Backcountry To Open New Retail Stores Beginning Spring 2021

Backcountry, the online specialty retailer of premium outdoor gear and apparel, announces plans to open brick-and-mortar retail locations beginning May 2021. The retailer currently has one store adjacent to its fulfillment center in Salt Lake City, UT, and will expand its retail footprint this year with two new stores, the first of which will open in Park City, UT, followed by a location in Boulder, CO.

Backcountry has created an industry-leading online shopping experience through personalized, expert-driven customer service known as Gearheads. Gearheads are individuals who live and breathe the outdoors, including former pro athletes, gear junkies, 100-day-a-year skiers, and all-around industry gurus.  At each new retail location, customers will now be able to meet with a Backcountry Gearhead in-person for trip planning, gear and apparel purchases, and concierge-like outdoor guidance.

“Backcountry has always sought to connect people with their passions through the best gear and expertise we have to offer,” says Backcountry CEO, Melanie Cox. “With our retail locations, our goal is to equip our customers with the gear, knowledge, and the confidence they need to get outside by combining the expert guidance of our Gearheads with our expansive product assortment.”

Backcountry’s expansion into offline shopping is a fresh take on outdoor retail that extends its hallmark online offerings to a physical setting. The retailer will create an inspiring, memorable experience while filling the gaps that currently exist in traditional outdoor retail. These retail locations will offer expert guidance and convenience while providing a resource hub for the community. Backcountry’s retail shops will also serve as gathering spaces, where members of the outdoor community can come together in a meaningful way. All of the merchandising fixtures are designed in a modular fashion so that stores can be modified in order to host guest speakers, “how-to” discussions with Gearheads, film screenings, and other community events once it is safe to do so.  Backcountry is poised to add value to these new communities in-person through a highly curated assortment and customer service elevated by the personal touch only Gearheads can offer.

Backcountry will work to connect with the local community by supporting local organizations, fostering long-lasting partnerships, and organizing volunteer service days. The retailer is prioritizing community building and engagement to give back and promote outdoor accessibility for all.

“Our retail spaces are designed to be experiential, interactive, and engaging,” says Cox. “We want to give our customers a shopping experience that truly allows them to find everything they need, beyond gear and apparel. We want to support their aspirations, fuel their adventures, share stories and make the planning and preparation an easy and enjoyable process.”

The integrated online/offline retail model will allow customers to browse products from both stores and website easily. For example, if customers can’t find exactly what they are looking for in-store, they can see what options are available online. Backcountry will offer free 2-day delivery for orders over $50 to anywhere in the country. Select locations will be able to provide same-day delivery.