The 3/50 Project

“Saving the Bricks and Mortar”

3:

Pick three businesses you’d hate to see disappear and return to them.  Purchase a little something that makes you smile.  That’s what keeps these places around.

50:

Commit $50 of your current monthly spending to locally-owned businesses.  If half the employed U.S. population did that, it would generate more than $42.6 billion annually.

68:

For every $100 spent in locally owned, independent businesses, more than $68 returns to the community.  If spent in a big box or chain, the number drops to $43; spend it outline and nothing comes home.

Your Local Outfitter Store – Heartbeat of the Outdoor Community

    Where else can you find all the information that you need about your outdoor pursuits, including advice on training, footwear, apparel, accessories, travel programs, and aches and pains?  How about those orienteering and survival courses, which the stores support with their own time and resources?  The outdoor community would not be the same without your local outfitters’ persistent support. 

    An outfitting store is your only source for the best recommendations for your individual outdoor necessities.  Its staff can personally analyze your clothing and equipment needs, measure you for correct sizing of footwear and backpacks, as well as recommending technical gear for specific purposes.  Most importantly, its well-trained employees can talk about their own personal experiences in the outdoors; their firsthand knowledge of the store’s inventory can save you valuable time and make the decision-making process easier.  There is no better initial resource than your local outdoor store’s staff for advice when an ache or pain suddenly arises, you have an equipment repair issue, or just a technical question about clothing or gear. 

    Your local outfitter store is your destination for “one-stop-shopping” and all sorts of information on adventure travel, backpacking, or camping.  From up-to-date local and national travel information, to climate-appropriate apparel, protective and cushioned socks, ever more important foot supports, the new GPS systems, stoves and cookware, headwear, watches and pedometers, the latest in energy gels and chews as well as hydration and recovery drinks, climbing gear, water filters and purification, knives and multi-tools, dry bags and map cases, outdoor pet products, travel books and topographical maps, sun care products, flashlights and headlamps, compasses and survival gear, camera cases, soft luggage and duffel bags, special laundry washes and clothing water-proofing products, supportive sandals, sports watches, TSA locks, self-defense sprays, blister-products, hiking poles, outdoor magazines, and more.  When you’re looking for the latest and greatest in outdoor equipment, there is no better place. Knowledgeable staff will explain how each and every one of their products can help make your outdoor experience safer, more comfortable and more enjoyable.

    Please don’t be one of those who go into their local outfitter store spending a half-hour or so of a staff member’s valuable time to be properly fit in clothing, footwear, or a backpack, with no intention of purchasing from the store.  It’s a dead giveaway when a customer makes note of the style and size or even has the staff member write it down for them, “so I’ll remember what I tried on”, before he or she walks out.  Online retailers cannot give you the invaluable personal and “free” advice that you just received from your store’s trained personnel.  Online retailers are basically selling a commodity and have no personal interest in you, except for your credit card number.  Aside from costing the store well-deserved business, the individual servicing you may feel like he or she did something wrong by failing to satisfy you, the customer.  Maybe outfitting stores should begin charging an up-front consulting fee and then deduct it from the purchase.  It just may be the future.  The advice will still be free.  Support your local outfitter stores.  They give back to the outdoor community more than you can imagine.  Without them, we would be on our own, perhaps with the wrong clothing or equipment, which could potentially cost you your life.

Did you know that…

…for every $100.00 spent in a locally-owned store,

$73 stays in the local economy?

and…for every $100 spent in a big-box store,

$43 stays in the local economy?

and…for every $100 spent on-line,

$0 stays in the local economy?

More reasons to support local businesses:

Revitalize city centers, preserve open space & prevent

sprawl, benefit from local owners’ expertise, keep

dollars in local economy, nurture a sense of community,

encourage entrepreneurship, foster local job creation,

save a few bucks on gas, have more choices, inspire

creativity.

Environeers & Dirty Boots Adventures get people outdoors, away from their daily grind and help them get their boots dirty!

Join us on one of our courses to help you feel confident in your ability to hike, backpack and get back to nature. Or take an adventure trip with us for the experience of a lifetime. Whether you pick a local course on how to use a map and compass, or take a trip hiking on the Appalachian Trail, it is the most fun you can have in the outdoors!

http://dirtybootsadventures.com/

http://www.facebook.com/dirtybootsadventures