Mixed feelings...not sure whether to give three or four stars.
I know its their flagship store, a wide swathe of the best in outdoors gear, and certainly the staff are great. But it is a little too much like a department store for outdoors enthusiasts. I have to admit that I found the best pair of sandals (Chaco) anywhere--and I looked for quite a while at some pretty awful brands like Dr. Martens (good if you have rhinoceros-type feet and ankles), Birkenstock (not built for heavy-duty wear), Columbia (crummy), as well as Teva (the next best), Clark's (the most comfortable), etc.
Really do like the way it has been designed to accommodate the waterfall and boulders and shrubs outside. Also a nice location in Cascadia near I-5 away from the Pike-Pine corridor.
Flooded with people all the time...
In some ways, though liked the old Capitol Hill store, less glitz, less of a one huge warehouse on five or so levels ("Pacific Place" for the outdoors crowd"?).
Definitely appreciate that it's a consumer co-op, not just a mega commercial sporting goods retailer. No pushy store clerks, everyone seems genuinely helpful.
Pricey, but they carry only top-quality (not the "top") brands. No junk (think of Big-Five Sporting Goods) to stumble upon, walk out the door with, and throw out in the dumpster a month or two later. Also, there are frequent sales and mark-downs.
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