Under the store leadership of Craig Sims, along with his wife Vicki, Hooper’s began in 1993 by offering Paducah and western Kentucky high quality educated options in outdoor apparel and technical gear, while also fueling enthusiasm for greater outdoor recreational pursuits such as camping, hiking, kayaking, cycling, and rock climbing. Hooper’s brought iconic brands like North Face and Patagonia to the Paducah retail world for the first time.
Sims named the store Hooper's Outdoor Center after his chocolate lab Hooper, who was a daily and beloved presence in the store. A portrait of Hooper is still displayed at the store, as well as a portrait of Craig, who passed away in 2009 after a valiant battle with cancer. Craig's entrepreneurial vision and retail passion lives on today through the leadership of wife Vicki Sims, co-founder Dean Cherry, his nephew and manager Matthew Cherry, and Craig's son, Adam.
To celebrate two decades in business, Hooper’s will be running various anniversary-day-only promotions, including 20% off entire purchases. Customers can also sign up for Hooper’s email list and be entered into giveaway drawings and a chance to win a $100 gift card. Hooper’s will provide complimentary 20th anniversary t-shirts to every customer purchasing at least $100.
Hooper’s will be open from 10 am until 8 pm on its 20th anniversary, Saturday, Oct. 26.
