NeMon'ess's Journal: Late season shoppers

Specifically people from the Bay Area going up to the snow for the first time this winter. Until last week the snow was crap so I can sympathize. No sense buying snow clothing and boots for your kids in December if there's the chance you just won't go this year.

Nevertheless, outdoor retail functions a month or two ahead of the season it's targeting. Meaning that my store shifted to fall clothes in mid-August, replaced bikes with skis in October, and this past weekend was the start of our super clearance sale so we could have room for spring-wear. The sale runs through Monday, but 75% of the merchandise was sold last weekend.

So especially for kids, there is zero ski and snow-wear left. This has led to sad and frustrated parents. One solution is combine a rain jacket and pants with warm fleece leggings and jacket underneath. If the kid(s) have a jacket or fleece already, it won't cost so much, and the separate garments are useful in Bay Area weather and temps. Some of the parents get it. Those used to getting what they want take more time, or walk out to try another store that they'll find also has nothing. I experience a slight bit of schadenfreude when they break down and buy the rain-wear/fleece I suggested.

Alternatively, I know stores in the towns around Lake Tahoe keep plenty of stock on-hand longer than the Bay Area stores. Since there's basically no gloves and boots left, these parents will have to stop in to the Tahoe-area shops anyway and pay extra.

Just bought some things

[ryanr]

I just bought some stuff from Colemans.com surplus. My two oldest boys are going on a boy scout snow camping trip.

Re:

[NeMon'ess]

Heh. Unless you're getting overnight or two day shipping, you've gave yourself more time to get gear than most of the people I'm describing. They wanted to go up this weekend and the one before. Out of curiosity, what troop? I was in Troop 14 of Albany. We went snow camping at the top of the road down to Wolfboro.

Re:

[ryanr]

The campout is next Friday. I'm having to get express shipping to get it in time. Troop 113, a LDS troop.