Chatswood to Debut Kathmandu’s First Next-Generation Concept Store in Australia
Chatswood will take outdoor retail to the next level on Thursday, 27 November 2025, as Kathmandu unveils its first next-generation concept store in Australia at Westfield Chatswood.
This launch marks a bold new chapter for the iconic outdoor brand, introducing an immersive retail experience that redefines how customers connect with outdoor gear. Melbourne will follow in 2026.
Light-filled and spacious, the store reflects the clarity people feel outside, blending unexpected design elements with the trusted performance Kathmandu is known for.
Kathmandu CEO Megan Welch said the concept is a major step forward for the brand.
“We’re excited to set this new benchmark for outdoor retail in Australia. This store has always been about sparking a desire to get people outdoors, while showing off the technicalperformance behind our gear.”
“From the open aesthetic and the way we display product, every detail has been crafted to inspire. Chatswood marks a truly exciting step into the future of Kathmandu’s retail experience.”
Rather than replicating the outdoors, the store channels the clarity and calm of nature through a modern, open design.
A unique component of the new store is the digital mannequins – life-size, high-resolution screens which give customers a dynamic, real-world view of Kathmandu gear in motion. Walking, turning, and showcasing every angle of the gear, they bring products to life in a way static mannequins never could, showing off how jackets flex, pants move, and backpacks sit.
The store features product storytelling and merchandising that brings hero pieces like the Trailhead Stretch Rain Jacket to life, highlighting their purpose and design, for a more connected customer experience. Adding to the immersive feel, a sophisticated programmable lighting system changes colours throughout the day, with sunrise-inspired hues in the morning and pink dusk hues in the evening.
Public Design retail designers Jason Pollard and Dan Cooper say their trip around the South Island of New Zealand inspired the new store:
“Travelling through the South Island helped us to connect holistically with the spirit behind Kathmandu,” said Pollard.
“The sun rising against the mountains were absolutely beautiful. We thought this is exactly how we need to make the store feel,” he said.
While the store embraces a modern, innovative design, sustainability remains central to Kathmandu’s retail identity. The shopfront is made from recycled glass bottles, while the counters, carpet, footwear benches and accessory panels are crafted from repurposed materials. These are complemented by 3D-printed light fittings, and fixtures made from recycled shampoo and conditioner bottles.
Products are grouped by activity – hiking, adventure travel, and outdoor clothing – making it easier for customers to find gear that suits their lifestyle.
With its fresh layout, Kathmandu’s new flagship store marks a bold step forward in how outdoor gear is experienced and explored. The new store opens at 9:30am, Thursday, 27November 2025.
Background information about Kathmandu
A Certified B Corp, Kathmandu was founded in 1987 in New Zealand and specialises in quality clothing and equipment for outdoor adventures. Kathmandu’s purpose is to improve the wellbeing of the world through the outdoors and a focus on expertly designed, technical, and responsibly made apparel and gear. Kathmandu products are available in 153 stores across Australia and New Zealand and online.
