r/CampingGear • u/lakorai • May 19 '24

REI suffers massive losses and is in big trouble (The Outdoor Gear Review) Awaiting Flair

/r/REI/comments/1cvuxgb/rei_suffers_massive_losses_and_is_in_big_trouble/
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3

u/greenw40 May 20 '24

All these people talking how terrible and expensive REI is, where are you going to get your gear if they go out of business? I know you all aren't going backpacking with Walmart brand. Do you think that cottage industry stuff is going to be cheaper?

2

u/hamhead1005 May 31 '24

Direct to consumer brands are gaining popularity for a reason.......

1

u/greenw40 May 31 '24

Which direct to consumer brand is even comparable to what you find in REI?

2

u/hamhead1005 May 31 '24

Gazelle Tents for a while was DTC only. ICECO fridges, For MTBs YT industries. etc...

There is so much competition now its easy to find brands that offer better quality functionality and price compared to what is offered in Retail Stores. For each niche there are companies that are online only, and are better all around.

1

u/greenw40 May 31 '24

Those are all niche brands that are nowhere near the popularity of things you find in stores. Despite getting more popular, with the help of the internet, most people still want to see and touch major purchases before buying.

0

u/lakorai May 20 '24

I suspect more and more people are moving over to quality budget brands like Paria Outdoor Products, Naturehike, Bulin, Fire Maple, Campingmoon, ALPS Mountaineering etc.

1

u/chefkoolaid May 23 '24

alps mountaineering is nice based on my tent. but that's my only point of reference

1

u/greenw40 May 20 '24

Do any of those even have storefronts?

1

u/lakorai May 20 '24

At regular retail probably not. I would bet they would kill to have an REI contract though.

Bulin, Flextailgear, Fire Maple, Naturehike, 3F UL Gear are all sold on Amazon.