Published: October 11, 2008 12:13 am      

Store provides residents gear for outdoor fun

EDMOND — Edmond residents now will have more shopping options when it comes to hiking and camping gear.

Edmond Summit Company, an adventure gear and apparel shop, opened Monday at 100 N. Broadway, Suite 118. The shopping experience comes complete with a meet and greet by the shop dog, a golden retriever named Jesse James.

“We want to be the center for an active outdoor lifestyle,” said John James, owner. “We just want it to be a cool place for people to stop by every so often.”

James said his love for an outdoor lifestyle began when he took a trip to the mountains as a child.

“I got to where I wanted to do anything in the mountains,” he said. “I think I was made to be in the mountains.”

One of James’ friends opened Summit in Stillwater.

“I tried to talk to him into opening one here,” he said. “He said ‘You do it,’ and I said, ‘OK.’ We’ve had a lot of folks that recognized the name from Stillwater.”

James said he wanted to be in a small-town atmosphere where people were familiar with the store.

“Downtown is a little more quaint,” said Lindsey James, his wife. “It has more character.”

James said he wants to provide customers with knowledge and the best brands in adventure gear, apparel and travel. He said the store offers popular brands, including Northface and Patagonia.

“They have become very fashionable with high school and college students,” he said.

Summit also offers a variety of brands in tents and sleeping bags, including North Face, Marmot and Mountain Hardwear.

Customers can suit up for ski trips from top to bottom with ski hats, pants and socks. James said they sell everything in ski gear except for skis and ski boots.

They sell Travel Necessities by Eagle Creek, which include Pack-It accessories to maximize space in suit cases. The Pack-It Folder allows travelers to fit seven shirts or blouses in a small mesh folder, which takes up minimal space in a suitcase. James said they sell lightweight and durable suitcases made by packing companies.

They also offer a basic selection of climbing gear, including carabiners and harnesses.

Jordan Wince, an employee and University of Central Oklahoma student, said he has experience in climbing, backpacking and camping and has been able to answer customers’ technical questions about gear.

James said he hired employees who had a little bit of outdoor experience.

One unique line of products is Edmond Summit water bottles and T-shirts.

“Hopefully, over time, we can see what our customers like and need and adjust those things accordingly,” James said.

Edmond Summit Company is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call 513-5050.