The optimistic editorial, “Good Neighbors,” (Herald, July 27) about the new REI, urged giving them a chance as a “trusted community partner.” I wish I could share that optimism, but while we “give them a chance,” local shops will likely go out of business.
Whatever your favorite local store, it’s endangered. Whether big or small, you never know any given store’s financial situation. Not all will survive.
The Herald celebrated REI's $20,000 donation to Montezuma Land Conservancy – a pittance for REI. Meanwhile, local shops have supported countless events and organizations for decades. And, REI typically reduces local support over time.
If you spend at REI, only 43 cents per dollar stays local versus 68 cents at locally-owned retailers. That extra quarter per dollar helps makes our towns more vibrant – it’s not chump change.
REI’s 43 “new” jobs (six full-time) is misleading, because after some existing shops close and others lay off workers, probably a handful of truly new jobs emerge – and at what cost to our local outdoor culture?
REI’s manager claims they’ll “lift all boats.” Truth is, most REI dollars would otherwise go to existing retailers. And this isn’t a fair competition – REI’s size lets them buy at massively lower wholesale prices than local shops can. Pure David versus Goliath.
But we can be the stone in David’s sling. Please buy local. Be the stone. Just say “no” to Goliath.
Gunnar Conrad
Durango
