Best Made Plans
Outdoor apparel shop pops up in hip Austin locale for limited time
Outdoor and apparel brand Best Made Company is setting up shop in the ATX for a few short months, leaving locals just enough time to prepare for their summer adventures ahead.
Known for quality outdoor gear, survival-ready accessories, and no-fuss clothing, Best Made has landed on iconic South Congress Avenue with its pop-up shop, a location CEO Tim Sharp considers the perfect choice.
“We’ve been excited by the prospect of Austin for a while now,” Sharp tells CultureMap. “We love our Austin customers for their curious and adventurous spirits. It feels like a natural fit, and we couldn’t be happier to be here.” In addition to the Capital City, the brand has stores in Los Angeles and New York.
The pop-up at 1210 South Congress Ave. is more than just a temporary space to pick up camping and hiking essentials. Along with shopping best-selling favorites, visitors to the Best Made Austin Annex can test out gear, get answers to outdoorsy questions from experts, and connect with fellow nature enthusiasts.
Additionally, Austin Annex shoppers can expect to find chic, exclusive products, including a custom bandana designed by illustrator Ross MacDonald and an illustrated Austin-only T-shirt, on the shelves. The store also features an in-store listening booth with music curated by Seattle-based independent record label Light in the Attic Records.
Perhaps one of the most unique offerings available at the pop-up is a series of workshops and special events on an array of topics, ranging from music to professional survival tips.
“Our goal isn’t just to provide customers with well-crafted products,” Sharp explains, "it’s also to inspire them. Our mission is to equip people with the gear and skills they need to lead extraordinary lives, and our stores are where we get the chance to put that mission to action.”
While the annex will remain open through May, Sharp says the brand’s residency could possibly be extended. “We might stick around a bit longer if the neighborhood says so,” Sharp says. “We’ve loved being a part of the community so far. We pride ourselves on making products for the inspired adventurer, the makers, explorers, and those with curious minds. From what we’ve seen, that’s Austin in a nutshell.”