Robinson's Outdoor Store

Robinson’s Outdoor Store has a proud 87-year history as a local, family-owned business, but its success is due to the three generations who have steered it—founder George, his son’s Gordon and Doug and Doug’s daughter Gayle—always looking forward. What started as a bicycle sales/repair shop in 1929 has become the premier source for outdoor gear on Vancouver Island. You’ll find the best brands and a friendly, knowledgeable staff to help outfit you for any adventure—from a backpacking trek through South America to a fly-fishing expedition a on crystal clear B.C. salmon stream.

Gordon Bailey Robinson, George’s eldest son, worked in his father’s business full-time from the time he left college until his retirement in 1979, as President of Robinson’s Sporting Goods (Outdoor Store) (45 years+). George’s daughter, Helen worked in the store before her marriage as did her husband Henry Bird and George’s youngest son, Douglas. In turn, Doug’s youngest son, George Allan worked briefly at his father’s store as did his niece, Linda, on a work-experience venture!

Robinson’s Outdoor Store proudly bears the name of the family that started it 87 years ago. Today, this name stands for more than the person who founded it—George Robinson—because he was just the first of three generations to helm the venerable Victoria store. This is a truly local, family-owned businesses—now skilfully run by George’s granddaughter Gayle—that has remained a fixture in the downtown core through the Great Depression, World War II and many other economic ups and downs.

Robinson’s has grown and changed since George started it in 1929, but the one thing that has remained consistent is the family’s long-standing commitment to exceptional service. Though George sold and repaired bicycles and rented baby carriages in his day, and his son Doug later steered the store in the direction of sporting goods, the constant thread throughout the nine-decade history has always been knowledgeable employees providing top-notch service, a successful formula that never changes.
Under Gayle Robinson’s guidance, Robinson’s has became the haven for outdoor enthusiasts that it is today. It not only caters to outdoor adventurers of all stripes and experience levels—from first-time mountain climbers to skilled fly-fishers—it staffs its spacious, well-stocked store with people equally passionate about active pursuits. So, even though the store’s local roots run deep, the worldly experience of its friendly, well-travelled employees brings a level of expertise and enthusiasm that is unmatched.