I have a strange request for leads, as I have seemingly chased my tail for the past week elsewhere. First, let me start with the backstory...
The North Face produces special event mugs that they provide to their traveling reps to hand out during special occasions. These mugs have never been for sale to the public, and do not have a price tag. My boyfriend had one that he acquired through a rep many years ago (back when he was far more involved in the retail side of the outdoor industry than he is now). Also, I have to add, he is a total minimalist. He only owns two mugs, and this one was by far his favorite (specifically because it was rare). The mug was black with white "The North Face" lettering. Fast forward a few years, and he and I are preparing to move into our new apartment. Well, the mug walked away. Neither of my former roommates say that they've seen it, and it didn't come with us to our new place.
Now we arrive at the present-day predicament...
I wanted, desperately, to acquire a new one for him for the holidays. So, I started with TNF corporate. I was sent in four different directions after I called four different times. Unfortunately, I kept acquiring numbers for their retail production partners, and not the company who produces their internal marketing items.
When that failed, I called my local REI hoping to find the telephone number for their TNF rep. Unfortunately, the rep has been MIA for the past year, and no one has his number.
The next step was contacting my local TNF retail location. I couldn't reach them on the phone, so this option still has yet to be further explored. Though, I doubt they will be able to help me find a non-retail item.
Finally, my search led me here. I figure that someone on this forum will have experience working in the outdoor industry, and will potentially have a lead for me. I don't need the mug to be an exact replacement. He didn't like it so much because of the way it looked, he liked it because of how rare it was. It doesn't even need to be TNF brand, if anyone knows of another big name outdoor company who has special event mugs!
So, what I am looking for is:
A coffee mug that has not ever been available for public purchase. Preferably The North Face, but I am open to other ideas.
or
The phone number of any TNF rep that I can speak to about acquiring one?
