Kathmandu (company)
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| Public | |
| Traded as | NZX: KMD, ASX: KMD |
| Industry | Retail |
| Founded | 1987 in Christchurch, New Zealand; 30 years ago |
| Founders | Jan Cameron and John Pawson |
| Headquarters | Christchurch, New Zealand |
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Area served
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New Zealand, Australia, United Kingdom |
| Products | Outdoor and travel apparel, gear and accessories |
| Website | www |
Kathmandu Holdings Limited is a transnational chain of retail stores, selling travel and adventure outdoor apparel and equipment. Kathmandu is a leading retailer of clothing and equipment for travel and adventure in New Zealand, Australia and the UK. It has 137 stores as at the end of April 2013; 45 in New Zealand, 87 in Australia and 5 in the United Kingdom.
Kathmandu was founded by John Pawson and Jan Cameron in 1987 following their sale of the ALP Sports Clothing label. The company set up its first retail outlets in Australia whilst manufacturing most of its original clothing range in New Zealand. Bernard Wicht, owner of Alpine Accoutrements, had been the main manufacturer for ALP Sports but continued to manufacture for Kathmandu and also partnered with Penny Hazard to set up the Bivouac chain of stores in New Zealand. In 1992 Kathmandu, having established a strong operation in Australia (with stores in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra) re-entered the New Zealand retail marketplace, purchasing Alps Sports from its receivers and brought Bernard Wicht in as the third shareholder joining the two existing shareholders John Pawson and Jan Cameron.
The company was in 2006 fully acquired by an Australasian private equity company for NZ$275 million, after the reclusive founder had previously sold the other half of her business. Wicht was the owner of both the Fairydown and Macpac brands until 2015.
Kathmandu was listed on the Australian and New Zealand stock exchanges in November 2009. From 2017 onwards, Kathmandu is the new naming right sponsor for the Coast to Coast race in New Zealand.
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Wikipedia