SLO outdoor sports store is opening second location — and buying used gear
A popular San Luis Obispo outdoor sports store is opening a second location — this one specializing in used gear.
The Mountain Air owners Josh and Lindsey Haring said their new store, The Switchback, will open at 667 Marsh St., Suite B, in August.
The Switchback will sell preowned outdoor sports and backpacking equipment, including kids’ items, through a community buyback program.
In return for selling used gear, patrons will receive cash or store credit that can be used at either of the stores. The Switchback will also sell brand-new gear at discounted prices.
“The new store is something we always talked about,” Josh Haring said.
When a new storefront space opened just around the corner from The Mountain Air, located at 667 Marsh St., Lindsey Haring said, “It just made sense to open the new store.”
New SLO outdoor sports store to sell, buy used gear
Established in 1975 by Cal Poly student Wayne Patterson, The Mountain Air carries gear for a variety of outdoor activities, ranging from camping, hiking and rock climbing to snowboarding and skiing, according to the store’s website.
The Harings took over the business in 2020 when Patterson retired, the website said.
The Harings said that customers had been requesting a used-gear store for years — especially for skiing equipment because it can be so difficult to afford gear for the sport.
“Access is just as important as circularity,” Lindsey Haring said. “One of the most exciting aspects for us is hopefully lowering the cost of entry into some of these activities.”
The Switchback will be SLO’s first storefront dedicated to used gear for the outdoor industry specifically, the Harings said.
How does The Switchback’s buyback program work?
The Switchback website provides a detailed list of what items the store will be buying.
Selections will be made based on the brand, seasonality and quality of gear. The store will not be accepting dirty or broken gear.
The Harings, who have three children, said they recognize the importance of the memories that are often associated with clothing and gear.
They hope to create an opportunity for customers at the Switchback to include meaningful stories with clothing they sell at the store.
To ensure The Switchback is well-stocked for its grand opening in August, the Harings will be hosting buyback days in June and July at the Switchback by appointment. Sign-ups will be available on The Switchback’s website.
Buyback opportunities will be limited to five items per person.
Lindsey Haring said the move to launch the new store has been largely thanks to the collaborative efforts of the entire team at The Mountain Air.
She said current and past employees have stepped in to help — including Orion Cicoletti, a student in the Cal Poly graphic design program who designed the new Switchback logo.
The Harings hope to see more people get outside.
“In an increasingly digital world the outdoors and connecting with each other and not our devices is increasingly important,” Lindsey Haring said.
This story was originally published June 24, 2023 at 5:00 AM.
