Eastern Mountain Sports

Eastern Mountain Sports is a retailer of outdoor gear and apparel, founded in 1967 by Alan McDonough and Roger Fickes in Rockville, Connecticut. The company has a long history of providing high-quality products and services to outdoor enthusiasts, including hiking, climbing, skiing, and camping gear. Eastern Mountain Sports has been a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with a wide range of products from brands like The North Face, Patagonia, and Arc'teryx. The company has also been involved in various community initiatives, partnering with organizations like the Appalachian Mountain Club and the Sierra Club.

● History

The history of Eastern Mountain Sports dates back to 1967, when Alan McDonough and Roger Fickes opened the first store in Rockville, Connecticut. The company quickly gained popularity among outdoor enthusiasts, with a wide range of products and services catering to hiking, climbing, skiing, and camping activities. Over the years, Eastern Mountain Sports has expanded to various locations, including New York City, Boston, and Philadelphia, and has become a leading retailer of outdoor gear and apparel, competing with brands like REI and Cabela's. The company has also been involved in various initiatives, including partnerships with organizations like the National Park Service and the United States Forest Service. Eastern Mountain Sports has also sponsored events like the Adirondack Mountain Club's Adirondack Trail Run and the American Alpine Club's American Alpine Journal.

● Products and Services

Eastern Mountain Sports offers a wide range of products and services, including hiking boots from Merrell and Keen, climbing gear from Black Diamond and Petzl, and skiing equipment from Rossignol and Salomon. The company also provides services like gear repair and rental equipment, and offers classes and workshops on outdoor skills, such as rock climbing with American Mountain Guides Association certified instructors and wilderness first aid with Wilderness Medical Associates certified instructors. Eastern Mountain Sports also partners with brands like GoPro and Garmin to offer a wide range of outdoor electronics and accessories. The company's products and services cater to a wide range of outdoor activities, including backpacking with Appalachian Trail and Pacific Crest Trail hikers, kayaking with American Canoe Association members, and mountain biking with International Mountain Bicycling Association members.

● Locations

Eastern Mountain Sports has locations in various states, including New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. The company's stores are located in popular outdoor destinations, such as Lake Placid, New York, Stowe, Vermont, and Bar Harbor, Maine, and offer a wide range of products and services catering to local outdoor enthusiasts. Eastern Mountain Sports also has a strong online presence, with a website that offers a wide range of products and services, including online shopping and gear reviews from Outside Magazine and Backpacker Magazine. The company's locations are also involved in local community initiatives, partnering with organizations like the Adirondack Mountain Club and the Appalachian Mountain Club to promote outdoor conservation and education.

● Community Involvement

Eastern Mountain Sports is involved in various community initiatives, partnering with organizations like the Sierra Club and the National Park Foundation to promote outdoor conservation and education. The company also sponsors events like the Appalachian Trail's Thru-Hiker festival and the American Alpine Club's Annual Meeting. Eastern Mountain Sports also offers classes and workshops on outdoor skills, such as rock climbing and wilderness first aid, and partners with brands like The North Face and Patagonia to offer a wide range of outdoor gear and apparel. The company's community involvement initiatives also include partnerships with local organizations, such as the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference and the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation, to promote outdoor recreation and conservation.

● Bankruptcy and Restructuring

In 2017, Eastern Mountain Sports filed for bankruptcy and underwent a restructuring process, which involved the closure of several stores and the sale of assets to Go Digital Media Group. The company emerged from bankruptcy in 2018, with a new ownership structure and a renewed focus on its core business of providing high-quality outdoor gear and apparel. Eastern Mountain Sports has since continued to operate its remaining stores and online platform, offering a wide range of products and services to outdoor enthusiasts. The company's restructuring process also involved partnerships with brands like REI and Cabela's, and the company has continued to be a leading retailer of outdoor gear and apparel, competing with brands like Bass Pro Shops and Dick's Sporting Goods. Eastern Mountain Sports has also maintained its commitment to community involvement, partnering with organizations like the Appalachian Mountain Club and the Sierra Club to promote outdoor conservation and education.