GOWINGS: our story
Pushing boundaries in business for over 150 years
Pioneering Spirit
Fuelled by a pioneering spirit, the Gowing family opened our first namesake store in 1868 – and we’ve been pushing boundaries in business ever since.
Land, Sea & Sky
From establishing our iconic Market Street store – once the tallest building in Sydney – to championing Aussie-made products and environmental initiatives, Gowings has created a legacy of quality, authenticity and unyielding appreciation for the great outdoors.
For more than 150 years, our journey has taken us over land, sea and sky, with one goal in mind – enriching lives with sustainable, functional and durable products made for adventure.
Gowings acquires alvey in 2022
Alvey Reels was acquired by Gowing Bros Ltd in 2022
In the words of John Gowing “We saw an opportunity to keep an icon in Australian hands, and took it. Gowings also owns FCS, an iconic surfing brand, and we think Alvey would complement our interests in ocean sports. Philosophically we want to encourage sustainable enjoyment of our seas and oceans. Demonstrating
this commitment is our 1% for the Oceans pledge, with proceeds going to the Gowings Whale Trust which aims to fund positive change in our oceans”
Gowings and Alvey are two companies deeply rooted in Australian heritage, making this union a match made in angler’s heaven. Gowings has a strong commitment to quality, craftsmanship and preserving time- honoured traditions and the two icons have 258 years of combined experience.
As part of the Gowings revitalising and investing in the Alvey brand, there has been a new state of the art factory built in Queensland, new products developed as well as the launch of a flagship store in Gowings Coffs Central.