We love our Opinel retailers! Learn about their business, how they discovered Opinel, why they brought Opinel into their store. They even share some local tips! This month's feature is Lexington, VA-based Walkabout Outfitter with store owners, Tina & Kirk.
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
The journey begins back in 1991 with a love of farmers' markets and serving customers.Tina had an affinity for customer service and Kirk had an affinity for the outdoors. Kirk was an avid hiker and along one of his adventures in 2004, he met Tina at her kitchen shop, Ladles & Linens, amidst his coffee quest. They fell in love, got married, and had a vision to create an outdoor retail store in Lexington, Virginia. The vision for their outfitter store was shaped by those Kirk visited during his thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, small but very friendly establishments, as well as Tina's idea of creating a more inclusive environment where it doesn't matter who you are, thru-hiker or person who would rather stay urban, you will enjoy the experience in Walkabout. Tina & Kirk opened the first Walkabout Outfitter in Lexington, VA in 2005. After the success of the first location, they opened more stores in Harrisonburg, Blacksburg, Richmond, Roanoke, and, most recently, Williamsburg. Walkabout Outfitter is in the business of encouraging happiness (our mission statement).
How would you describe your store?
It has something for everyone! We are an outdoors store, but have items for the avid backpacker and the around-town-walker! Our mission statement is: Encourage Happiness! And that truly is what we try to do at Walkabout. We want to make every person that walks through our doors feel welcome and known so that we can help them find the exact item for their next adventure! We have footwear (from Altras to Birkenstocks), lifestyle clothing (from Patagonia to Vuori), specialized clothing for specific treks (Kuhl), camping equipment (Nemo, The North Face), backpacking gear (from Backpacker’s Pantry to Goal Zero), and much more. We really are a place for everyone.
How did you hear about Opinel?
Suzanne, our CEO, has always loved Opinel and wanted it in our stores! The opportunity of actually getting Opinel into Walkabout started when Opinel was a guest vendor at a GOA (Grassroots Outdoor Alliance) tradeshow two years ago. The rest is history!
Why did you choose to carry Opinel?
Suzanne always had an affinity for Opinel products! She was gifted an Opinel knife over a decade ago and still uses it to this day. When Suzanne saw Opinel at the GOA tradeshow, she thought to herself our customers need to know about this brand and have access to their amazing products!
What do your customers like most about Opinel?
Much like Suzanne, our customers love that Opinel products, and specifically their knives, are high-quality and accessible! The price point is unbeatable and allows people from various economic backgrounds to get a good, durable pocket knife. Additionally, not only does Opinel make great beginner knives, they also have niche knives that are tailored to customers’ unique likes and hobbies: mushroom knife, gardening knife, oyster knife. You name it - they have a knife for it!
Do you have a favorite Opinel knife or tool?
The classic No.08 Folding Knife is unmatched! It’s the perfect size for pocket use for men and women! As a woman, some pocket knives feel super bulky and conspicuous but not Opinel’s Carbon Steel knife! It’s packable and discreet without compromising its use and function.
What is your favorite thing to do in your city/town?
There are so many outdoor treasures in each town we have a Walkabout Outfitter location! We have the gift of multiple accessible day hikes around our neck of Southwestern Virginia! One highlight we have to mention is House Mountain - this hike starts with one main path until you reach the saddle, and then it diverges into two options: Big House Mountain trail to the left or Little House Mountain trail to the right. Both trails lead to incredible peaks and beautiful views! Going all the way to the top of either trail is an all-day excursion but, oh so, worth it!
The second area to mention is Goshen Pass in Rockbridge County, VA. This beautiful free-flowing river allows so many fun water activities: kayaking or canoeing, fishing, wading, swimming, floating, or picnicking on the rocks or outdoor shelter. Our favorite is wading in the water and maybe jumping off a rock into the deep swimming hole, if we’re feeling brave that day! Even just driving beside the river is peaceful and makes you want to park on the shoulder and take a dip!
Walkabout Outfitter
13 W Washington St., Lexington, VA 24450
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