REI Garage Sale 10/12

I go in Austin, and 1 hour is usually enough to get to be the first 5-10. If you have not been in a while, they have a new pricing system, its something like 20/40/60% off, and the stuff that is 60 is usually missing something or looks like it was run over by a truck. The exception is the footware/clothing, which can still be decent. I've stopped going to them for the most part. I don't have a lot of gear needs, which play a part in that decision. The new discount system does keep the first 3 people from literally buying everything.

dang, i was hoping to be one of those first 3. JK, I really don't NEED anything either, but was hoping to score some damaged xtherm/xlite/synmat ul7 for less than what the Flagship garage sale section marks them down to (which isn't very much for having slow leaks).

Varies by store, and each manage the crowds differently. Call YOUR store to find out what system they use, and ask what's the best way to get inside in time for the good stuff. Some stores have people outside at 8;00 for a 10;00 opening. Have fun, good luck.

Wow, you guys have it easy out there. My buddy and I usually arrive at 7am for the 10am opening and there is usually twenty-five to thirty people in front of us. We are an hour away so trying to get there earlier just seems over the top.

I have to be in line by 10 PM the night before to get in the top 10 in my store. The legendary deals are just not there anymore. I still go though. The return policy change has loaded the pipeline at the Garage sales. I also see that the stores are coordinating the dates so Portland area stores as well as most in Washington are all having them the same day.

Stores are starting to put items out in waves now at the two stores I have been to last 2 sales (dublin and concord CA). Not first come first serve anymore :/
So guess you have to wait around the store and hover over the tables from 10 to 4 to find a good deal. So come early come late I don't think it matters anymore…at least not at my locations. Maybe yours soon?

How attic sales are done is completely up to a store manager (or at least that's how it always used to be.) Typically, the warehouse dept. pretty much run the show.

However, the best way to possibly get the "inside scoop" is to get to know any of the veteran FT employees on the floor, and come in the day before the sale begins and have a warm conversation with them (around the gear you have the most desire seeing in the sale.)

That's probably the only way you might find out if its worth showing up, and "how" they might conduct the sale.

(And I humbly admit, its been many years since my employment with REI, and this might be totally outdated advice.)

Matt

At most of the stores in CO, the sale is both Saturday and Sunday. If you go on Sunday, the stuff is 1/2 off the listed price. That varies a bit, store to store (Boulder goes 1/2 off for shoes the first afternoon, Denver goes half off for shoes only, etc.).

I have found climbing shoes for $10-20 nearly every time. Some even fit! :)

ha.. our RI store went from 10am opening to 8am opening and things got a lot easier. not nearly the amount of people and not many people are going to get there 2hr early at that hour so I show up at 7:15-7:30 and am still in a decent spot.

i'm also in the not looking for much category. last time i did score a like-new Neoair for cheap and a close to full large MSR Isobutane canister for like 2 bucks ;) The neoair was kinda the last addition to my 3 season list that I saw improvement at the moment so this time i'm only looking for a few random things like the elusive small merino short sleeve and a new backpack for school stuff.

One of the great mysteries of life to me is why outdoor gear sales are on weekends. :)

Theoretically outdoors ppl are usually active on weekends. ;)

Being serious, I know that retailers want to reach the most people possible. However, it would be nice if these type of sales were held during the week.
I'd rather use my gear on weekends that stick around on a weekend and buy gear.

I called to feel out the sales folk at Dallas REI about the level of goodies for tomorrow's garage sale. I was stunned to hear him say there were already people in line for the 10AM opening!

He did report lots of great gear though.

Happy picking and enjoy the madness.

That's been my experience there too.

What else is there to do here but work and shop? :)

Theoretically…
Outdoor people don't have to work a 9 to 5, but live a life purely in the outdoors… In perfect harmony with the wilderness around them!

(Sigh)

;>D

well i'm happy.. got a $240 giro Air attack helmet for 42 bucks ;)

oh and I got there around 7:30.. was probably 20th? in line? at the end of the storefront. i guess it's good to be in a small market area.

Seattle flagship still has a but load of stuff left. All the tents/sleeping bags/pads are upstairs past world wraps/bathrooms and clothes, shoes, backpacks, etc are downstairs in their stock room.

All items upstairs extra 50% off

Correction, all garage sale items. Deeper discounts will happen later in the evening
Slept in and leisurely made our way to local REI and then to flagship in the afternoon.

This was my haul:

Rei Flash pad, Exped Synmat UL7 Short, women's prolite (sadly, got this one at Alderwood REI in the morning when there were no additional discounts), mini pump, and pump bag… The pump bag is ridiculous. Filled up the flash in two bag fulls. Checking for leaks now.

0 leaks in Synmat (napped on it for 2.5 hours before tub/soapy water test), 1 pinhole in Prolite, and 2 in Flash. To be patched once dry.

I have entirely too many pads now (10) and I'll start listing some on gearswap.

Matt, I know your tongue is firmly planted in cheek, but that is why I do no t go to gear sales on weekends. Working a job means I have to use weekends to get my outdoor fix.

As with most people, my free time is limited. As much as I would love to score a good deal, Lining up at 7am or so on a Saturday cuts way too much into my rather limited outdoor time.

So, If I want gear deals, I stick to online purchases. Seems more suited for a weekend warrior who does not like to go shopping on his weekends off. :)

I've been able to get another 20-50% off just by asking at the counter.

a friend and I made off good the previous one, this year I had to work and couldn't make it =(