Our Mission
To help our friends have fun and be comfortable in the outdoors.
Our Story
In 1983, Great Outdoor Store (GOS) was established as Sioux Falls, South Dakota's only locally-owned, specialty outdoor store. In 2009, GOS moved to the original train depot of Sioux Falls, the Rock Island Depot.
Over the years, GOS has grown in size and product selection. While keeping the local feel, we offer brands like Patagonia, The North Face, and Smartwool. We've chosen only the best of the industry and pride ourselves in providing quality products that perform well. We stand behind our products and strive to ensure you have a pleasant shopping experience and are happy with your purchase. We train our staff to help you gear up for any type of adventure.
Whether your pursuits take you around the world or around the corner, let us help you get there in style and comfort. Come and experience our unique shop and friendly staff!
Happy Trails!
James and DeAnn Echols
Owners
Great Outdoor Store
Our Team
Meghan Archer
Store Manager
I have been part of the team at Great Outdoor Store for 15 years. My sunny disposition makes me an expert at customer service and teamwork. In my spare time you’ll find me walking my dog Juniper and starting 6 backyard projects at once.
Skylar DeJong
Inventory Manager
I've been at GOS since 2017 and am the store hype man, staff moral booster and aspiring-backup-instagram model. My expertise is hiking, running, camping and backpacking. When I was 12, I was the Iowa State Fair mechanical bull riding record holder. I cracked my skull open while achieving this feat, which tells you the distance I will go to in the pursuit of having fun.
Anna Gette
Events Coordinator & Staff Culture Lead
I started at GOS in 2017 and after a 2 year hiatus to the East Coast I returned in 2023. My passion for working with people and establishing a sense of community led me back to GOS as the new events coordinator and staff culture lead. When I'm not at the shop, I enjoy doing anything and everything I can with my dog, Rue; including camping, fishing, skiing, and hiking. I'm also commonly referred to as the shop dog whisperer (so please bring your dogs to the shop <3)!
Kelsey Johnson
Marketing & Website Manager
I joined the GOS crew May 2024! I'm a Sioux Falls native who loves to be active outdoors. I've worn many hats in my design career but working at GOS connects my personal passions too. When I'm not at the store it's likely you'll find me out with my dog, rock climbing, bodybuilding, or tending to my backyard chickens!
Mikaela
Senior Sales Staff
I have been a member of the GOS crew since 2015. I am Passionate about running, camping, and summers. I have a weakness for fleeces and will put Fleetwood Mac on the store playlist any chance I get.
Avery Laursen
Senior Sales Staff
I have been a part of the GOS crew since 2021. If you need help recognizing me, I’m the one who will most likely be wearing overalls. I’m a biology major with an ecology emphasis at Augustana University (Go Vikes!). As an ecology major I am very passionate about nature conservation. When I’m not at school or at work, you can find me enjoying some fresh air, roller skating, hiking, hammocking, or reading. I’ve been on a few amazing adventures, but I’m looking forward to accomplishing my goal of going to all of America’s National Parks!
Cristina
Part-Time Sales Staff
Along with Meghan, I've spent over a decade of my life as a member of the GOS family. The amazing people I work with, customers included, make it hard to leave. When I'm not working on the weekends, I'm busy with my two boys, Bodhi and Nash. I love anything on or near the water. I'm an expert on coats because I've accumulated so many over the years! Also, I'm the store mom who makes sure everyone has snacks!
Liv Peterson
Part-time Sales Staff
I’m the baby here at GOS but don’t let my age fool you, I’m more than willing to take up any challenge I’m faced with! Feel free to dig through my brain with any question you can think of, I enjoy any opportunity to learn and talk about the products we carry. When I’m not working in the store you can find me doing research for the Lincoln High School Debate team (Go Pats!), chasing sunsets, hammocking with my nose in a book, or spending all my money at Cliff Avenue Greenhouse!
Andrew Olsen
Part-Time Sales Staff
I started at GOS in 2011 and have been hanging around on and off ever since (this is my third stint). I'm also a geography teacher, so I spend a little time every day adding places around the world to my endless "I want to go there" list. I've spent many nights under the stars in all kinds of places; uncomfortably close to hippos and crocs in the Gambia, on train benches in England, and on the floor of the Grand Canyon. My favorite place to be is with my wife and two kids, preferably bouncing around the Southwest.
Ashley Gustafson
Part-Time Sales Staff
I started here at GOS in August of 2022. I like meeting new people and helping them in whatever way I can. I also have a full-time job working in the world of substance use prevention in the underage population. In my free time I enjoy hanging out with friends and family, doing yoga, and playing sports!
Liz Fossum
Part-Time Sales Staff
I joined the GOS crew back in August of 2022. I've been fortunate to travel to 17 countries (and counting) in my life so I am your go-to person for all things travel! My favorite trip so far was to Rome, and I have a 3-page document of recommendations ready to share with anyone who is interested. ;) When I'm not at my day job helping international students study in the United States, you can find me planning out my next adventure!
Gage Matzen
Part-Time Sales Staff
I had the opportunity to join the awesome crew that calls the Great Outdoor Store a home away from home in February 2024. I earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering, but some would say I double majored in rock climbing (part-time student, full time dirtbag). I’ve been on climbing trips all around the North American continent and love talking climbing or backpacking with anyone that comes in! In the summer I love to cycle the bike trails and go to Pathfinders events!
Anja Bjorklund
Part-Time Sales Staff
I have been a part of the GOS team since November 2023! I love to be a smiling face for customers coming through the door and help them find a fashion-forward, comfortable outfit for all their needs. Outside of GOS, I have a full-time job but also enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, biking, reading, and puzzling!