Everything 60 to 80 per cent off, read the signs. Inside, the shelves were virtually empty as the staff of Mountain Designs in Katoomba prepared to close the doors for good.
A few tents, some socks and a range of backpack waterproof covers were among the very few items in a shop which has sold outdoor/camping/hiking/adventuring equipment at the bottom end of Katoomba Street for years.
The company is not in administration but is feeling the pinch, largely from online competition. It is closing 19 stores across the country.
A company spokesman said Mountain Designs, like many retail businesses, was adapting to changing pressures in the industry.
“Some of these include increased competition, price discount fatigue, a decline in national consumer foot traffic, and new broadening technology platforms and online services.”
He said the company had to make “difficult decisions” to counter the changes, so had decided to reduce its retail footprint. He stressed it was not in administration.
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