Southern Business a Rarity: .
Invercargill Shop Southern Adventure is a survivor – representing what is believed to be the only Scout Shop still trading in New Zealand.
It is also a major sponsor of Scouting in Southland and its management model has meant its survived where others have failed.
Other contributing factors were the good product range and the “friendly” staff who worked there.
The success and unique survival of this business is due to the loyal staff and volunteers who serve on the shop management committee .
Originally the Scout shop started in a small way, named a Trading Post in 1965, and was located upstairs in the J R McKenzie building in Dee St.
Business flourished and in 1968 the Scout shop moved to the ground floor of the Speirs building, also in Dee St. The business then started trading fulltime and expanded its product range.
Scouting Southland established its headquarters upstairs and in 1976 bought the whole building. Both the shop and headquarters were moved to the present location at 31 Tay St in 1988 when mayor Eve Poole formally opened the premises.