Backcountry.com Retail 101

If you live in Salt Lake or the surrounding area chances are you've dropped by the Backcountry.com warehouse to pick up an order or three from the kids in retail. Even if you're not from Salt Lake it's not unlikely that you've dropped by when in town to pick up your gear.

Since I was in Salt Lake today I too decided to drop by, return a couple of things and pick up some "needed" gear. For those of you that haven't been to the warehouse retail store, I wanted to give you a couple of pointers and heads up so that your expectations are met.

Entry

When walking into the retail part of the warehouse, this is what it looks like.

It's simple, small (compared to the warehouse) and most of the items on display are simply for that - display. That's not to say you can't buy this stuff, but most of the experience here is either picking it up, buying product through one of the 4 computer kiosks or trying stuff on.

Front Desk

John (seen in the red cap) is your go-to guy. If he's not in, don't fret, there are others who are well trained to help you get your gear ASAP. It helps if you've got your order number but just the same he can look it up in a heartbeat.

Once you've given them your order number be prepared to hang out. If it's a Friday afternoon, like right now, your wait could be up to 30 minutes. There are plush leather sofas (seen below) and a flat screen to take in a ski or snowboard flick.


Trying on Gear

If you need to try some gear on, this is not your typical retail experience. Those North Face Mountain Sneakers you've been eyeing may be on the third level in the back of the warehouse so cut the runner some slack on the timing of rounding it up for you. Once again, plush sofas are your friend.

Pick up window

When your order is ready the guy from the warehouse who just spent the last 15 minutes running around 200,000 square feet of gear paradise will call out your name.


Slap him a high five and a big thanks for the extra effort. Word is they like chocolate chip cookies and Mountain Dew. ;-)

Last but not least

Last bit of advice is to not make your trip to the retail location a last minute situation. That's what 7-11 is for. Getting gear takes some planning.

It's all a pretty simple experience but one that requires a smile, a bit of patience and some understanding if you're hitting a peak time (after 5pm each day). The store is open from 8am-8pm M-F and on the weekends from 9am-4pm each day.

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