R.E.I. opening in Bozeman

[SonomaCat]

Sportsman Warehouse went out of business, and has been run by some other company for the time being, I think the REI is going into the old Sportsman Warehouse building next the old Linen's and Things (I would think that space is to small anyways).

The one thing that I am not happy about REI is that they sell them self as a 'Green' and local company that ask their members to support local businesses like themselves, but they are not giving local contractors a chance to bid and perform the work on the new space, and have brought in an out of state contractor?!?

Do they use the same general contractor for all/most of their jobs nationwide? That would be something I'd kind of expect to see for a company that does a lot of building projects. From the company's perspective, it would be invaluable to maintain that one relationship and not have a huge learning curve for the general contractor for each new job.

I assume that general contractor will use local subcontractors to do most of the work, though?

Not always, if they open it up for a general bid anybody in the country can bid the project if they get a hold of a set of plans. So contractors from the Dakotas, Idaho, Oregon and Washington wouldnt' be a stretch. Not to mention in this economy people are only interested in the low bid.

I would assume that local subcontactors would have a significant advantage, even if it was put out to bid nationally, wouldn't they? They wouldn't have to pay for lodging, travel, etc., for their crews, so their bids would generally come in lower? Just curious ... don't have much direct knowledge in this area.

[CATCO]

It is typical for national wide stores to have a go to contractor or two, but since the building is already in place, and is only tennant improvement work, there would not be much of a learing curve. I think the out of state contractor will do most of the work in house. Its funny, you would think local guys would have a better chance, but some City jobs have recently gone to out of state contractors on a hard bid price.

You are right about the Sportsmans warehouse, it is still open, and is called Wholesale Sports or something. Linens and Things is right next door (attached to the same building), so if this is the case, it is very interesting.

[BwanaCat]

REI is a good company. They have great products, excellent customer service and support many local conservation efforts such as open space, recreation areas and wildlife habitat. I think most Montanans support these things as long as they don't turn in to radical environmental initiatives. I've always admired the Patagonia business model too. However, sometimes their political views and involvements tend to be too radical for my blood. Each to their own though.

BTW, having another retail store such as REI open up in Bozeman is a good thing as it creates competition but I would prefer to see a scientific-based or other high-tech businesses open their doors here in Bozeman. These are the kind of jobs that will mean more to the community and state in the long run. MSU produces alot of smart "techies" and business people. It is just a damn shame that MSU and the State of Montana do not put more financial emphasis on entrepreneurship. MSU has an Entrepreneur Center at the School of Business which, in my humble opinion, is very much under used and under funded. Yeah they do work with the Tech Ranch but Montana really needs to focus on encouraging, funding and supporting entrepreneurs (Montana ranks in the bottom three states that has made available funding or access to start up money). It is this mind set that has made Silicon Valley and Israel such magnets for start ups. We have the talent to do great things here in little ol' Bozo! Encouraging entrepreneurs to become successful here in Montana will make for a better way of life. If not, then we will continue to think life is good when just another retail store opens it's doors.

I'm off my high horse now I better go tie some flies and have some more coffee........

[Common Cat]

REI is a great Seattle company. I spend a small fortune there every year, which is a problem 364 days a year, but is really sweet the day the dividend check arrives!!

Absolutely agree. I loved getting my dividend. I would plan out a great purchase around it every year. I recently moved back to Great Falls and now don't have access to an REI. But on that note, I support the heck out of Big Horn Wilderness, a great shop here downtown with awesome high end selections.

[SonomaCat]

Bwana: All great points. One of my biggest gripes when I lived in Billings was that "economic development" seemed to mean "opening a new big box store on the West End." Retail doesn't really create much wealth for a local community (especially when the jobs pay crappy and the profits go to owners outside of the community).

On the flip side, having high-end retailers interested in one's market might suggest that the market is creating some wealth from other sources (and gives those with the wealth a cool place to shop).

That was just a long-winded of saying, "Preach on, brother!" Might be a good topic for a deep dive on the "discussing the issues" board at some point.

[Bleedinbluengold]

REI is a good company. They have great products, excellent customer service and support many local conservation efforts such as open space, recreation areas and wildlife habitat. I think most Montanans support these things as long as they don't turn in to radical environmental initiatives. I've always admired the Patagonia business model too. However, sometimes their political views and involvements tend to be too radical for my blood. Each to their own though.

BTW, having another retail store such as REI open up in Bozeman is a good thing as it creates competition but I would prefer to see a scientific-based or other high-tech businesses open their doors here in Bozeman. These are the kind of jobs that will mean more to the community and state in the long run. MSU produces alot of smart "techies" and business people. It is just a damn shame that MSU and the State of Montana do not put more financial emphasis on entrepreneurship. MSU has an Entrepreneur Center at the School of Business which, in my humble opinion, is very much under used and under funded. Yeah they do work with the Tech Ranch but Montana really needs to focus on encouraging, funding and supporting entrepreneurs (Montana ranks in the bottom three states that has made available funding or access to start up money). It is this mind set that has made Silicon Valley and Israel such magnets for start ups. We have the talent to do great things here in little ol' Bozo! Encouraging entrepreneurs to become successful here in Montana will make for a better way of life. If not, then we will continue to think life is good when just another retail store opens it's doors.

I'm off my high horse now I better go tie some flies and have some more coffee........

Do we rank in the bottom three because we have a relatively low population? Do you know the per capita funding? I'm just curious.

[FTG06']

Looks like most people are in favor of REI opening up in Bozo. Yes, the jobs and the money that are brought to the community are good. But if I still lived in Bozeman, I'd be getting my stuff fro Ph.D skis, Roundhouse, Chalet Sports, Barrel Mountaineering, etc. REI is just another big box store that further muddies the small town cohesion of Bozeman. Every time I come back home for a few days, I notice all the fru-fru crap that is going up all over town and can't help but wonder what happened to the quiet mountain town I grew up in. Bottom line: support your local businesses first, otherwise Bozeman will turn into a giant strip mall (it's already going that direction).

[longhorn_22]

I'm all for small town businesses, but I refuse to pay the markup some of these Bozeman stores charge for things that have no business being that expensive. If I can get it cheaper at Costco or REI, there is no reason not to. Especially if you're a "poor" college student.