REI Retreats, Orvis Shrinks & Lulu Loses Its Mojo

Today on The Rock Fight, Colin, Eoin, and Producer Dave tackle a chaotic week for outdoor retail, from store closures to corporate pivots and questionable marketing moves! On the docket! • REI shutters its SoHo and Boston stores: Both shops are unionized, sparking speculation about whether this is cost-cutting, anti-union, or just part of the Peak 28 overhaul. (03:55) • Orvis blames tariffs for closing 36 stores: Are we sure it isn't just the brand’s long drift away from its fishing roots? (13:15) • Backcountry partners with AllGear Digital: Smart retail-media synergy or just another way to cram ads into your shopping experience? (19:35) • The Rock Fight Lightning Round: Hydro Flask’s poor quarter, Mount To Coast gets sustainable, Halfdays raises $10 million! (28:50) • Chip Wilson is Back: Lululemon takes it on the chin and hears about it from their founder. (41:05) Lastly for The Parting Shot presented by Garage Grown Gear, Colin draws a parallel between dying local hockey shops and the decline of outdoor retail. (47:48) Thanks for listening! The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight (https://my.captivate.fm/rockfight.co) , LLC. Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's semi-weekly newsletter by heading to www.rockfight.co and clicking Join The Mailing List. Please follow and subscribe to The Rock Fight and give us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you get your podcasts. Want to pick a fight with The Rock Fight? Send your feedback, questions, and comments to myrockfight@gmail.com (mailto:myrockfight@gmail.com) .