There are fewer entrances more iconic, welcoming and well-known than when Norm Peterson entered his beloved watering hole in the popular 1980s sitcom, Cheers.
And it’s precisely this feeling of gratitude and recognition that Kathryn Stanton and her husband and coworker Mark Warsaba want their customers to experience upon entering their newly opened Valhalla Pure Outfitters Store in North Vancouver this October 2023.
Located at 201 Bewicke Ave. in North Vancouver, this new Valhalla location will be a hub for friendly, neighbourhood gearheads who know the best trails around, the coolest little lakes, wicked crags, and the most epic backcountry skiing spots available.
“We want to create that community vibe where our customers are a part of our family,” Stanton says. “We want you to feel comfortable in that you’re not here just to shop, you are here to live your adventure and share your experiences.”
So what does that family feeling entail?
For starters, a 5,000 square-foot shop that’s bright, open, accessible and full of team members who know the West Coast mountains and trails like the back of their hands.
And because this location is independently operated and locally owned, the ability to pivot and respond to customer needs is endless.
Need a certain shoe width? Specific type of item made by a local vendor?
You’ll get it.
Try finding that in a big-box store.
But beyond that community feel is the goods themselves – and there are plenty.
The store offers a range of options, including good, better, best and premium brands across all categories – from affordable and reliable options for those starting out, to high-end and top-of-the-line products from everyday names such as Arc’teryx, Patagonia, Solomon, Blundstone, and Black Diamond, as well as some more unique brands like Norrona and Ortovox.
And if you are looking to camp year round, Valhalla Pure Outfitters has your back through inventory that encompasses any challenge presented by life on the West Coast: cooking utensils, sleeping bags, personal flotation devices, paddles, knives, tents, climbing accessories, dehydrated food, GPSs, guidebooks, boundless apparel choices, maps and much more.
“We want to create a warm and inviting feel, like you’ve walked into a mountain cabin full of supplies,” Stanton says.
Having spent nearly three decades intermittently residing and raising their family on the North Shore, Stanton and Warsaba understand the unpredictability of nature’s playground, even for seasoned backcountry enthusiasts. "Our objective extends beyond merely offering a shopping experience; we aim to create a comprehensive support system," says Stanton.
With their dedication to offering world class service, community connections, sustainable practices, the couple plans to organize workshops and offer guided tours in the backcountry, equipment rentals and outdoor workshops, including in store seminars full of practical tips to help adventurers have fun in the wilderness with confidence.
They also plan to create and support critical partnerships with key organizations, such as Search and Rescue, Avalanche Canada Alpine Club of Canada, and the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides.
As the 14th franchise within the Valhalla Pure Outfitters Network, Stanton and Warsaba are excited to be welcoming the North Shore outdoor athletic community to their store, where “everyone knows your name”.
Go to VPO.CA/stores/NorthVan for more details on the location, VPO loyalty Adventure Bucks, gear, and store hours
