The Parade has a new temple to adventure

In 1909, the year after the Scouting Movement launched internationally, the first person to fill the role of “Scout Outfitter” in the state was James Rogers of Norwood. So the opening of outdoor store Exurbia – The Adventure Supply Co. by Scouts SA on Tuesday 9 November is a homecoming of sorts, but it’s also the start of an entirely new chapter.

With more people working from home and savouring every chance to get out and explore nature, hiking and camping are as popular as they’ve ever been. And Exurbia’s location in a premium shopping precinct at the base of the foothills helps it to make getting outdoors more accessible than ever.

Located in a gorgeous Victorian bluestone building that once served as a Baptist church, the store is airy and bright with high ceilings and coloured light filtering through the original stained glass windows. Demonstration tents are erected on the decking out front each morning, and the shop floor itself is filled with an astonishing array of camping, hiking, travel and outdoor gear. “We have about twenty thousand product lines,” says General Manager of retail James McLaren, “and that's being conservative.” That huge range means he can cater for everyone from casual walkers working on their fitness and parents staying warm on the sidelines of sports matches to expert rock climbers and hardcore adventurers gearing up for a remote wilderness hike.

Navigating all that equipment is made simple by staff with plenty of first person experience. “All of us are very passionate about the outdoors in one shape or another and most of the staff members are qualified instructors or teachers,” says McLaren. That means they’re constantly taking gear out and testing it – look up above the stained glass windows and you’ll see photos of staff members out climbing mountains and paddling down rivers on their holidays.

And because it’s part of a not for profit enterprise, all proceeds from sales are reinvested into Scouting to support programs and equipment for young South Australians getting their first taste of the outdoors.

To celebrate Exurbia’s launch, anyone who signs up for a free store membership in the first month will go into the draw for a host of prizes including $25 vouchers, $50 Vouchers and Osprey backpacks. New members will also receive a $10 voucher for every $150 spent, 10% of future purchases (excluding electronics) and access to special events like gear demonstrations and previews of new season collections.