March 13, 2025
Dear Breathe Outdoors Community,
It is with a mix of gratitude and heavy hearts that we share some news with you today. After 62 years of serving Alberta’s outdoor community, Breathe Outdoors (formerly Campers Village) will be winding down its business operations later this year. Ownership has made the difficult decision to cease operations, closing the chapter on what has been a truly remarkable journey as a locally owned & operated outdoor retailer in Alberta.
It is clear that with the downturn in the economy, with the challenges faced by the retail industry and the outdoor industry specifically, it is unsustainable for Breathe Outdoors to continue operations.
This decision is in no way a reflection of the dedication, talent, and hard work of the Breathe Outdoors team. We are incredibly proud of our employees, who have put their hearts into making this business what it is today. General Manager Doug Dea and a dedicated team will remain in place throughout the transition to ensure we continue serving you as smoothly as possible in the coming months.
"Being part of Alberta’s outdoor community has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life," Doug expresses. "We’ve swapped adventure stories, shared gear recommendations, and celebrated the great outdoors together at events and in our stores. This is more than just a business—it’s a community, and I will always cherish the connections we’ve built."
Our commitment to our community extends beyond retail, as demonstrated by our longstanding partnership with Easter Seals Camp Horizon through the Twoonies for Tents program, which has raised over $120,000 to support outdoor experiences for those with disabilities. We have also sincerely enjoyed hosting customer adventures, planning educational events, and building connections with our local community.
As this transition will be a gradual wind down and not a rapid liquidation closure, your support for our local Alberta company is more important than ever. You will still have the opportunity to shop in-store and online at www.breatheoutdoors.ca during this process. We will continue to share updates through our website and e-newsletter, so please stay connected.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being part of this journey with us. Whether you’ve been with us since the early days or just recently discovered our store, we are so grateful for your support. We hope you continue to explore, seek adventure, and find joy in the great outdoors.
Wishing you many happy trails ahead,
Doug Dea, General Manager
Ron and Terry Bryant, Owners
FAQs
Why are we closing?
Due to the economic downturn and the ongoing challenges in both the retail and outdoor industries, Breathe Outdoors can no longer sustain operations. With two of our three store leases expiring at the end of the year, the timing is right to step away and wind down the business. This decision is in no way a reflection of the dedication, talent, and hard work of the Breathe Outdoors team. We are incredibly proud of our employees, who have put their hearts into making this business what it is today. Let this also be an important reminder to support and champion the local businesses you love.
When are the stores closing? When is the website closing?
Our wind down will be phased and gradual, so you'll still have the opportunity to shop in-store and online at www.breatheoutdoors.ca during this transition. We will continue to share updates through our website and e-newsletter, so please stay connected.
However, current closure dates are as follows and are subject to change based on available inventory:
- Permanently Closed - South Edmonton
- June 30, 2025 - West Edmonton
- September 30, 2025 - Calgary
- June 30, 2025 - breatheoutdoors.ca will cease sales operations and stop processing orders. However, it will remain active for information until the wind down is complete.
As of April 14, 2025, our store hours of operation have permanently changed:
- Monday-Saturday | 10 AM - 6 PM
- Sunday & Holidays | 11 AM - 5 PM
General Manager Doug Dea and a dedicated team will remain in place throughout the transition to ensure we continue serving you as smoothly as possible. Additionally, it is important to note that Breathe Outdoors is still supported by the parent company, Norseman Inc. Norseman remains a strong and viable business and will play a key role in supporting the wind down process in the months ahead.
Are you still getting new products?
We have received the majority of our remaining stock, but may see some new gear trickle in! We'll send inventory updates in our email newsletter, on social media, and will update on the website when it becomes available.
What happens with returns after the stores/website close?
Currently, we have a 30 day return policy. However, after May 16th, 2025 all sales will be final in all stores and online.
Will there be a going out of business/clearance sale?
As this is an orderly wind down, we will be selling products as usual to help support our local staff and owners throughout the coming months. There will be a few more sales throughout the Spring/Summer, but we are not planning any big blowout sales or liquidations.
How can I use my gift cards, and for how long will they be accepted?
You will have until June 30th or the last date of store operations in Edmonton and until September 30th or the last date of store operations to use gift cards in Calgary. This is stock dependent and while inventory lasts.
How can I submit a warranty claim?
You will need to refer to the supplier/brands for any warranties. This will allow you to have faster resolution and continue conversations past store closure.
How can a I get a receipt to complete a warranty?
You are always provided a receipt upon purchase. However, you can also get a receipt from any open store up until store closure. After that time no receipts will be issued.
Will Camper's Club perks continue?
Our Campers Club program ceased on March 31, 2025; please stay subscribed to our email newsletter, though! Important updates on sales, inventory, and operations will be announced via this channel.
When can I buy a Park Pass until?
As of March 31, 2025, we are no longer selling Parks Canada Passes.
For any additional questions, media inquiries, or order support, please contact our customer service team at [email protected]. Please note that submissions will be prioritized by urgency and response time may be delayed due to volume. While we will do our best to reply to everyone, not all inquiries will be addressed. We will update our FAQs as questions are generated and will announce updates on social media, our email newsletter, and on our website. We understand this news may be upsetting to some, we urge customers to submit inquiries with compassion and understanding as our team does their best to navigate the wind down process. Thank you to everyone for 62 great years as your local Alberta outdoor retailer.
