For over 60 years, Snow Peak has been the go-to outdoor lifestyle brand in Japan. Snow Peak, know for its camping gear and clothing, has been building a new following in the US for the past two decades. Since 1999, the brand’s US operations have been based out of Portland, Oregon, and it’s where the brand will be debuting a new flagship location.
Dubbed HQ4, the flagship is a 15,000-square-foot, two-floor building comprising retail, office and restaurant spaces. During its grand opening celebrations, between September 11 and 13, those in the Portland area are invited to visit the new location and partake in Snow Peak’s “Dwell Outdoors Together” initiative.
“As COVID emerged as one of the defining crises of our generation, time outside with a small group of loved ones provides the moments of respite so many are longing for,” Matt Liddle, Snow Peak USA’s chief operating officer, said in a press release. “Snow Peak creates products and experiences that help people to spend more quality time outdoors-whether in the backyard or the backcountry-and that’s resonated with consumers through this crisis.”
For those who can’t make it to HQ4, here’s what Snow Peak’s new space looks like.
Snow Peak’s HQ4 is located in the Northwest District of Portland, Oregon. The two-level space will house the company’s office headquarters as well as a retail space and restaurant for customers.Wyatt CoxenThe first floor of the space is dedicated to retail, and visitors are welcomed by a two-story mural of Snow Peak’s founder Yukio Yamai kneeling in front of Mount Tanigawa. An assortment of the brand’s popular Tabiki portable grills are laid out for display.Wyatt CoxenCampers have praised Snow Peaks’ line of stainless steel coffee brewing gear for its portability, durability and aptitude at making delicious coffee on the road.Wyatt CoxenSnow Peak employees will be able to work at their desks then immediately walk over to the sales floor to assist customers.Wyatt CoxenThe second level of HQ4 is a hybrid retail-and-office space. The wider, open space will be used to host product demonstrations and events. Despite COVID-19, customers are encouraged to interact with products, and Snow Peak will ensure it is done safely.Wyatt CoxenSnow Peak’s clothing is rooted in an outdoor lifestyle. That hasn’t stopped people from wearing its clothes on city streets as the brand has expertly combined fashion with functionality.Wyatt CoxenA planned restaurant was delayed until Spring 2021, and it will center around Snow Peak’s Tabiki grills. Until then, shoppers can get a sense of the dining atmosphere in one of Snow Peak’s many open displays.Wyatt CoxenCamp set-ups are arranged throughout the store, highlighting Snow Peak’s commitment to making practical, and attractive, outdoor gear.Wyatt CoxenSnow Peak worked with Skylab Architecture on HQ4. Combining the brand’s Japanese roots and its newer roots in Portland, the stacked timber walls are an homage to traditional Japanese wooden scaffolding made of repurposed Douglas Fir timber from a demolished Portland warehouse.Wyatt Coxen
