EMS bankruptcy

so I know this is about 6 months old but....

bloomberg.com/news/articles…

I've noticed over the last year or so when I shop there that their selection has downsized considerably and things just seemed different there. then I came across the bankruptcy which made complete sense.
EMS has never been the greatest or most specialized place to shop but they've always been a solid company for outdoor gear.
I just find this disconcerting as they are a fairly large retailer in the outdoor world.
this on top of all the specialty shops and gear manufacturers that have gone under recently.
in a sport like ours when being able to see and try on things in person is crucial I feel like its only going to get harder to do this.
is it just a matter of time until we have to buy everything online and return it if it doesn't work or just be stuck with it if its unreturnable climbing gear?

both shops in nyc closed earlier this year. Super bummer because ems climbing selection was so much better than the rei selection and the staff were climbers

EMS, while fairly large, is also fairly regional. They don't exist outside the north east.

So combine a large distribution chain cost, with limited customer base, and a basically negligible online presence (it rarely occurred to me to shop there online, and I grew up around Boston, and EMS was the "Go to" place. Their prices usually weren't better, and sometimes worse, than other options so I don't think I ever purchased form them) and this doesn't surprise me.

To me, this seems to be a case of a largish retail chain not being able to adapt to modern consumer trends. Same thing that's been happening to Sears, and other large stores.

This is why I support smaller semi-independent climbing gear shops... always.

You might not be-able brag about how you scored that ice-ax for $40 less than your partner, but you will know you contributed to what you believe in... small shops.

I like: Elevations in Lone Pine, CA.

and Nomads in Josh and Idlwild.

and Wilsons in Bishop.

EMS employee here,

So first off the New York stores got closed because an excessive amount of shoplifting. Mostly theft of GoPro gear and women's clothing.

As for bankrupcy, that was Sport Chalet. A company also owned by Vestis. (Which claims to be a company that buys struggling business and turns them around- yeah right. They're the ones to blame for Ems lacking in the quality it once had.)
Anyway sport Chalet kicked the bucket with millions in debt and so Vestis closed up to 8 EMS locations to help modigate the loss.

That's not to say EMS doesn't have it fair share of current issues. With a recent switch of focus to apparel more than gear, and a recent overhaul of internal infrastructure (computer system, POS, over all management structure) things have been real turbulent. The POS is awful so customer service is getting worse, the current manufacturer is extremely cheap, no more repair shop or even warranty. And where REIs member perks get better and better EMS keeps giving you less.
But I still love the store, I just wish they would get their heads together.
That's that

Guy...James Wilson passed away. What was formally Wilson's Eastside Sports will be making a transition to Eastside Sports, Inc.

They make good pants, but that's about it. They chose to become a North Face fleece store instead of an outdoor gear store, and have paid the price.

XX0011 wrote:EMS employee here, So first off the New York stores got closed because an excessive amount of shoplifting. Mostly theft of GoPro gear and women's clothing. As for bankrupcy, that was Sport Chalet. A company also owned by Vestis. (Which claims to be a company that buys struggling business and turns them around- yeah right. They're the ones to blame for Ems lacking in the quality it once had.) Anyway sport Chalet kicked the bucket with millions in debt and so Vestis closed up to 8 EMS locations to help modigate the loss. That's not to say EMS doesn't have it fair share of current issues. With a recent switch of focus to apparel more than gear, and a recent overhaul of internal infrastructure (computer system, POS, over all management structure) things have been real turbulent. The POS is awful so customer service is getting worse, the current manufacturer is extremely cheap, no more repair shop or even warranty. And where REIs member perks get better and better EMS keeps giving you less. But I still love the store, I just wish they would get their heads together. That's that

Benjamin Chapman wrote:Guy...James Wilson passed away. What was formally Wilson's Eastside Sports will be making a transition to Eastside Sports, Inc.

Everyone is to blame, for being cheapskates. All consumer goods problems are directly related to the consumer.