the end of an institution. I went in the other day and they were selling the paltry remnants of their inventory for 95% off. Doors will shut today or tomorrow. The owner sold the building and retired.

What a bummer.

Sad, but it happens. The exchange always reminded me of Sonoma Outfitters circa 1985 in Santa Rosa. In the 90's they refashioned their model and became a mini REI. The exchange never sold out and fought the good fight to the last.

Bubba Suess wrote:Sad, but it happens. The exchange always reminded me of Sonoma Outfitters circa 1985 in Santa Rosa. In the 90's they refashioned their model and became a mini REI. The exchange never sold out and fought the good fight to the last.

I think you are thionking of Marin Outdoors on Santa Rosa Avenue. Sonoma Outfitters has condensed and more or less gone the way of the SUV camping crowd.

Funny, I did a quick over-night in Point Reyes with my daughter. I was out of white gas so I grabbed my old MSR Rapid Fire and a fuel canister. When I got ready for dinner I saw that the fuel canister had a Marin Outdoors (Pre Sonoma Outfitters) price tag!

ScottyP wrote:

Bubba Suess wrote:Sad, but it happens. The exchange always reminded me of Sonoma Outfitters circa 1985 in Santa Rosa. In the 90's they refashioned their model and became a mini REI. The exchange never sold out and fought the good fight to the last.

I think you are thionking of Marin Outdoors on Santa Rosa Avenue. Sonoma Outfitters has condensed and more or less gone the way of the SUV camping crowd.

No, I mean Sonoma Outfitters. They used to be located on 4th street in a quonset hut style building near Doyle Park. I remember Marin Surplus too, before it went "the way of the SUV camping crowd" as well, but that was on Santa Rosa Ave (at least its SR location was).

I bought my first pack and climbing equipment used here when I was 16 and couldn't afford anything else. Sad to hear they're gone. WAY cooler than REI and would MUCH rather give them my $

This is why you people who use a shop and buy on the internet should think before you buy. The next time you go in a shop to check something out, the shop may not be there. Thanks for saving me a buck internet.