REI=Really Expensive Implements

[bobpbx]

I do buy from them once in awhile, but their pricing is outrageous on some items. They must appeal to snobs. Their latest catologue lists the Garmin ETrex Vista HCx for $299. They are either trying to appeal to people with money who don't care what they spend, or they must be trying to pull in the odd idiot who does no bargain shopping.

Its hit or miss with them.

 

[Ben Ruset]

GPS pricing is so cutthroat. When I was selling them, people on ebay were listing them with Buy It Now prices cheaper than I could buy them from distributors. Anybody who pays full retail price for a GPS is massively overpaying.

 

[Sue Gremlin]

Well, NOW you tell me.

 

[grendel]

You can find a deal there once in a while. I bought one of their brand packs on the outlet site. It is rugged and has the feaures I like. They also let you return stuff if you don't like it. No questions asked. I returned a tent that did'nt work out. If I had bought it from a small outfit I would have been stuck with it. They also have these attic sales where they sell the stuff people return, you can get some great deals.

 

[46er]

I've looked there a couple of times, won't be going back. A person can easily beat their prices for just about anything, even if you join their co-op cult and count the kickback, which you may or may not get at the end of the year.

 

[MuckSavage]

That being said, where do you buy gear? I'm a big fan of the Campmor "Super Special Deals". I bought a Columbia parka last year that was the previous years colors/style. The current style was $180, mine was $85.

 

[46er]

Campmor for the standard stuff, sales only, visiting the store is a pain now that I don't travel up there that often anymore, but mail order is good with one day delivery Cabela's is the second choice.

Electonics I search around.

 

[Boyd]

True that REI can be expensive. But the plus is that they have a nice, big store with helpful salespeople, so you can actually see and touch things before buying. I always enjoy browsing around their store in Marlton, and have bought some things there which would have no doubt been cheaper elsewhere. Mailorder only places are always going to be cheaper since bricks, mortar and staff cost money.

But with the way things are going in the retail segment these days, soon we will have a lot less options for local stores...

 

[46er]

But with the way things are going in the retail segment these days, soon we will have a lot less options for local stores...

The only good store local to me is Bob Kislins, and they are limited in what they carry.

If you get the chance, stop by Campmor on RT17 in Paramus, but don't go near rush hour Nice sized place, can spend a day just looking around. EMS opened a store next to them and closed within 2 years.

Anyone remember Morsan's? I still have a tent from them, must be about 35 years old and still servicable.

 

[bobpbx]

The only good store local to me is Bob Kislins, and they are limited in what they carry.

If you get the chance, stop by Campmor on RT17 in Paramus, but don't go near rush hour Nice sized place, can spend a day just looking around. EMS opened a store next to them and closed within 2 years.

Anyone remember Morsan's? I still have a tent from them, must be about 35 years old and still servicable.

I always wanted to visit Campmoor. I went by there one time to check out a college for my daughter way the hell up by the Ramapo mountains. Who is EMS?

I find Kislins to be overpriced and, like you say, limited.

I think another discount store with good selection is really needed in this area.

 

[grendel]

The only good store local to me is Bob Kislins, and they are limited in what they carry.

If you get the chance, stop by Campmor on RT17 in Paramus, but don't go near rush hour Nice sized place, can spend a day just looking around. EMS opened a store next to them and closed within 2 years.

Anyone remember Morsan's? I still have a tent from them, must be about 35 years old and still servicable.

last time I went to campmor they were still in the old store, I was 14 I bouh gt my first tent, backpack and sleeping bag with my allowance that I had saved. I still go to there web site. Overall after my rebate REI is usually pretty much the same.

 

[46er]

Who is EMS?

Eastern Mountain Sports, started in 1967 in MA, stores in the NE and are now also in some midatlantic states.

http://www.ems.com/


BTW, they have some pretty good mail order prices right now. They have 5 stores in NJ, one is in Moorestown.