Diamond Brand Outdoors hosts grand opening events for two new stores

Diamond Brand Outdoors celebrates two new Asheville stores, a heritage outfitter and a downtown adventure boutique.  The Downtown store’s grand opening will take place Thursday, December 11th, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 53 Biltmore Avenue.   Lined with reclaimed wood and contemporary steel, the Parkway Centre store is a happening backdrop for this Friday’s event with live music from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. by Underhill Rose, followed by the Jay Franck Duo from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., with appetizers provided by The Fresh Market, next door to the new location. The first 100 attendees to show up at the spacious 15,000-square-foot store will receive Diamond Brand tote bags.   “We have loved seeing our loyal customers and plenty of new faces in our new stores the past few weeks,” president and owner Will Gay said. “Whether they are setting up a Mountain Hardwear tent, or walking around in a pair of warm Sorel boots, everyone is having fun with our state-of-the-art shopping experience.”   The outfitter store's retro lounge makes checking out the latest Patagonia and Smartwool styles more of a journey than a destination, and the kayak simulator area is not to be missed.  On December 11th, Diamond Brand Outdoors, Downtown Asheville's grand opening in the Aloft Hotel will have a “Taste of Downtown,” and drinks will be available for purchase at the W xyz bar. Along with trusted favorites like The North Face, the boutique also carries gifts, like jewelry by Bronwen and jackets by Nau. Live music by John Stickley will round out Thursday's festivities.  Regular store hours for the outfitter store are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Downtown store is open seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. History As a trusted outdoor company that has won “Best of WNC” eleven years running and was recently awarded a spot on the national, Top 100 Outdoor Retailer list, patrons of Diamond Brand Outdoors value the company’s heritage and selection of top quality products. Diamond Brand ‘s history began in 1881 when the company was founded as a fur and feathers distributor. They created the original Boy Scout pack in 1931. With such an established history, Diamond Brand understands the design and quality necessary for outdoor enthusiasts in the Blue Ridge Mountains and beyond.   For more information contact Sarah Merrell at 828-231-3963. To visit the Diamond Brand Outdoors website go to www.diamondbrand.com/commerce.