Gearshop Takes Outdoor Equipment Revolution In Its Stride As It Celebrates Its 20th Anniversary

Award-winning New Zealand-owned outdoor equipment retailer Gearshop is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2026. The business has successfully anticipated industry trends, a revolution in equipment materials, a shift in focus towards sustainability, and a massive market expansion from specialist use of its gear to providing equipment for mainstream consumers across a wide range of ages and interests.

Gearshop founder and owner Hamish Pirie says that while retailing is always a challenging sector to operate in, especially bricks and mortar retail outlets, he’s confident that having a team that can offer really good product advice and recommendations, and high quality gear – much of which is exclusively offered in New Zealand by Gearshop – sets them apart from the competition.

“On several occasions over the years, including last year, we’ve won awards as the most trusted business in our outdoor equipment sector as voted by members of the public,” says Hamish. “That means a lot to us. We want people to trust the equipment we sell and the advice we give and for them to have great experiences outdoors as a result. Of course trust is also very important in the online retail environment and in terms of customer support. We really value the customers who choose to buy from us and we never take that choice for granted.”

Hamish says that when he reflects on what has changed over the past two decades it’s the revolution in more lightweight equipment and sustainable materials, such as Big Agnes’ ultralight HyperbeadTM fabric, and tools to keep people safer, such as the Ocean Signal locator beacon that really stand out.

“I started the business because I couldn’t find the equipment for the volunteer search and rescue work I was doing here in New Zealand that I’d seen overseas. I’m still motivated by providing New Zealanders with the best gear that I can find in this country and around the world so that they are having adventures with gear that’s high quality, reliable, safe, and fun to use. We also prioritise working with smaller suppliers who have a real connection to the gear they are making and selling. Many are family-owned, multi-generational businesses.”

Gearshop will be celebrating its 20-year milestone with monthly giveaways on Instagram and Facebook, in store and online. “Make sure you follow us on our channels and sign up to our newsletter to receive regular updates on offers throughout the year,” says Hamish, “we’ve got a lot of exciting things planned.”

About Gearshop

Gearshop was established in 2006 by Hamish Pirie and has since grown to become one of New Zealand's leading online retailers for premium outdoor and performance gear. Gearshop offers a carefully curated range of gear and equipment to meet the needs of outdoor professionals and adventurers of all ages.

Gearshop’s dedication to exceptional service and product expertise earned it the New Zealand Online Retailer of the Year Award in both 2017 and 2019. Gearshop also won four categories in the 2025 Most Trusted Business Awards including making the list for the top 20 most trusted in-person shop in New Zealand and the most trusted online outdoor/sports shop and the most trusted outdoor and sporting goods company in New Zealand.

Gearshop remains a trusted supplier of premium outdoor gear, supporting New Zealand’s adventurers with reliable, high-performance equipment and expert advice. For more information visit www.gearshop.co.nz.

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