WNC Outdoor Collective announces closure

Bowl in the Wall and Waypoint Adventure to remain in Black Mountain Avenue location

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
March 25, 2024

The WNC Outdoor Collective, which opened on Black Mountain Avenue in 2021, announced, March 23, it would end retail operations in the coming weeks. Bowl in the Wall and Waypoint Adventure will remain in the building. Photo by Fred McCormick

A Swannanoa Valley business that spearheaded the renovation of a dilapidated downtown building and converted it into a shared indoor-outdoor retail space, courtyard bar and event space will close in the coming weeks. 

WNC Outdoor Collective founder Lincoln Walters announced his decision to end the retail operation in a March 23 social media post. 

“During our journey, we’ve supported numerous nonprofits, hosted countless musicians in our courtyard, and promoted various local outdoor brands located right here in Western N.C.,” Walters said in the statement. “The entrepreneurial path is one of highs and lows, marked by unpredictable income and countless hours dedicated to crafting a vision that resonates with people.”

The Collective debuted in the spring of 2021, featuring makers of outdoor gear and apparel from throughout the region. The retail space, which operates in a century-old brick and rock structure on Black Mountain Avenue, established partnerships with brands like Milk & Honey, which manufactures sleeping bags and blankets for babies and young children.

Milk & Honey, will continue its operation in a new Black Mountain location, according to Walters, while Waypoint Adventure and Bowl in the Wall will remain in the building they share with the Collective.

“Thank you all for your support over these past few years,” Walters said. “It has been a privilege to be a part of this community and to create a space where people were excited to bring their family, friends and neighbors.”

The Collective is offering 50% to 60% off all sales through the remainder of March, according to Walters.

“The list of people to thank is endless so I’ll just say, thank you again Black Mountain and Asheville friends for making this journey an unforgettable adventure that we will remember for years and years to come,” Walters said.