Same. I remember standing in line to get cheap ice tools and gear. I also remember when North Face got out of climbing, and all the climbing gear was half off.Indeed. I remember mail ordering climbing ropes, figure-8s, and carabiners from REI's newspaper-like catalog. Now REI is the place where suburban housewives buy overpriced NorthFace jackets.
4 hour round trip? For $10 worth of balsa?
THAT makes a lot of sense.
When I lived in KC I found this place (http://www.eskc.com/Default.asp).I also disliked the change from electronics parts to consumer electronics, but let's be fair... These days, how many people in any given area actually buy resistors or diodes or whatever? The clientele the original RadioShack had disappeared. The Shack's big mistake was not embracing Maker culture and jumping into that market with a vengeance. That was the closest market to the electronic geek of the past. If they had put a couple Maker tech specialist stores in each city, and also stocked computer build components, they would have survived longer and might still be around.
Indeed. I remember mail ordering climbing ropes, figure-8s, and carabiners from REI's newspaper-like catalog. Now REI is the place where suburban housewives buy overpriced NorthFace jackets.
REI was once the place people mounting an expedition up K2 shopped, now it is The Gap with bicycles.
I lived for a year or so in Everett WA. back in the late '70's and had the opportunity to shop at the original REI store in Seattle. That was back when they offered equipment designated "K2" because it was actually the tents, backpacks, sleeping bags, boots, stoves etc. that the first expedition up K2 used. By today's standards those items were "stone-age primitive" but back then they were the best that could be had and for many years after REI always offered the best that could be had.
That seemed to have ended sometime in the '90's when they became a retailer of basically the same stuff you could get at any Big 5 sporting goods store and if you wanted any serious mountaineering gear you had to go to a specialty store and how many of those are around today?
I also disliked the change from electronics parts to consumer electronics, but let's be fair... These days, how many people in any given area actually buy resistors or diodes or whatever? The clientele the original RadioShack had disappeared. The Shack's big mistake was not embracing Maker culture and jumping into that market with a vengeance. That was the closest market to the electronic geek of the past. If they had put a couple Maker tech specialist stores in each city, and also stocked computer build components, they would have survived longer and might still be around.
Interesting that the article noted they'd looked at 100 or so empty stores in the area and couldn't find one cheap enough. What sort of incentive does a real estate company have to hold empty properties rather than reduce the rent and make some money? There are things in life that I don't understand...
I see the same thing where I live. Turns out that empty commercial space is a loss on paper and the loss can be a tax write-off. Often, it's easier to claim and benefit from the tax deduction then it is to deal with unpleasant tenants who don't want to pay. So the owners just let the space sit empty...
Obviously, the prudent / economical approach would be to "stock up" on quantities of wood and other supplies, rather than making the run for just a few items . . . Not to mention, if there are other Modelers in your area, making a "group purchase" part of the trip.
Also, why not take your "significant other" along and make a "day trip" out of it . . . ?
One place I love to visit is Apogee Components in Colorado Springs. They have a "Free" area and I always walk out with all sorts of body tubes, balsa, etc.
He'd probably **** kittens LOLI just got a "mental image" of Tim Van Milligan's face, as you stroll out the door with a dolly, full of boxes, that the UPS / Fed Ex guy accidentally left in the "Free Area" . . . I bet it would be "priceless" . . . LOL !
Dave F.
Counter-counter-point:Counter-point: since I have no intention to conquer K2 or Everest, yet my kids are into climbing and bouldering (and biking, hiking, camping, canoeing, etc.), present day REI is great for my family.
They are one of the few places that have managed to maintain a reasonable inventory of bikes in stores and online, and sold a few of those to me last year. Will likely sell another one in a few weeks (once the right size is restocked).
The market for (K2 climbers) <<< (urban/sub-urban adventurers).
The last time I got their yearly mail, the leadership team looked like the board of an investment bank. Now they peddle the same global supply chain lowest-bidder planned obsolescence "lifestyle accessories" as everyone else, only smeared with an oleaginous coating of smugness so that the Instagram set can pose with it and flex on their poorer followers.
I miss the Analog days.Last time I went to a Radio Shack it was all smart phones. I asked the clerk where the resistors were stocked. The reply? Blank stare. The store evolved into something unrecognizable.
smeared with an oleaginous coating of smugness
REI used to have good bikes. Their in-house Novara bikes used good components, carefully selected to give the good performance per dollar, usually skipping the overpriced gimmicks and weight weenie stuff that inflated the price.
And your reason for making this about politics is?Just another bunch of woke leftist capitalists who feel secretly guilty about being rich I guess.
Let's not make this about politics. Do you seriously believe that the CEO of Citibank believes in whatever political statement he's solemnly making this week?Just another bunch of woke leftist capitalists who feel secretly guilty about being rich I guess.
Interesting that you mention balsa. I don't usually buy in bulk but the balsa sheets found in the newer rocket kits don't seem like good quality.I patronize my local hobby store as much as possible. I mainly buy scratch building materials, balsa and basswood. They have stopped carrying balsa due to the price increase. I have been buying any balsa from them that I think I may use in the future. Their main sales revenue seems to come from plastic model builders, but they did have a really good selection of balsa for airplane modelers. Now the balsa shelves are mostly empty.
There have been several articles about thus in our local newspaper and I've seen several online discussions about it. Apparently, with everyone staying home more, sales of bicycles, and virtually all outdoor equipment, went through the roof. Stress everywhere sold out, warehouses emptied, and the supply chain hasn't been able to keep up. This has been seen in everything from fishing tackle, to kayaks, bicycles, and anything "outdoorsy." Coastal Pets is a large local maker of stuff for your dogs, cats, and other pets (like leashes) and they've added shifts and been hiring like mad throughout the pandemic and still can't keep up.I'd be surprised if REI currently has any bikes in stock to sell. Nobody else does. My local WalMart's bicycle department is absolutely empty of bicycles as is two shops that I am aware of even their stock of parts and accessories is down to practically nothing.
Not sure what this is all about or if it is nation wide, like the dearth of new automobiles at the dealerships*, but I have a bad feeling that this is symptomatic of something worse heading our way.
*Ford has no Torus, or Fusion's, Dodge/Chrysler has no Chargers, Challengers or 300's, Chevrolet has no Impalas, Malibu's etc., etc., etc., etc.
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