Adventurous new retailer is now open in part of the former Johnston’s space

Like most store openings, Rendezvous Adventure Outfitters took a few months longer than planned to open, but the store is now having a soft opening at the Collective.

“We are rocking and rolling,” owner Zach Petersen said of himself and business partner Nathan McClure.

The center is at 12111 E. 21st St., just east of K-96 where Ziggy’s Pizza is. Rendezvous is taking about 5,000 square feet of the space Johnston’s used to have.

As Petersen previously explained, he fell in love with being outside thanks to his time both as a Boy Scout and a scouting educator.

Now, he wants to help others enjoy the outdoors through his store, which will sell outdoor clothing and gear and be a resource for people looking for outdoor adventures.

“We are here to absolutely offer everything,” Petersen said.

That includes clothing and supplies for camping, climbing, backpacking and traveling — even the kind of traveling that is more luxurious than adventurous.

Petersen said he wants the store to be “a community hub or a education center.”

That means he’s going to offer free trip planning and also have resources on hand for customers to do their own planning “and essentially use it as a library.”

The store also will offer guided trips nationally and internationally.

“We’re doing all kinds of guided trips,” Petersen said.

He’s also holding what he’s calling armchair adventure talks where someone who has been on an outdoor or travel adventure comes in to share stories and take questions.

There will be classes as well, such as first aid for humans and dogs who go on outdoor adventures.

Rendezvous also will rent supplies, such as bear spray, bear canisters and satellite communicators, that might otherwise be too expensive for people to buy if they don’t hike or camp regularly.

The store will be open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

The store’s website is still in the works but should have events and classes listed by next week.

Petersen is planning to host a grand opening eventually, which, naturally, will be outdoors. He plans to take over some of the parking lots around the store temporarily.

“Our grand opening will essentially be a block party.”

This story was originally published December 12, 2023 at 4:04 AM.