REI Seattle took out the ski display

If anyone is looking to use their REI rebates on ski gear, better look/buy online for what you want.
REI distributed the rebates later than usual this year. Normally I go and purchase some reduced priced scrapers, wax and tools to stock up for next year. Also, all the skis and backcountry stuff is gone from the store. I'm surprised that they don't carry at least some (AT/Tele) touring stuff till April. The tents, backpacks and summer stuff has taken over. It's nice that some ski products are still offered online, but usually the online market does not capture all the items. Also, if you want to get it delivered or pick it up at the store it's 9 or 8 days out getting the products to you.
Not much of a service if you need it now.

I recommend now getting any of your ski touring or tuning needs at Marmot, Backpackers Supply and some limited stuff ski odds and ends at Feathered Friend (lots of nice clothing at FF).

Or Mountaingear or gearx anywhere but REI .They have been so lame in recent years for backcountry skiers. My rebate this year was 0.00.
I guess we are not their major market.

Yeah, The guys at MountainGear in Spokane are real great!
It's a great shop with lots of variety.

If anyone is looking to use their REI rebates on ski gear, better look/buy online for what you want.
REI distributed the rebates later than usual this year. Normally I go and purchase some reduced priced scrapers, wax and tools to stock up for next year. Also, all the skis and backcountry stuff is gone from the store. I'm surprised that they don't carry at least some (AT/Tele) touring stuff till April. The tents, backpacks and summer stuff has taken over. It's nice that some ski products are still offered online, but usually the online market does not capture all the items. Also, if you want to get it delivered or pick it up at the store it's 9 or 8 days out getting the products to you.
Not much of a service if you need it now.

I recommend now getting any of your ski touring or tuning needs at Marmot, Backpackers Supply and some limited stuff ski odds and ends at Feathered Friend (lots of nice clothing at FF).

This is
Really
Exasperating
Information

hey joed,

you get my phone message today?

I guess we are not their major market.

I most definitely am NOT speaking on behalf of my employer, but I will assure you that if a lot of people were asking about and paying for ski gear at this time of year that it would be on the floor.

Those of us who ski uphill are freaks, and retail is a very tough game right now.

I would say that I really wish the touring market was so big it could support a year round full retail footprint at any store in Seattle, but if that many people were out there... it would be a lot more crowded.

Anyway, retail square footage, especially downtown, is crazy expensive and the amount of thought that goes into what amounts to a gamble is astounding. Also, at some point having only leftovers out there begins to be a risk as well. A lot of XL helmets and small gloves...  Straight up, there was not as much gear around this year- less made and less ordered. What is left over might be treasure for you and I, but it can be a big pile of expensive boxes for the people who made it or are holding it for you until it gets discounted enough.

By way of comparison, I was bummed that Second Ascent was not interested in buying my used AT boots on Wednesday. They were so not interested that they called me back (caller ID?) and left a message assuring me that they were definitely not buying AT boots, in case the person I spoke with had not been clear enough. I didn't answer and they left a message in a nice tone of voice but... it was weird.