Bring out your inner adventurer at The Outer Den

The Outer Den has recently opened its first store on the West Rand and aims to be a unique and authentic experience for people with a taste for the outdoors.

Since August 10, business has been booming at The Outer Den in Krugersdorp North and already made a strong presence in the community as the go-to store for many who are passionate about going on a voyage.

According to the founder and managing director of the shop, Pieter Potgieter, the idea of the shop was developed early in 2023 as a result of his strong passion for enjoying nature.

“The world of camping is a very lucrative market, many people who walk into our store tend to know or have somewhat of an idea of what they want, what we offer is variety and abundance. We understand that once customers walk into the shop they only want to get the product they need in the meantime however we also want them to enjoy the experience of shopping rather than being a cliché store that is solely focused on doing business. We want to educate them on the products they are buying as well as look at being an adventurer in a new lens.”

Pieter added that he does not want people to have the perception of the store as just being a place exclusive to hikers, campers or people who are into fishing but rather as a shop for the adventurer.

“From a personal perspective and through my own experience I have learned that camping and exploring nature is a great way to find yourself as an individual, it offers unity, it offers wisdom and I believe that it also gives many people a sense of belonging and direction,” he said.

The Outer Den does not consider itself a store that has a specific target audience, it is community-based and it is opened not only to the West Rand but also to the greater community and people from all walks of life.

The Krugersdorp News went to visit the store recently and what was displayed was an impressive catalogue of fishing rods, camp chairs, tents, sleeping bags and flashlights.

According to Pieter, the shop has over 22 000 line items in storage to make sure that customers are spoiled for choice when get to explore the store and try to find whatever catches their eyes. What separates the shop from other camping stores is that they are primarily more focused on essential equipment for the adventurist rather than just clothes.

Pieter added that South Africa has a strong camping culture and has seen the rise of many people who were initially not considered a target market for camping finally jumping aboard and aiming to ensure that they are catered to enjoy their adventures.

“We are all-inclusive, we want people to be a part of the community and have that sense of belonging when they come to our store.”

The store established in Heritage Square Shopping Centre in Krugersdorp North is just the first of many as Pieter confirms they aim to expand in the future.