Outdoor travel and adventure brand, Kathmandu, has opened its 150th store at Traralgon, Victoria.

Peter Halkett, CEO of Kathmandu, said it is a significant milestone for the company, which began in Australia in 1987, opening its first store in Melbourne’s Hardware Ln, and first New Zealand store in Christchurch in 1991.

“Kathmandu as a brand is now recognised globally,” Halkett said.

Kathmandu listed on the Australian and NZ stock exchanges in 2009.

Over the past five years the company has refreshed its branding, grown its product range, added more than 70 new stores, and expanded its staff to more than 2000 employees.

The group opened 15 new stores in Australia and NZ  last financial year.

The new store in Traralgon follows Kathmandu’s success in regional centres such as Coffs Harbour, Bunbury, and Rockhampton.

“Regional stores like Traralgon are important to our growth strategy. We are aiming to grow our Australian and New Zealand network to 180 stores,” said Halkett.

Kathmandu has 150 stores in Australia, NZ, and the UK, along with a major online presence.

Almost five per cent of sales are made online and the company ships internationally to more than 40 countries.

Kathmandu’s loyalty program, Summit Club, has more than one million members in Australia, and in NZ almost one in 10 residents are members of the loyalty program that commenced in 1994.