The Gadget Co. opened in Tulsa more than 30 years ago, just on the outskirts of downtown Tulsa. In January, the store moved to its new location on South Lewis Avenue near Route 66.
“The old place was great, but this place shows our growth,” says owner J.P. Hewitt of the new space at 1207 S. Lewis Ave. “This whole area is blowing up. With Mother Road Market right there and NOMA (North of Market Area multi-use project currently under construction) going on, the area is happening.”
Hewitt, who is originally from Michigan, bought the Gadget Co. in 2015. The store specializes in outdoor apparel, gear and equipment for things like fly fishing, camping, hunting and hiking. Soon it will add women’s apparel.
“I love the outdoors, and I wanted to do something that incorporated that,” he says. “With the new store, we got to customize it all ourselves. It’s definitely an upgrade. We’ve brought in a bunch of different brands. We wanted to give it a new, fresh feel.”
The new location is helping the store reach that goal.
Along with attracting new shoppers, the new location has brought back some former customers. Hewitt says the store’s broad customer base all enjoy higher-end, higher-quality products.
Hewitt says he and his staff also provide knowledge and expertise on the merchandise and equipment, so they can help customers know what they need, and what they don’t.
“I won’t sell you something I don’t think will be a benefit to you,” he says.
He also wants to the store to be accessible to everyone, including those who don’t consider themselves “outdoorsy” or don’t know where to begin.
“We love that. We want them to come in, they’re a blank slate. We can get them pointed in the right direction,” Hewitt says. “We don’t want anyone to be intimidated.”
Shop favorites
The Gadget Co. is known for its fly-fishing goods, including a wide collection of flys. $2-$7.
Gadget Co. branded hats are available for $30.
Mystery Ranch backpacks are ideal for around town or on the trail. $125.
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