YETI’s First International Store Opens in Calgary

The company was founded by the Texan brothers, Roy and Ryan Seiders, two avid outdoorsmen whose popularity grew with the advent of their innovative, superior ice-retention coolers, intended for use by high-end fishing, hunting, and water sports aficionados. To promote the signature quality and toughness of its products, YETI has sponsored professional outdoorsmen as well as hunting and fishing shows.

Today, YETI stands as an innovative designer, specialized retailer, and global distributor of a range of outdoor gear. These include padlocked premium coolers, ice chests, ice buckets, gear cases, waterproof bags, all-weather backpacks, the “Rambler” line of stainless-steel drinkware, vacuum insulated outdoor kitchenware, camping equipment, and related accessories such as chairs, blankets, and lightweight athletic apparel. Customization options are also made available to consumers. Besides the YETI retail stores and their associated digital platforms, these products are also sold through authorized retailers in both physical locations and online channels.

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, YETI has expanded its brick-and-mortar presence across the United States. The brand has well over twenty stores across sixteen states, seven of which are in key locations in Texas: Austin where its first flagship opened in February 2017, followed by Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Southlake, and The Woodlands. Each of the remaining fifteen states has one to three retail stores. 

The brand’s first international location was opened in August 2024 at the Chinook Centre, the largest and one of the most upscale shopping malls in Calgary, Alberta. Based on the high interest for outdoor activity among Calgarians and the popularity of YETI products among its consumers, the city proved a top destination for the start of the brand’s global expansion. To date, the Calgary store is the only brick-and-mortar store in Canada. 

As general contractor of the Calgary store, SAJO successfully circumvented the special challenges posed by the city’s water main shutdown during the construction phase, ensuring the project’s steady progress and implementation. 

The store’s design plan was to integrate the earthy and rustic appeal of the brand with the charm of a polished, nature-inspired aesthetic. The grooved stucco and millwork façade of the store’s exterior gives way to a refined interior layout featuring built-in fixtures and well‑lit integrated displays, crafted with high-quality materials and high-end finishes.

Given YETI’s niche market success, the brand looks ahead to expanding its international footprint.