Durango, a city known for its eclectic array of local outdoor recreation businesses, is bracing for the arrival of retail giant REI Co-op. The impending opening of a 20,000-square-foot store has raised concerns among some business owners, who fear the impact it will have on their shops.
John Agnew, owner of The Boarding Haus, is among those expressing apprehension about the effect of REI’s presence on his snowboard and outdoor gear shop. With the Seattle-based chain reporting nearly $4 billion in revenue last year, Agnew is concerned that his store may lose sales to REI once it opens in early 2025.
However, not all business owners share the same level of concern. Kendrick Williamson, who oversees operations at Gardenswartz Outdoors, believes that the opening of REI is not a direct threat to his nearly century-old downtown business. This sentiment is echoed by Tim Walsworth, executive director of the Durango Business Improvement District, who acknowledges the concerns of existing local sporting goods stores but believes that they have the experience and customer loyalty necessary to remain competitive.
The retail landscape in Durango has faced similar challenges in the past, with the arrival of national chains like Walmart and Home Depot. However, these chains did not cause local businesses to close, indicating a possible path forward for local businesses in the face of REI’s entrance into the market.
Despite the concerns, REI asserts that it can coexist peacefully with established outdoor retailers and believes that its presence can create healthy competition. The store is set to offer a wide range of outdoor products, including a dedicated section for used gear and apparel.
While the impact of REI’s arrival on the local business community remains to be seen, the city of Durango, with its rich outdoor recreational opportunities, continues to be a draw for enthusiasts of camping, angling, rafting, skiing, and hiking. The city is characterized by its historic district, where hundreds of people empty out of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad depot daily in the warm season to shop and explore the 10-block stretch of shops and restaurants.
As Durango prepares for the arrival of this retail giant, the concerns and hopes of local business owners and the city’s deep connection to outdoor recreation will continue to shape the local retail landscape.
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