incoming

October 29, 2012

Retail evoLUTION

Last night my place of business picked up and moved from its old location in Fremont to a new one a few blocks east at Stone Way and 35th. In typical evo fashion, a team of employees massed at both locations and worked through the night to transfer fixtures, art and inventory from 122 NW 36th to 3500 Stoneway N. - no downtime allowed! We opened the doors promptly at 11:00 AM and were busy almost immediately with a mix of regular customers, neighbors from the hood, family and friends.

The ski department was crankin' - lots of boot fits and sales of all manner of hardgoods. We would have done even better if we'd been able to bring up more inventory, but the crew was at the limit already. No worries, everything worked and comments were universally favorable regarding the new space. It doesn't really look or feel like a sporting goods store, but we've got the gear to prove we are.

New Storefront brings it to the lower boundary of Stone Way North

Entrance and street level apparel section just before opening the doors

Mezzanine and snowboard section

Andrew and Ryan from Line Skis check out the boot display

October 25, 2012

It's On

The new season is up and running as of now, with powder, sunshine, and yes plenty of rocks today on Mt. Rainier's south side. Regular partners Kevin, Frank and Elissa joined me for a spin on the Muir Snowfield in what began as a slightly dreary day in light snow. Eric Rouss hooked up with us for a while on the skin up, and we talked shop while we climbed. Above Pebble Creek, the clouds began to thin and we found ourselves under blue skies the rest of the way to Camp Muir.

We were lucky to be behind a group of 4 who set a nice skintrack in the 8 inches of soft new snow, and got a few shots of them as they descended as a group. Their enthusiasm was infectious, and we got more and more stoked as we approached the climber's shelter. After a brief break for lunch, we hit the Muir Snowfield ourselves with ear to ear grins. Almost too deep for the mild slope angle, we nevertheless were thrilled to cruise the perfectly smooth fresh - first new snow of the year for each of us.

Don't take your new skis. Below Pebble Creek is a minefield of barely submerged rocks that are unavoidable if you choose to ski it (and of course you will).

Frank, Elissa and Kevin during lunch break at Camp Muir

Kevin finds the snow to his liking

Elissa over the cloud deck

Previous Incoming Pages:

China: Wandering in the Middle Kingdom

"Incoming" covers developments that have personal interest to me (ie. gear I might consider acquiring, or events I feel may impact the sport of skiing) - it is by no means meant to be a comprehensive enumeration of gear or events in the ski world at large. Feel free to contact me via the randosaigai.com link below with news or images that may be of interest . . .