Another solid episode boys. Thanks. I'm in the mountains, which is a retail wasteland, but used to live pretty close to an REI. I'd go in for the vibe. I'd buy gas, maybe a hard copy map and have bought a few pairs of shoes because of their killer return policy. Getting some stuff in the dirt matters. But good gear is expensive and, if you're a bang for the buck person, the 10% member savings just doesn't cut it. If you can't find better deals online after doing your research, and don't give a shit about "last year's color," then you're not doing it right. But not everyone is gearhead or gets out a lot. I think REI caters more to that market. It's set up for those who are often newer to certain activities but they do it without selling a lot of entry level products. Their lane is to sell the BA Copper Spur to people with money who are jacked to try backpacking or Arc' to those who want to pose. Which is why I have a feeling garages around the country are filled with REI purchases gathering dust. They promote getting outdoors in a cool way, which is awesome, but there's little question that they're a massive, profit-driven retailer looking to move product. So yeah, they're selling the lifestyle. Nothing wrong with it. But it doesn't cater to those already in the lifestyle.
Another solid episode boys. Thanks.
I'm in the mountains, which is a retail wasteland, but used to live pretty close to an REI. I'd go in for the vibe. I'd buy gas, maybe a hard copy map and have bought a few pairs of shoes because of their killer return policy. Getting some stuff in the dirt matters. But good gear is expensive and, if you're a bang for the buck person, the 10% member savings just doesn't cut it. If you can't find better deals online after doing your research, and don't give a shit about "last year's color," then you're not doing it right.
But not everyone is gearhead or gets out a lot. I think REI caters more to that market. It's set up for those who are often newer to certain activities but they do it without selling a lot of entry level products. Their lane is to sell the BA Copper Spur to people with money who are jacked to try backpacking or Arc' to those who want to pose. Which is why I have a feeling garages around the country are filled with REI purchases gathering dust.
They promote getting outdoors in a cool way, which is awesome, but there's little question that they're a massive, profit-driven retailer looking to move product. So yeah, they're selling the lifestyle. Nothing wrong with it. But it doesn't cater to those already in the lifestyle.