Anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors knows being dressed for success makes a world of difference. And by "time outdoors," I mean everything from backpacking and camping in extreme climates to dog walking and grilling burgers poolside. Admittedly, while I fall in the latter categories, even I can appreciate feeling a little fancy with nice hiking shoes and a top-quality hammock on the easiest of trails. Especially when I can get a deal on them!
That fact, a friend's recommendation, and seeing frequent comedic ads in my social feed led me to explore Wiley's Trading Company, our hometown, independent outdoor apparel store in Decatur, Alabama.
The store, founded in 1953, is among the River City's longest-running businesses. Until the mid-1970s, the store operated in the heart of downtown Decatur, at the intersection of Bank and Lee streets. Customers today know to find it on the southern end of Gateway Shopping Center on Sixth Avenue, where it's been the last quarter of a century.
Those who've been around awhile might recall it was the former location of a Sears, and that big space is necessary to contain all the inventory you'll find at Wiley's – "better brands and even better prices," as second-generation owner David Wiley says.
When I say I've seen many "comedic ads," I mean the tone has a delivery style similar to the late Southern comedian Jerry Clower: "This cool stuff has Gotta Go! ... Gotta get to Wiley's! ... Tell your friends! Tell you momma! Tell Marcel & 'em!" one promoted post reads. I couldn't pin down the reference and asked friends, who quickly came to the rescue. Some poked a little fun at me for not being more culturally tuned in. It wasn't that I hadn't heard of Clower; I just didn't remember many details. (I guess my mind is getting full.)
Fun fact: Clower, who passed in 1998, was an early customer of the store back when he traveled as a seed and fertilizer salesman in the 1950s, Wiley told me.
And from what I can tell, the deals are worth all the shoutin'. I saw a pair of men's Teva mocs at a price lower than I've ever found on them, and I am working on my third pair. You'll find other discounts on brands like The North Face, ENO, Patagonia, YETI, Life is Good, Chaco, Ray-Ban, Oakley, Southern Shirt, TurtleBox, Big Green Egg ... and that's just a handful. Most prices are marked, and if you have something special in mind, Wiley may be able to cut you an even better deal on the spot. He has that flexibility since the store is independent, allowing him to build relationships with suppliers over many years of business, control inventory, and adjust profit margins.
While thinking over a great deal on a new ENO hammock – and I don't really need a new one, but certainly want a new one for the deal offered – I wandered to the history display for the store. I noticed the row of beautiful images I recognized as scenes from our beautiful Point Mallard Park. Like many people here, I wholly love the Point Mallard Trails for the treasure they are in every season. It's for good reason they top the list of local trails on AllTrails. (Sign up for AllTrails to get exclusive details on these trails and thousands more).
When I asked about the photos, I learned Wiley took them all. Both main trailheads for the Point Mallard Trails are just three miles east of the store.
"That's the big reason we're here," Wiley says "I walked our dogs there every day for years," pointing to his late pups' portraits in line with all of the landscapes.
Now, a dog story is usually all it takes to sell me on anything, so consider me sold on Wiley's Trading Company. Pup stories aside, I can't think of a better place to stop and shop locally on your way to the trails – or any other outdoor adventure. You'll show up in style and save money you can instead spend elsewhere on whatever you've got planned.
Have you had a chance to explore this outdoor apparel store in Decatur, Alabama? We'd love to hear about your best finds!
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