Ouachita Outdoor Outfitters

Ouachita Outdoor Outfitters, better known as “Triple O” to its loyal customers, was founded in 1997 to “fill the outdoor retail void that existed in Hot Springs.”

It’s done that and then some, doubling its retail space and acquiring dozens of top vendors. Triple O is the area’s local institution for outdoor gear, and it’s known in particular for its paddling expertise. In fact, in paddling circles the store is known as “the best paddle sports shop around,” according to owner Jeremy Mackey.

Mackey, the store’s first employee, and his wife, Kristal, assumed ownership of the store from original owner Donald Jackson this year, and their goal is to continue the shop’s emphasis on customer service, expansive selection and superior product knowledge.

The store carries more than 75 of the premier outdoor brands in apparel and footwear, backpacking, camping, fly fishing, rock climbing and more. “Our target market is anyone who loves the outdoors,” he said. “Whatever their experience level or passion, we want to help ensure their next adventure is unforgettable. The secret of our success is to DREAM, an acronym adopted as a way to describe not only how we feel a specialty retail shop should be run, but a way for us to remember to always follow our passions. This philosophy is the very core of our business model and is truly what sets us apart from our competition.”

DREAM stands for Differentiate, Recreate, Educate, Appreciate and Motivate.

Mackey said Triple O strives to strengthen local outdoor culture by attending relevant local events, supporting local businesses and promoting local outdoor areas and activities. Its #DoItWithALocal campaign through the store’s website and social media outlets, which promotes small business patronage, is a way for Triple O to give back, he said.