Life in the Great Outdoor....Industry

 I have been in and around the Great Outdoor Industry for over 15 years now. I started out as a novice consumer who wanted expert gear. I remember spending HOURS getting fitted for my first hiking boots and backpack. I moved on to skiing and snowboarding - same long process sitting in a small independent specialty shop discussing the pros and cons of Flow Bindings vs the Burton P2's. Deciding whether I really need a pair of Superfeet Insoles in my Aslo Boots and if shape twin tip skis were the way to go for my first pair of skis. I debated back and forth on which wools socks were the best, which wicking shirt would keep me the driest and which water carrying system would be the best for me. I gained a very strong loyalty with the Alpine Shop in St Louis, Wildernest Sports in Dillon, CO, Boulder Running Company in Boulder, CO and those are just a few shops I love.

Then I got into the industry as a buyer at The Sports Authority and things started to shift. I got killer discounts on everything - skis, boots, sunglasses, running shoes, everything sports/outdoor related. But, I lost something when I started saving money - the connection to the shop and maybe even the sport to some extent. The independent retailer has a passion a big box does not. (This is generally speaking - there are very educated, passionate people working the floors at some of the sporting good/outdoor chains!).

I became a ski instructor in 2004 when I moved up to the mountains. I was working as a Sales Manager and started spending more time at the Specialty Retail shops. This is where we learn about what products are really working and why. If a customer is willing to spend a little more money on a pair of boots with no coupon - why? Is it because he can't find that style at a big chain so it is special? Is it the personal customer service? Has she developed her own loyalty? Is it the excitement of swapping stories about the hike you did last week or the last run of the day at A-Basin or the white knuckle ride down Mt Falcon? What is it that keeps the independent specialty retailer alive? What draws you back inside Tri-County Sports in Mooresville, IN vs Dicks Sporting Goods the next town over? Or Wildernest Sports in Dillon vs The Sports Authority across the street? If you don't - why not? I am curious.....