REI comes to Vermont

REI is opening its doors in Williston, Vermont in November.

Looking for a new adventure? Join the REI team by filling out an application at: https://rei.jobs/careers/SearchJobs/williston

I was sad to hear this. Hopefully OGE doesn't suffer. 

Nolan Yahok wrote: REI might as well be Walmart

I clicked like to your post, because deep down inside I feel that it's an accurate statement.  I attribute this to a bias I've formed over the years when it comes to businesses, especially larger ones.

However... a year ago I moved to a place with a couple REIs, one of them about 15 minutes away.  I've been there a few times since, the staff are knowledgeable and the pricing is sometimes fair if you catch a sale.  They have decent return policies and the equipment selection is solid.  I also go to the local gear shop, for things REI doesn't carry (like the helmet I wanted, and likely my next pair of climbing shoes).

I guess what I'm saying is... there's advantages to stores the size of REI.  Pricing, selection, return policy, huge sales a few times a year.  EMS is probably the closest things to REI for people in the northeast not already living near a REI.  I don't see the same 'hate' for EMS being posted.  Just seems odd we have these notions of one larger company, but not the other.

The local store won't go away because the selection at REI is limited in climbing specific areas.  It might dig into some of the areas of overlap (harnesses, ropes).  As long as the local store isn't already teetering, I don't suspect this alone is a death knell.  If it is teetering, then you'll be happy to have the REI [better than nothing, right?]

Kevin Heckeler wrote:

They have decent return policies and the equipment selection is solid. 

Not looking to start an argument, just some context on Outdoor Gear Exchange. It has the most comprehensive climbing gear supply, superior to the Mountaineer, Rock and Snow, and IME in my opinion, plus it has bikes, skis, everything. For climbing, they sell probably 40 different climbing shoes, a selection of crash pads, Tension flash boards and blocks, obscure ascenders, just so much I wouldn't have previously expected in a gear store. I won't shop anywhere else, especially for shoes! They're a great store and not going anywhere. It's just a shame since OGE employs like 140 people and that money goes into local pockets and improving the store rather than disappearing into some corporation. Yeah OGE will survive for sure since it's a well established store in the culture heart of Burlington with great employees, but it'd be sad if they have to start shortening their staff.

IME has survived next to the walmart of outdoor goods in SLC for about 30 years

My guess is it’ll take some local business away from OGE for folks who don’t wanna deal with the parking situation downtown. However, it won’t hurt OGE’s online sales which bring in a ton of their revenue. Likewise, tourists in Burlington and OGE die hards will continue to support the store. OGE has a far superior selection, but REI is a cool co-op that gives a lot back to the outdoors. It will be cool to see them co-exist.

What I’m not psyched for are more REI guided groups at the crags! But oh well.

Also, shameless plug, OGE price matches any lower price online as long as the item matches up and it isn’t a pro deal. They’ll special order any product from any company they carry (free shipping over 50$) and you are not obligated to purchase them once they arrive. Also, most footwear comes with a 30 day trial period where you can get store credit back no matter how much you wear them out. Also, you can’t beat the consignment gear!

They have great policies for a local business.

I enjoy Church Street when going to OGE!  Sure, the parking may be a small hassel, but so isn't having to find a parking spot in a large lot that is pretty full.  

Parking problems in Vermont has to be an oxymoron right?

m Mobes wrote: Parking problems in Vermont has to be an oxymoron right?

Hahahaha. Considering half the state’s population lives in one small town, the parking gets pretty bad actually. 

Jake ES wrote: My guess is it’ll take some local business away from OGE for folks who don’t wanna deal with the parking situation downtown. 

Yeah exactly, and in my estimation that's a significant market. The minivan demographic will love getting their groceries and outdoor gear in the same Williston strip mall. REI will sell convenience. 

Really a shame IMO. Burlington doesn't need an REI. We already have the best outdoor store I've ever seen, and I've been to the flagship REI in Seattle - really most of the same mediocre gear as any REI in a bigger space. Plus OGE gives back to the community.

No good will come from this. 

Kevin Heckeler wrote: I guess what I'm saying is... there's advantages to stores the size of REI.  Pricing, selection, return policy, huge sales a few times a year. 

That argument may hold true in a lot of places, but OGE is bigger than most REI's and they stock better stuff. I don't find REI's prices or sales particularly enticing and I don't think I've ever ordered anything from them. Prefer Backcountry and Moosejaw for my online shopping. 

Hobo Greg wrote:

That’s a pretty dumb statement. Has Walmart given over $4 million in grants to non profits? https://www.rei.com/blog/social/infographic-300-nonprofits-awarded-grants-for-outdoor-restoration-and-preservation

Or, as is claimed here at least, gives 70% of profits away? $9.3 million to non profits? https://newsroom.rei.com/news/corporate/rei-co-op-gives-back-nearly-70-percent-profits-to-outdoor-community-after-year-record-revenues-in-2016.htm
Not to mention REI pays better and offers more benefits than does Walmart.
I do try and support a local business when I can, but REI is not a corporate monster.

Walmart actually donated of 1.4billion in cash and 1.25 million hours to nonprofits.

They also strongly encouraged the ability to overnight park in their lots for travelers, now the only people who stop that is local regulations on the topic.
I’m not a fan of Walmart, but most people who hate on them buy from Amazon (who literally threatens small business who don’t want to do business with them).

Hobo Greg wrote:

As well as in North Conway.

The IME in North Conway has had to compete with EMS, which is not quite REI but close enough. However, I believe REI is coming to N Conway later in September 2019, so you get partial credit. 

Both OGE   and IME  do a huge businesses  in consignment  clothing and gear. Probably   a lot  of items  bought online. 

Insert name wrote:

Walmart actually donated of 1.4billion in cash and 1.25 million hours to nonprofits.

They also strongly encouraged the ability to overnight park in their lots for travelers, now the only people who stop that is local regulations on the topic.
I’m not a fan of Walmart, but most people who hate on them buy from Amazon (who literally threatens small business who don’t want to do business with them).

So they donate to charities while forcing the majority of their workforce to use food stamps because the pay and hours are so low?

m Mobes wrote:

So they donate to charities while forcing the majority of their workforce to use food stamps because the pay and hours are so low?

You must be referring to part time workers? For most people, part-time work is not enough to live on, regardless of the company.

OGE, IME, REI, EMS.... My head hurts.

But +1 for OGE though.

m Mobes wrote:

So they donate to charities while forcing the majority of their workforce to use food stamps because the pay and hours are so low?

+1

For anyone championing WalMart (this may be a first on MP - slagging REI and praising Walmart??? WTF?) I suggest you watch this Frontline episode. Well worth the 55 minutes:
https://www.pbs.org/video/frontline-wal-mart-good-america/

Hopefully your local shop does ok. I always walk across the street to Wildy in the same trip, because inevitably I'm looking for multiple things and neither of them has it all in the shop at the time I'm standing there.

Which makes sense, at this point they really aim to serve different groups that happen to have a strong overlap. I suspect that customers of the kayak shop down the road have a similar experience. 

Marc801 C wrote:

+1

For anyone championing WalMart (this may be a first on MP - slagging REI and praising Walmart??? WTF?) I suggest you watch this Frontline episode. Well worth the 55 minutes:
https://www.pbs.org/video/frontline-wal-mart-good-america/

I’m not praising Walmart, I don’t agree with them or do business there.

But, Stating that Walmart doesn’t donate to nonprofits and charities is a incorrect fact. 

Using Incorrect facts makes you and your argument questionable. Any entry level discourse class or business class would teach you the concept. There is plenty of reasons to dislike Walmart, Amazon, pick your giant name... That it doesn’t require you to make false claims.