Every mountain town should have a good, quality, little gear shop. In Bozeman, we have several. A few favorites include Northern Lights, Barrel Mountaineering (now owned by Northern Lights), the Round House, Chalet Sports, Ph.D. Skis, and Bob Wards. However, these quality mountain shops are about to be put to the test as Bozeman paves way to welcome the “new kid on the block with a bigger toy truck.”
REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.) plans to open a new store in Bozeman on May 21. The store will be located in the old Linens N’ Things building on North 19th Avenue.
REI is a retail co-op providing quality outdoor gear and clothing. Although anyone can shop at REI, potential members can pay a 1-time $20 fee to reap the benefits of the store’s profits through an annual member refund based on their purchases. Also, members receive discounts on gear rentals and trips offered through REI Adventures.
If REI is the “new kid on the block,” than its “big, awesome toy truck” is its reputation. Many fear that with REI’s presence, the small, locally owned gear shops will stand no chance. Its true that all the old favorites are exactly that: old, and favorite. Stores like Northern Lights and Chalet Sports, for example, have solid, loyal customers that will always give the local shops their business. However, for the average person looking for decent outdoor equipment, REI will be the new “go to” destination.
Whether you are in favor of this addition to Bozeman’s outdoor retail scene, REI is coming. So, get out there, get some gear, play with the shiny red truck, but don’t forget the local gear shops who have stood with us through thick and thin, snowless winters and major dump-age, and hot summers of mountain biking and river adventuring.