Outdoor retailer REI Co-op is riding the secondhand wave with several new brick-and-mortar resale stores, including one in Conshohocken, writes Elaine Glusac for The New York Times.

Owing to the high prices of alpine gear, sports newcomers looking for jackets, boots, and skis have been turning more toward gently used alternatives both to save money and promote recycling.

“Outdoor items are expensive, and they last a long time,” said Aaron Provine, the president of Geartrade. “Resale really allows and promotes the ability to tinker with your gear or get into a new activity affordably.”

A number of brands that supply new outdoor recreation gear are joining REI Co-op on the thrifting train, selling used goods and apparel.

REI Co-op held resale “garage sales” events for about six decades in its stores before it officially instituted its trade-in program and e-commerce site for used equipment (Re/Supply) two years ago.

Following this shift, it opened three brick-and-mortar resale stores.

“We see re-commerce as a significant opportunity for us to continue to evolve our commercial business model in the service of meeting our 2030 climate targets,” said Ken Voeller, REI’s divisional vice president of circular commerce. Those goals include reducing carbon emissions by 55 percent.

Read more about REI Co-op in The New York Times.

_____

Outdoor gear like this may find an after-market through REI Co-op in Conshohocken, after owners’ need for them expires.