Why did it take me so long to discover this???
So, I am a bit embarrassed to admit that I have been driving by a store for years now, not knowing what it was, and that store is none other than the Sierra Trading Post.
In Meridian, Idaho, the Sierra Trading Post is located right next to the interstate that we use all the time. I am constantly asking my wife about what that store is, because it looks slightly outdoorsish from the outside. It turns out that isn't on accident.
Sierra Trading Post is a discount distribution store. If you are familiar with Marshalls, Home Goods, or TJ Max, then you know what I am talking about when I say discount distribution stores. My limited understanding of these stores, thanks to my wife explaining it to me, is that they receive merchandise from regular brick and mortar stores, like JC Penny and Macy's for example, that didn't sell. They take this merchandise, and give it one more chance to move before..... I don't know what....dumpster maybe??
Well, it turns out that Sierra Trading Post is a sister to the three stores listed in the last paragraph. But instead of getting unsold merchandise from Macy's, it's coming from places like REI, Sportsman Warehouse, and other outdoor recreation resellers. What this means for us the consumer, is the chance to get a great deal on some great gear.
Now, let me preface the deals I found on my first visit ever with this disclaimer. These types of stores are very seasonal and you have to understand that their inventory is always changing within the same relative guidelines. You are going to find footwear, clothing, toys, furniture, etc. at all of them. And when you come back a month later, there are going to be different things available. You have to be willing to look through things to find the diamond in the rough that might be just right for you. It's a style of shopping that some people love, and others can't stand. You have been warned.
So what I found upon entering the Meridian store was reminiscent of my visits to Marshall's in our area. As a sister store this should come as no surprise. There were the usual three sections of clothing, Women's, Men's and Children's. There was a large section of footwear, but it wasn't full of tennis shoes and loafers, instead it was full of boots and other aggressively treaded shoes suitable for outdoor use. There was also sports specific shoes, like mountain climbing shoes for example. They had a large section of pet supplies, also typical across the sister stores I have visited, but again, as with all of these sections, an outdoor adventure focus. You won't find shirts and ties.... but will instead find base layers, outerwear, flannels, and parkas in the clothing sections.... at least in January.
What really sets this store apart from the others in the family of stores is the dedicated section for outdoor gear. I found tons of amazing backpacks, trekking poles, hammocks, sleeping bags, and a small section of fishing gear. There were coolers, water containers, and even a few Mountain House Meal items. All of this was of course cheaper than I had seen anywhere else.
The camping gear section was fairly small, but held a few amazing products and I had to restrain myself from getting too much. There were some emergency matches, compression bags, camp coffee cups and some eating utensils..... as well as some epic deals on knives and multitools. Not the least of which was the Mora Bushcraft Black knife for only $39.99. That's $15 cheaper than I found on Amazon at the time of this writing and I am kicking myself more and more every day for not grabbing one.
It's a bit out of the way for us in our normal shopping routine when we venture into the city.... but after my first visit, I will be stopping more regularly to see if I can find more diamonds in the rough to add to my preps and outdoor gear. The discounts on high quality gear are better than I have seen in general elsewhere. And honestly, I kinda enjoy hunting for that diamond in the rough.
Life is Better, When it's Lived
OutdoorZ
