that we get with other companies, like Carhart,” Tava said. “They specialize in work wear, and while we do, too, we’re not afraid to be in partnership with like-minded companies.
“It just felt like this was a really great center to welcome the brand with plenty of parking for our pick-up trucks and our guys who come in and, at the same time, find space for the woman consumer who loves to hunt and be outside in nature, too,” she added.
The Sitka Gear company was founded in Bozeman, Montana, in 2005 by Jonathan Hart and Jason Hairston.
Sitka Gear provides apparel and gear for different pursuits that fall within the hunting industry.
“So whether it’s white tail (deer) or waterfowl, we have everything to keep that consumer covered for all of the elements,” Tava said. “There’s not bad gear, just bad weather, and we like to make sure they need to stay dry and warm, especially since Sitka is owned by Gore, and Goretex is one of our main components (of its outerwear).
“Gore is a huge company that specializes in everything from the medical industry to fabric,” she added. “In this case, all of our rain gear is made of Goretex, and Goretex is going to keep you dry.”
For the hunter, “our goal is to outfit them from head to toe, and we just released footwear,” Tava said. “So we have everything from everyday sandals to a waterproof boot that will keep your feet dry while keeping them ventilated and breathable.
“It’s the most lightweight boot on the market,” she added.
Customers will find a selection of everyday gear, plus gear for different kinds of hunting trips: waterproof jackets and trousers, backpacks, duffle bags and suitcases.
“We even keep our own line of wool socks,” Tava added. “Additionally, we partner with great third-party companies, as well, so we offer brands like Turtlebox — they are radio speakers — and Yeti, which are coffee cups.”
The store’s hours are from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sundays.
To order Sitka Gear, visit online at sitkagear.com.
