Agree with you RE: Alpkit. Used to be my go-to for bits of kit that you didn't use very often and didn't want to pay full wack for.Now the prices are pretty much the same as normal brands it seems pointless to go for a brand you know don't include the nice little "extras" like ripstop, taped zips etc.
I was always under the impression that Alpkit was always just a "brand" i.e. they just took ready manufactured goods by others, and had it labelled with their name.
I was always under the impression that Alpkit was always just a "brand" i.e. they just took ready manufactured goods by others, and had it labelled with their name. I've often seen identical products in TK Maxx etc with a different company branding (some of which may even be the manufacturer).
Not sure which forum to put this in, but if anyone is interested. My boss made me aware this morning!I work in and around private equity and would suggest that this is likely to be the precursor to an increase in prices in a few months, another wall opening somewhere and a more corporate feel to the locations to get the punters in. Be interesting to check back in a year!
Yes, I am mildly cynical about my job!
When I first met you, you told me what you did for a living and then immediately issued a grovelling apology. Don't hate on yourself!I can see huge benefits to attracting investment to a wall but, as Shark outlines, also the long term consequences. I think crowdfunding investment would be wishful thinking. Considering that there is a lot of reluctance among climbers to encourage more people into the sport, I can't see it getting sufficient backing to actually be significant.
Interesting to see how the trends will go. A climber crowd funded wall will have climbers as the target audience but I suspect a more business focused wall will target newbies with clip n'climb ("delivering WOW experiences"), parkour wannabees, muscle up specialists, yogaists and crossfit refugees.
I thought the Depot had private investment and this was how they afforded to build such amazing walls (manchester). Does anyone know if this is true?I like the idea of share options but may not generate the same kind of capital?
Wasn't there a case of a climbing/yoga space in London being kickstartered recently?