Denver, Colorado – Outdoor Voices Inc., a popular athleisure retailer based in Austin, Texas, will be shutting down all of its stores by March 17, as confirmed by an employee of one of its Texas locations. The company first opened a 2,000-square-foot store in the vibrant River North Art District of Denver back in 2021, joining a plethora of other activewear brands in the area such as Arc’teryx and Patagonia.
The decision to close all physical stores comes after a recent surge of customers at the South Congress store in Austin on March 13, where products were discounted by 50%. According to a report by The New York Times, the company has experienced significant executive turnover and a decrease in valuation over the past few years, leading to this drastic move.
Outdoor Voices’ closure of its retail locations marks a significant shift in the athleisure market, as the brand was known for its unique designs and focus on community engagement. The company’s presence in Denver, known for its active lifestyle culture, highlights the impact of changing consumer preferences and market conditions on even well-established brands.
As Outdoor Voices prepares to exit the retail scene, customers and fans of the brand are left reminiscing about the store experience and the community it fostered. The closure serves as a reminder of the evolving nature of the retail industry and the challenges faced by both new and established brands in staying relevant and competitive in today’s fast-paced market.
The closure of Outdoor Voices’ stores presents an opportunity for competitors in the activewear space to strengthen their foothold in the market and attract former customers of the beloved brand. As the retail landscape continues to evolve, adaptability and innovation will be key for companies looking to succeed and thrive in an ever-changing consumer environment.
In the wake of Outdoor Voices’ store closures, industry analysts and experts are closely watching how other athleisure brands respond to the changing market dynamics and consumer preferences. The lessons learned from Outdoor Voices’ journey in the retail sector will undoubtedly shape the strategies and decisions of companies in the activewear industry moving forward.