Alpkit shop
- Thread starter Meadows
- Start date
widu13
Ultralighter
You could always do that at Newthorpe?..and I did it at Kimberley before that!
Meadows
Section Hiker
I'll edit tell post to be more honest..
So now (you) I can squeeze and stroke things, more easily, before I take a punt.
EM-Chiseller
Thru Hiker
Alot of the prices of clothing seems to have gone upwards sharply over the past 12 months, bargain bins can be reasonable.
Generally true across the outdoor industry. Probably a mixture of reasons but I suspect a part of it is that Alpkit purchase quite a lot of their items in China and pay in US Dollars, the pound has dropped against same so the price to Alpkit, and therefore us, has risen. It's not just over the last year either - I bought a Rig3.5 tarp four years ago for £35, it's £65 now at list price (£55 in the current sale!). Around the same time I bought one of their down jackets at £80, that's now £200 and uses 650fp down not the 700fp that mine has. I don't think the pound has tanked that much so there's obviously other factors at work.
Alpkit used to be definitely bargain price but decent quality but now a lot of items, especially clothing come into the standard price, decent quality.
If you think Alpkit's prices have risen - I got a bike for a significant birthday nine years ago, £1600. The following year the same model was £2500! and it had poorer componentry on it.
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Ian Barton
Summit Camper
I think this is partly caused by opening the shops, rather than being an online-only supplier.
Bmblbzzz
Thru Hiker
I don't know whether opening the shops is a factor – might be, I don't know – but opening the shops reflects the fact that it's now quite a few years since Alpkit were the little pioneering outfit trying to make a name for themselves. They're now almost a household name and it wouldn't be terribly surprising (but this is not a forecast) to see them following the route of eg Howies or North Face into more high-street fashion.
I have used Alpkit from their very early days as I live only 20mins away from the HQ in Notts and have always received excellent service. Since the opening of the retail shops the prices have understandably risen but I no longer use them as my go to site for gear because I find the increases to much. The quality of equipment and service remains the same.
Enzo
Thru Hiker
Yup service is great, I've had lots from them. But Ali must have hit them as much of their stock is badged stuff from China, same as most companies.
I'd say they are well known enough that they can now raise there prices and any drop in sales is more than balanced out by greater profit. Fair enough.
When I was self employed I didn't charge enough, and because of that I had more work than hours in a day, so I put my prices up till the demand dropped to what I could manage. I'd guess that's what Atom packs have done. They have found the true value of what they are selling.
I'd say they are well known enough that they can now raise there prices and any drop in sales is more than balanced out by greater profit. Fair enough.
When I was self employed I didn't charge enough, and because of that I had more work than hours in a day, so I put my prices up till the demand dropped to what I could manage. I'd guess that's what Atom packs have done. They have found the true value of what they are selling.
It’s a brave move going to the high street for any retailer at the moment, I’m surprised they’ve gone that route considering their roots are online, I hope it works out for them as I’ve also been shopping with them since the early days, still got a surviving Fat Aeric we use car camping
Bmblbzzz
Thru Hiker
True, it's a brave move. But I think it kind of fits with their ethos, despite their roots being online, in that they – at least seem to – be keen on encouraging people to get out there. Even if they're getting out there with non-Alpkit gear. Or maybe with no/minimal gear; for instance the French(?) woman who was featured in their magazine thing half way an Alpine pass, having ridden there on her old clunker of a bike and having a great time. Of course she admired the Sonders and the Alpkit jerseys and stuff – but she didn't buy any. And of course it's all marketing, but it's marketing that's "active" "encouraging" and even "kind" in a way that Aliexpress or even North Face simply can't do. So from that point of view, having a shop in an area where people are "outdoor active" gives personal interaction and gives them a sort of USP.
(Does that make any sense? (Or is it so much more bullshit?))
(Does that make any sense? (Or is it so much more bullshit?))
Often visited the HQ in Notts & the Hathersage shop, always free fresh coffee on the go & Hathersage do some seriously good cake now & again, I must go again soon.
HillBelly
Section Hiker
I doubt it - that used to be their normal business model!
Always helps to check the arrivals board for anything you are looking for too. Not so well signposted these days...
https://www.alpkit.com/support/arrivals-board
Some Alpkit products are made in-house but many are rebranded chinese/taiwanese items. What I think happens is this (and pure speculation/guesswork on my part): They'll take a punt on what will sell and order a container or two and a month or so later it arrives on a slow boat from China. If any of those items sell out before the next shipment arrives then tough, Alpkit and us just have to wait. Items that don't sell out get put on the sale to make room for the new shipment.
el manana
Thru Hiker
I was in the new Gateshead shop, its in an unusual location, near the Metro centre in a really small retail park with no through traffic (but 100yds from the A1).
Staff seemed quite positive and talking about expansion. Theres two other bike shops nearby, looks like the place is setting up a bike workshop, my money is thats the business focus.
Nice to actually see Alpkit gear in the flesh, some of it was really nice. Agree no longer bargain basement though but still decent priced.
Staff seemed quite positive and talking about expansion. Theres two other bike shops nearby, looks like the place is setting up a bike workshop, my money is thats the business focus.
Nice to actually see Alpkit gear in the flesh, some of it was really nice. Agree no longer bargain basement though but still decent priced.
Posted this before so apologies for doing it again. I've tried online and found out of stock and then rang my nearest shop which is Hathersage (40 mls) to reserve whatever it is I want, if in stock. I then plan a walk in that area and pick it up when finished. Done a few time and always worked. When it comes to staff efficiency and knowledge Alpkit are up there.