Kathmandu (company)

Kathmandu Holdings Limited is an international retail chain for functional clothing and outdoor equipment (for example backpacks, tents and shoes). The company was founded in 1987 in Melbourne, Australia and Christchurch, New Zealand. Headquartered in Christchurch today. The Company's shares are listed on the NZX and the ASX since 2009.

Founders of the company were the Australian January Cameron, who had her company " ALP Sports Clothing" sold for this purpose and in 2008 at the Mountain Sports at Mount Aspiring fatal accident New Zealanders John Pawson. The first stores were opened in Australia, whereas the production mainly had their location in New Zealand. Today, the chain operates 133 Stores; 83 in Australia, 44 in New Zealand and six in the UK.

In 2006 the company went completely to an Australian private equity firm after Cameron had to cash out and was eliminated.

During an earthquake in February 2011, the company headquarters was seriously damaged in Christchurch, which is why the company temporarily moved its corporate headquarters to Melbourne.