All set for your next adventure

All set for your next adventure

While visiting Norway, there’s no reason to stay indoors. Platou Sporthas over a hundred years of experience with products and advice on howto make you ready for all types of hikes and mountain sports.

Manager at Platou Sport, Bjarte Birkeland.

Platou Sport was established in Bergen in 1918, and is one of the oldest sporting retailers in Norway. Since then, they have specialized in clothing and equipment for the great outdoors.

The store is located in Bergen’s city center in the same venue as it was established over a hundred years ago. Here, it lies nestled in between the seven mountains surrounding Bergen.

– If it wasn't for the mountains, this store would not exist. We live and breathe for the outdoors, and our main goal is to get people out into nature, manager Bjarte Birkeland says.

UNDERSTANDING THE CUSTOMER’S NEEDS

The main focus at Platou Sport has always been to deliver high quality goods and service. They are the link between their conscious consumers, and their high quality manufacturers. Many of Platou’s employees have been in the industry for over 30 years.

– We spend a lot of time understanding and knowing our customer’s needs. We know that the experience will get a lot better if you have the right equipment. Like shoes that fit well, that won’t give you blisters. Jackets that keep you warm and dry, and tents that can endure all kinds of weather, Birkeland says.

At Platou Sport, you can get equipment for all types of mountain sports. They carry brands like Arc'Teryx, Norrøna, Fjällräven, Patagonia, Houdini, Icebreaker, Oakley, Salomon, Osprey, Hoka, La Sportiva, Black Diamond and many more.

BE PREPARED

As beautiful and enticing as the mountains may seem, the weather in Bergen can be very unpredictable, and the hikes can therefore become challenging.

– We aspire to give the best advices we can, regarding all kinds of trips. For people who are new to hiking in Bergen, we recommend that they dress according to the conditions. Also, they should be prepared for sudden changes in weather conditions.

QUALITY OVER QUANTITY

Platou operates with the saying “quality over quantity”, according to the store manager. They want to sell products that are going to be used a lot, not just hang unused in a closet.

– We don't want to sell people products that they don't actually need. If they are only going on a short trip, we usually recommend that they borrow sacks or sleeping bags before they make a purchase here.

GOING THE EXTRA MILE

During the summer, manager Birkeland informs, Platou sells a lot of hiking clothing, tents, towels and hiking shoes.

– Hiking shoes with spikes can be worn all year round as they give you a good grip on slippery surfaces. They are waterproof, very light and can also be used on asphalt.

Fuel and gas for backpacking stoves are also very popular during this season, and the manager doesn't hesitate to go the extra mile to make his customers happy.

– We do get some requests from customers on Sundays who want to go on a hike and cook food, but couldn't get gas for their stove with them on the plane. We then deliver as much gas as they need directly to their hotel, Birkeland says. ▗