Hello there GGGers!
Over the past week, there has been a lot of discussion about the actions of Backcountry.com. Although we work with a few brands that use the word “Backcountry” in their company name or in their product titles, to our knowledge, none of our companies have been affected or targeted by Backcountry.com’s legal actions. For that we (and them) are thankful.
In response to Backcountry.com’s legal action against companies using the word “Backcountry,” there has been a tremendous amount of renewed enthusiasm. support small, specialty, and local outdoor stores. You know the kinds of shops I’m talking about: places full of gear, personality, and years of combined outdoor experience. These places are community centers, libraries of information, and places that evoke joy when you enter or meditate.
Much of this discussion has already been played out on message boards and comment sections all over the internet, but I hope to add 2 quick points to the discussion. Full disclosure, given my role with GGG, it is obvious that my opinion is full of bias.
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Although this renewed power to buy in an incredible place, given our humble position in the Internet market, I find it important to note that even though Backcountry.com is one of the largest online databases of outdoor gear, their business practices should not be allowed to define the online retail environment. Many online retailers play an important role in our outdoor ecosystem, and these stores employ real people, with real knowledge, with real passion, and who are doing great and empowering things in our community. Being online by nature does not make the people behind the company impersonal, unethical, or unreal!
While there are online retailers with questionable business practices (we wouldn’t be having this discussion if they didn’t), there is nothing inherently bad or cruel about online stores. It’s not about the product, it’s about the people and their habits, and just because the store is online, doesn’t mean it’s a soulless mess. As online sales become more prominent, hopefully, the disclosure of Backcountry.com’s ethics only serves to hold the medium more accountable to the outside community.
- After following the conversation with Backcountry.com closely, there seems to be a missing piece of the conversation that seems obvious to me. To me, it moves the conversation from the topic of “where you buy” to the topic of “what you buy.” While I have no organized vendetta against big box brands (some make excellent gear), buying Mountain Hardware or Marmot from Backcountry.com, REI or your local brick and mortar store is still supporting a nameless and flawless multi-billion dollar company that probably only cares about you as a customer or your business. Sure that might sound nice, but the truth is they probably don’t care or notice your every purchase (or your presence). By supporting small brands you play an active role in helping small business owners bring their dreams and inventions to life. Most of these brands can only be found on social media.
Is a big company bad because it’s big? Is a smaller brand inherently better because it’s smaller? Not necessarily, but if your desire is to spend your money as intentionally and purposefully as possible, spend those hard-earned dollars on small companies that align with your values.
While I’m not under the impression that any of these points are particularly revolutionary or original (they certainly repeat things I’ve been soapboxing for years), I think they’re both important to ponder when shaping and considering the conversation around Backcountry.com.
In an effort to avoid unnecessary preaching to the choir, I will end this message with one final thought. As you have conversations with others about the controversy surrounding Backcountry.com, encourage your family and friends to not only ask where they shop, but also what they shop for. Yes, encourage them to shop at their local store, but if they really want to support the little guy, continue to direct them to your favorite small, first and cottage brands. It makes a difference.
With thanks always,
Lloyd, CEO of