Residents and business owners protested the opening of REI on Thursday in Durango.
The demonstration took place during REI’s members-only kickoff event.
Participants set out to promote shopping locally and, longer term, hope the national retailer will shut down its Durango location, said Jimbo Buickerood, an event organizer.
“We see this as a corporate behemoth that really has a significant threat to (local) businesses,” he said.
Buickerood, a longtime REI member, said the store isn’t needed in Durango and could harm a market already served by existing outdoor retailers.
REI Durango Store Manager Meghan Wyrwich said the co-op hopes to share space with local businesses and support collaborations that get the community outdoors.
“There are many products and services that customers ask about that we don’t carry,” Wyrwich said. “Our local team knows what other stores offer and constantly direct folks to other stores where they can find what they need.”
Chase LaCroix, owner of gear and apparel shop Outdoor Exchange, joined protesters Thursday.
“We have so many great community merchants already in existence that support different outdoor activities,” LaCroix said. “We just don't see what opportunity (REI) sees, other than corporate greed. I think they’re coming in trying to dominate the market share.”
Lilly Osing, retail manager at Outdoor Exchange, who also attended the protest, said the store hasn’t seen a notable change yet in terms of foot traffic and sales, but that Outdoor Exchange customers have been reporting buying wares at REI that Outdoor Exchange also offers.
“It hurts to see people come in and say that they went to REI first and bought something there, versus something at the Outdoor Exchange,” Osing said. “People are still coming here to finish out their gear setup, but that dollar is going somewhere else, rather than being purchased in our store. It’s sad, honestly.”
Community member and 34-year REI member Brand Burden, who was visiting with his son, John Burden, for the members-only event was in support of the protest, despite being an REI customer.
“I think it’s good for voices to be heard,” Brand said.
He said he still patronizes local shops that sell similar wares, but REI’s convenience and price points – especially with member discounts – are attractive elements to him that sometimes bring him back to the corporate giant.
“Economics is one thing,” he said. “The other thing is that in a bigger store, there’s more variety. Say you’re looking for a sleeping bag: you might find 10 or 15 in here. And go to the local store, you might find a quarter of that, or half of that. I like to do local, but sometimes, it's just ... sometimes it’s 50% more.”
Buickerood said Thursday’s protest is just the beginning.
“This is not going to be a one-off,” he said. “I’m sure we’ll be seeing letters to the editor, and (to) publishers, and more rallies – whatever else people think might be effective. Frankly, (we want to) let REI know that they’re not welcome here.”
Tim Walsworth, executive director for the Business Improvement District, was unavailable for comment Friday.
epond@durangoherald.com
