Tough climb ahead for trekking gear retailer

OUTDOOR gear retailer Mountain Designs, which is closing some stores, had been suffering a rough patch, according to latest accounts from 2016.

The accounts for the Brisbane-based head company, Mountain Designs Holdings, show a $7 million loss for the group in fiscal 2016, according to accounts filed with regulators.

“The ongoing operation of the group is dependent on the support of its shareholders and ongoing sales growth,” the accounts said.

Mountain Designs has stores nationwide and sells gear from trekking poles to insulated jackets to hiking boots. It has recently notified customers about some closures, including in Dubbo in NSW and Toowong in Brisbane, advertising closing down sales with up to 80 per cent off.

The company is still operating and not in administration. It is owned by Farrallon Capital, an investment company headed by Greg Nunn.