Outdoors Inc. was founded in 1974 when Joe Royer and Lawrence Migliara combined their two paddling businesses, West Tennessee White Water Supply and South Central Canoe Base, into The Great Outdoors.

At the time, Joe and Lawrence were avid paddlers and racers who could not find performance outdoor equipment in Memphis. The first retail location officially opened on Cleveland in the spring of 1974; the store was open Tuesday and Thursday nights from 7pm to 9pm.

During the first few years of business, Joe and Lawrence concentrated on selling performance paddling equipment. However, after a successful trip to Ranier Mountaineering School, Joe and Lawrence decided to start carrying climbing and camping equipment; they also changed the name to Outdoors Inc. and changed locations from Cleveland Avenue to Poplar Avenue.

Over the next decade, Outdoors Inc. expanded with new stores on Poplar and Germantown Parkway and a new warehouse on National Avenue. 

Today, Outdoors Inc. continues to provide Memphis and the Mid South with quality outdoor gear for the outdoor enthusiast.