Lewis & Clark outgrows stores, expands womens cycling brand

Growth of the Northwest Arkansas trail system, specifically with the Razorback Regional Greenway, has led Lewis & Clark Outfitters to expand its Springdale store and to plan for renovation of its Rogers store, a business co-owner said.

Co-owner Matt Potts, who is in charge of marketing, said the stores have seen steady growth in the number of people, especially women, who are interested in bicycles as a result of the 36-mile greenway from Bentonville to Fayetteville.

A $450,000 project will add about 2,400 square feet to the almost 19,000-square-foot store at 4915 S. Thompson St. in Springdale, improve its bike shop, add storage and accommodate the growing women’s bicycle line, Liv.

“Liv is the first cycling brand completely dedicated to women,” according to the brand’s website. “We offer the only comprehensive product collection designed specifically for female cyclists, ranging from beautiful apparel to premium bicycles.”

Women’s cycling is the “fastest growing segment” of the business, Potts said. The new space, which will offer women’s cycling and apparel, is expected to open in late January or early February. Work on the project started in October.

Plans for the 13,000-square-foot store at 2530 Pinnacle Hills Parkway in Rogers are to renovate within its existing footprint and expand into an adjacent 2,500-square-foot office, Potts said. “We’re doing the same thing in Rogers. We haven’t started it.” Owners are reaching out to designers for the project.