REI Retreats, Orvis Shrinks & Lulu Loses Its Mojo

The Rock Fight: Outdoor Industry & Adventure Sports Commentary

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, 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.

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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, 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.

2025-10-13 53 min Transcript
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