I think the stores being dingy and unwelcoming is a nature of the individual stores. I have only been in the one near here and it's no dingier or darker than any other store.

I like the idea of offering the tents, backpacks, snowshoes, etc. Perhaps offering rentals instead of just consignment will help the unproven concept work? You share the rental price with the owner of the equipment??

I'm not sure how that would work, but I have camping equipment in my shed that for the last three years has only been used rarely. renting it out would help me pay for any repairs etc. that it might need.

Just a thought.

Tina Brooks, VP Marketing
Brooks Pepperfire Foods, Inc.
Makers of Peppermaster Hot Sauces
http://www.peppermaster.com

Eat more peppers!