EXCLUSIVE: Get a Sneak Peek at the New Portland Headquarters of Cult Japanese Brand Snow Peak
The opening of a new flagship location in Portland is great news for lovers of both quality outdoor gear and for those who appreciate a clean Japanese aesthetic.
There are few brands whose outdoor ethos dovetails with our own like Japanese camping and lifestyle brand Snow Peak. And while the company has had a presence including pop-ups and dedicated stores in the United States for two decades, the debut this week of a brand new flagship location in Portland’s NW quadrant represents a significant commitment to stateside growth. For fans of great food, elevated style, and good times in the outdoors, that’s a good thing.
“The Sunset reader appreciates where great design and the outdoor lifestyle intersect; that well-designed products and spaces serve to enhance the outdoor experience,” says Matt Liddle, COO Snow Peak USA. “Snow Peak has long held to this belief as well, and the community will see that reflected throughout our US headquarters. Community is deeply important to Snow Peak and our headquarters is built with that in mind.”
Here’s a sneak peek of what to expect inside.
Street Level View
The flagship store occupies 15,000 square feet in the North West quadrant of Portland, Oregon. Designed in partnership with Skylab architecture, the upstairs houses the brand’s 40-person United States team.
Front Entrance
The street level windows give passers-by a view to the two-level space inside. For now, visitors will be limited to respect Covid-19 guidelines. Eventually, “Our US team will literally be able to walk from their desk and interact with customers shopping for our product within our retail store, enjoying our product in our restaurant, and engaging with the outdoor community in our event spaces,” says Liddle.
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Snow Peak Team
Snow Peak employees gather behind a display of the brand’s iconic Takibi portable grill, one of the most popular and enduring products made by the brand. Behind them is a two-story mural of founder Yukio Yamai.
Takibi Camp Set-up Demo Area
The store is designed to be a playground for experiencing Snow Peak’s outdoor equipment. Shown here at right is the modular Takibi surround with the iconic Takibi grill at center. Takibi in Japanese means bonfire.
Accessories Demo Table
100-year-old fir beams pay homage to the Japanese tradition of carpentry. Muted lighting and dark stone accents complete the serene but airy interior.
Tent Demo Area
Customers are encouraged to interact with the equipment; though during Covid-19 precautions will be taken to limit visitors to appointments. “Snow Peak has long held that time spent outdoors with others is restorative to the human spirit, and an antidote to the stresses of modern life,” Liddle says. “As COVID emerged as one of the defining crises of our generation, time outside with a small group of loved ones provides the moments of respite so many are longing for.”
Clothing Area
Snow Peak’s clothing line features coveted creations that have crossed over into the streetwear space.
Camp Table Area
Shown here are the camp benches and folding chairs—some of the most comfortable we’ve experienced. Also shown is the aluminum cooking vessel that works at home or in the field.
Coffee on the Go
We’re big fans of the burr grinder and pour-over setup made by Snow Peak. Seen on the couch is the limited edition collaboration with fellow Portland, OR brand Pendleton.
Mezzanine View
Snow Peak originally planned to open a restaurant in the flagship space called Takibi, but has delayed that launch to 2021 due to Coronavirus concerns.
Editor’s Note: Takibi is now open!
