Arc'teryx expands its presence in the Chicago area by opening a new retail outlet
Arc'teryx, the renowned outdoor apparel and equipment brand, is making a significant push into retail expansion across North America. With less than 200 stores globally, the company has identified a "long runway" for growth, as it strategically pivots towards a direct-to-consumer (DTC) business model under the ownership of Anta Sports.
The active outdoor market is experiencing sustained growth, buoyed by factors such as increased participation in outdoor activities, e-commerce strength, sustainability trends, and high-fashion collaborations. These growth drivers have helped buffer retail growth against economic challenges, making the expansion timely and promising for Arc'teryx.
The brand's commitment to Chicago's outdoor community is evident in the opening of its latest store at Oakbrook Center, marking the company's 28th location in the U.S. and its third in Chicago. This new store underscores Arc'teryx's dedication to making climbing more accessible to marginalized communities, as it has partnered with All Rise Chicago for an experimental program.
The store also features Arc'teryx's first ReBIRD service center in Chicago. This innovative service center offers light-touch repairs such as new zipper sliders and taping of small holes, further enhancing the customer experience and promoting brand loyalty.
Arc'teryx has been one of the fastest growing outerwear brands over the past few years, with its global traffic growing 27.3% year over year from 2021 to 2022. The brand's digital business in the U.S. represents 37% of its total company market share, indicating a strong emphasis on digital Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) strategy.
Matt Powell, adviser for Spurwink River, noted that social distancing and a greater respect for the outdoors are lasting changes since the pandemic. People who love the outdoors want to express that love in what they wear, and Arc'teryx's commitment to sustainability and innovative product offerings aligns perfectly with this sentiment.
Indeed, Arc'teryx's leadership in product innovation, customer experience, and sustainability efforts was recently recognised by REI Co-op, which named the brand its overall Vendor Partner of the Year for 2025.
The partnership with All Rise Chicago will culminate in an all-day climbing festival at local gym, Brooklyn Boulders. This event underscores Arc'teryx's dedication to fostering a sense of community and making outdoor activities more accessible to all.
Despite economic headwinds, brands in the active outdoor space seem to be holding their own. Both The North Face and Patagonia experienced growth in 2021 and 2022, with The North Face growing 10.8% and Patagonia growing 14.3% year over year.
Canada represents 19% of Arc'teryx's total company market share, demonstrating the brand's global appeal. As Arc'teryx continues to expand its retail fleet in 2023, it is poised to capitalise on these favourable market dynamics and grow its North American retail footprint successfully.
- Arc'teryx, being recognized for its leadership in technology and innovation, is exploring the use of AI in its product development to enhance customer experience.
- With the rise in inflation and increasing awareness about climate change, Arc'teryx has committed to using sustainable materials in its home-and-garden line, aiming to reduce its carbon footprint.
- As people shift towards a pandemic-influenced lifestyle, Arc'teryx is adapting its business model to offer a broader variety of clothing and equipment suitable for indoor activities, including shopping and working from home.
- In the competitive space of e-commerce, Arc'teryx has focused on improving its website's user experience, providing an interactive platform for customers to explore new outdoor activities and equipment.
- To cater to a wider audience, Arc'teryx is planning to expand its lifestyle offerings, integrating fashionable yet functional clothing pieces into its product line, appealing to individuals who seek a blend of style and practicality.
