Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/996944
s /UTDOOR )NSIGHT s *ULY OUTDOORINSIGHTMAGCOM END INSIGHT See the complete list of consumer comments at outdoorinsightmag.com WHAT MAKES A RETAILER GREAT? LOTS OF KNOWLEDGE, D E C E N T I N V E N T O RY, C O M P E T I T I V E P R I C E S. STAYING OUT OF POLITICS, CARRYING QUALITY BRANDS, GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY, SALES, PARKING LOTS THAT DON'T SUCK. SPECIALIZED PRODUCTS, KNOWLEDGEABLE STAFF, EASY TO NAVIGATE, UNBEATABLE PRICES. STAFF WITH LIKE-MINDED INTERESTS AND EXPERIENCE, GOOD SELECTION, SALES AND ABILITY TO SPECIAL ORDER. ROTATING INVENTORY. SEASONAL MERCHANDISE. KNOWLEDGEABLE. BY HAVING ALL THE GOODS I COULD EVER WANT FOR MY OUTDOOR NEEDS. ENGAGING STAFF WHO WANTS TO PROVIDE INSIGHTS AND SHARE EXPERIENCES WITHOUT OVER POWERING THE CONVERSATION. CURATED OPTIONS, SELLS ITEMS FROM SMALL GEAR COMPANIES NOT FOUND AT LARGER STORES. A wide selection of items at Amazon-competitive prices, with knowledgeable staff who have tried/tested/learned about the products they're selling, so they can help me make the best decision possible. ABILIT Y TO SELL TO EVERY LEVEL OF USER. To have not only great products, but extensive knowledge of the products to accurately inform the customer. Gear is only good if you know how to use it correctly. People that "look the part" at what they're selling. You can hike in a suit, but would you? GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND. Knowledge of their gear and the needs of their customers is paramount. Having good selections and fair prices helps, but local knowledge trumps a good deal. Has the gear I like and am familiar with, but also has comparable gear from brands that are new to me. I trust a retailer that lives what they sell. In our survey of more than 200 outdoor enthusiasts, here are some of the comments they offered. SELLERS OF HIGH-QUALITY, ENVIRONMENTALLY AND SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE GEAR AND APPAREL WITH FRIENDLY & KNOWLEDGEABLE GEARHEADS. Deep knowledge of the technical needs for an activity. And a low, mid and high range option. I also like a high standard for what the retailer carries, so I know I am getting good value, especially important if they carry brands I'm not familiar with. A great retailer stands behind their product. e materials and craftsmanship used are very important to me. USA-made is a bonus. When able, retailers should source accordingly. Source: MESH01. Survey includes 221 outdoor enthusiasts, male and female, average age 39.