Imagine a place where the scent of new adventure hangs in the air, and each item on the shelves tells a story of mountains climbed, rivers crossed and roads conquered. For 35 years, Fitness Fanatics in Spokane’s Millwood has been more than just an outdoor gear store. It has served as a gateway to the great outdoors for countless enthusiasts. But just as all stories have an ending, so does this story. Robin DeRuwe, a mainstay at Fitness Fanatics, has announced the closure of Spokane’s outdoor community on March 31st, marking the end of an era in the community.
Saying goodbye to all you fitness fanatics out there.
From the beginning, Fitness Fanatics was more than just a business. It was a passion project. DeRuwe’s vision was to create a hub where individuals could not only find quality gear, but also share their love of the outdoors. This spirit resonates deeply within the Spokane community and has fostered a strong bond between the store and its patrons over the decades. As Fitness Fanatics prepares to close, DeRuwe reflects on the joy of connecting people with fitness. outdoor lifestyleHe emphasized that the decision to move forward was bittersweet. But the store’s legacy is immortalized in the adventures it enabled and the community it built.
Clearance Sale: Last Hurray
Starting March 1st, Fitness Fanatics will be hosting a clearance sale featuring everything from specialty equipment to outdoor apparel. This sale serves as a last hurray for the store, where longtime patrons and first-time customers alike can take home a piece of fitness enthusiasts. This is an opportunity for the community to celebrate the store’s contributions to outdoor activities while preparing for its next adventure. DeRuwe encourages everyone to take advantage of this sale because it’s not just about clearing inventory, it’s about bringing the spirit of outdoor exploration to as many people as possible.
The future of outdoor adventure in Spokane
The closure of Fitness Fanatics leaves a void in Spokane’s outdoor community, but it also opens the door to new beginnings. DeRuwe’s own plans to focus more on personal adventures reflect the shared desire of many people to reconnect with nature in an increasingly digital world. His Fitness Fanatics’ tradition of focusing on quality gear and fostering a love of the outdoors sets a high bar for future companies in the area. Spokane’s strong community of outdoor enthusiasts ensures that the Fitness His Fanatics spirit will continue to thrive even though their physical presence is gone.
As Fitness Fanatics winds down, its impact on Spokane’s outdoor culture cannot be overstated. For 35 years, we’ve been providing not just equipment, but inspiration for generations of adventurers. DeRuwe’s journey may take a new path, but the path blazed by the fitness enthusiast will continue to be well trodden by those who share his love for the “life outdoors.” The end of Fitness Fanatics is more than just a closure. It celebrates a remarkable chapter in Spokane’s outdoor history.
