New business hopes to fill a niche in the community 

LANDRUM—A new business has moved into 118 E Rutherford Street in downtown Landrum. Owner and General Manager Rob Perry is the Grandson of Ed Perry, the founder of Ed Perry Auto Parts in Inman, South Carolina. Rob grew up in the Landrum area and began working for his grandfather’s store when he was about 10- years-old and worked there off and on for nearly 30 years serving the local community. 

Rob’s family has a long history in the area for opening and operating successful businesses in the community. The Perry family’s success attributed to Rob’s motivation when opening The Hiker’s Hut. 

The location at 118 E Rutherford Street required very little in terms of renovation to prepare for The Hiker’s Hut.  

“This space is roughly 1400-1500 square feet,” Perry said. “We were fortunate, I built the counter and reception desk, and the floors were redone but the building didn’t really require many renovations. We added some new lighting but really minor renovations overall.” 

The Hiker’s Hut carries several different brands of outdoor camping, hiking, and fishing equipment. Perry hopes to develop the business around the needs of the community. 

“My family is from the area, the family has a long history in the area for business. I moved back to the area a few years ago and I know that there are a lot of out door activates here,” Rob said. “I found that when I was doing any of those activities I had to drive 20 to 30 minutes to get the equipment I needed. I though the community had a need for this and I thought there was a good market for it here.” 

Perry stated that The Hiker’s Hut is primarily retail for the time being but that he would like to add excursions and activities in the future. The long-term plan for the store is to two to three full-time employees in addition to a few part timers.  

Perry puts an emphasis on trying to carry products made by American based companies such as Gain Guard, Moonshine, and Mountain Liberty along with a few others. The Hiker’s Hut has ongoing negotiations with several shoe retailers to extend their inventory. 

In addition to the apparel, Perry plans on adding climbing equipment and kayaking equipment in the future based on what the community wants. 

“I want to fill the needs that the people in the area have,” Perry said. “I felt that this store was a huge need in the area because we are so close to the Palmetto Trail and so many other great hiking and camping locations.” 

Perry wants the local outdoor community to be vocal with The Hiker’s Hut on what kind of supplies and equipment that they need. Perry has the ability to get a lot the equipment for hiking, camping, kayaking, and biking through his retailers. 

“We are always open and encourage feedback. We want to know what the members of the outdoor community need so that we can provide that service for them,” Perry said. “I want to grow this business in the way that the community wants it to go.” 

—By Samuel Robinson 

sam.robinson@tryondailybulletin.com