This is really too bad. After more than 50 years, iconic outdoor retailer Midwest Mountaineering will close

We were there this weekend and I feared this news was coming... signs at the registers said "All Sales Final" and that's never been the case.

Sad to see them go.

Sad news to read. I’ve been shopping there over 40 years. I will miss those Expo’s they hosted and going to the store for gear.

They are liquidating their merch from 9/1-10/8 @ 35-75% off. If you are on their mailing list, watch for an email later today.

Really sorry to hear this. I really enjoyed participating in the spring show while representing the Wabakimi Project. The shop was always so well stocked. I would buy stuff there that REI in the Milwaukee area only offers online now since they have become a mostly outdoor clothing store.

Twins87: "We were there this weekend and I feared this news was coming... signs at the registers said "All Sales Final" and that's never been the case.


Sad to see them go. "

I was there Sunday and saw the same thing... Also a lot of employees sitting around in the camping section, doing nothing but gossiping quietly...I suspected they were closing but when I googled there was nothing about closing. All makes sense now.

I really liked this store. But their location is a pain...during the pandemic I got used to online ordering more...Sad but I get they were in a tough situation.

T

I have never shopped at MM but I have seen the name mentioned often. It's sad that these types of stores have endings like this. I try to support small business as much as I can in my area.

timatkn: "

Twins87: "We were there this weekend and I feared this news was coming... signs at the registers said "All Sales Final" and that's never been the case.



Sad to see them go. "

I was there Sunday and saw the same thing... Also a lot of employees sitting around in the camping section, doing nothing but gossiping quietly...I suspected they were closing but when I googled there was nothing about closing. All makes sense now.


I really liked this store. But their location is a pain...during the pandemic I got used to online ordering more...Sad but I get they were in a tough situation.


T"

I walked by the owner on our way out the door and almost asked him... but I confess I didn't want to hear the answer so I just commented on his dogs and cat instead.

Very sad. I do think offering an online catalog would have helped them a lot. It would have been nice to at least know what they had in stock without having to call or drive over there.

The number of established businesses in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood that have closed in the last few years is staggering.

Best camping store ever in the Twin Cities, outside of the old REI/Burger Brothers/United corner on 98th street. Bought 2 boats and tons of other stuff there. But the location was no longer viable, and I for one had stopped going.

Frenchy19: "They are liquidating their merch from 9/1-10/8 @ 35-75% off. If you are on their mailing list, watch for an email later today."

Oh boy...glad I am gone all weekend or I might buy more stuff I don't need LOL.

There is a Stealth Polaris already 10% off...32#...can never have too many canoes. I beat the crap out of my NW 17 stealth a few weeks ago on a 50 miler trip :)

T

Bummer!

Definitely bought some gear here in the last year. Had a tent pole set repaired in 1 day my son needed for a trip a few days later! That I’m going to miss when I need another pole set fixed!

The fall and spring Midwest Expos will be sorely missed! I guess I will be going to Canoecopia in WI this coming year!

Ryan

timatkn: "

Frenchy19: "They are liquidating their merch from 9/1-10/8 @ 35-75% off. If you are on their mailing list, watch for an email later today."

Oh boy...glad I am gone all weekend or I might buy more stuff I don't need LOL.


There is a Stealth Polaris already 10% off...32#...can never have too many canoes. I beat the crap out of my NW 17 stealth a few weeks ago on a 50 miler trip :)


T"

Well, I am heading there this Friday with one of my daughters; if you fancy anything, let me know;-)

Frenchy19: "

timatkn: "

Frenchy19: "They are liquidating their merch from 9/1-10/8 @ 35-75% off. If you are on their mailing list, watch for an email later today."

Oh boy...glad I am gone all weekend or I might buy more stuff I don't need LOL.



There is a Stealth Polaris already 10% off...32#...can never have too many canoes. I beat the crap out of my NW 17 stealth a few weeks ago on a 50 miler trip :)



T"

Well, I am heading there this Friday with one of my daughters; if you fancy anything, let me know;-)"

How is that helpful….LOL

Pick up that Stealth… I’ll pay ya back later…maybe 2030?

T

Nooooooooo, this one hits hard :(

I attended the U of M in the early 90's. I'd hit up Midwest Mountaineering in between classes. I didn't have much money back then but the Thrifty Outfitters section upstairs always had something affordable for me. Over the past 30 years, I have spent countless hours perusing that store. There was something magical about that place for me. Every employee that worked there absolutely knew their stuff. I once had an employee talk to me for 30 minutes about the details of one single lightweight down jacket. Sure, it is possible to order anything imaginable online, but it was so nice to hold the product in my hand and talk to an expert at the store.

The annual Expos allowed me to dream about places like Wabakimi, Woodland Caribou Provincial Park, and even more distant and exotic locations like Costa Rico and New Zealand. I test paddled solo canoes. I learned how to set up a rain fly from Dan Cooke at the Expo. The Canoe Auction was always an exciting time. The presentations by Canadian Wilderness rangers and outfitters throughout Canada topped my list. I learned ultralight packing techniques. The list goes on and on. I always looked forward to the Spring Expo under the big tent.

This news makes me sad. An end of an era.

Midwest Mountaineering definitely changed my life for the better and it will will be sorely missed.

I wish Rod the best in retirement. Thanks for all that you did to bring the outdoor adventures to so many people.

timatkn: But their location is a pain..."

Yes it is. I was a customer for many years but the Cedar Riverside are is a location I won't go to anymore. The parking was always a pain but the the neighborhood situation has become a real problem.

Sad to see it go. I’ll miss the tarp demonstrations on the grassy knoll during the Expos.
It was reported Rod is not selling the building anytime soon and plans on holding outdoor themed events there. I’m hoping that may mean presentations or demonstrations.
I wish Rod and Sharon and all employees the best in moving forward.

Sad to lose a store with quality gear and the expos. I bought my first canoe there 20+ years ago.

In hindsight, if they had pivoted 10 years ago to a gear store/microbrewery possibly in partnership with a move to the NE msp making it a more attractive destination, I think they could have had a longer run.

adam: "In hindsight, if they had pivoted 10 years ago to a gear store/microbrewery possibly in partnership with a move to the NE msp making it a more attractive destination, I think they could have had a longer run.
"

That sounds like a place I'd continue to go to. I haven't been to MM for over a decade. In the early 2000s I'd wander in there before/after classes.

I was just in there yesterday and walked past Ron while he was taping his interview to announce the closing. Rather surreal.

Zulu: "Sad to see it go. I’ll miss the tarp demonstrations on the grassy knoll during the Expos.
It was reported Rod is not selling the building anytime soon and plans on holding outdoor themed events there. I’m hoping that may mean presentations or demonstrations.
I wish Rod and Sharon and all employees the best in moving forward."

His unwillingness to sell the building is another reason the place was never sold.

Frenchy19: "

Zulu: "Sad to see it go. I’ll miss the tarp demonstrations on the grassy knoll during the Expos.
It was reported Rod is not selling the building anytime soon and plans on holding outdoor themed events there. I’m hoping that may mean presentations or demonstrations.
I wish Rod and Sharon and all employees the best in moving forward."

His unwillingness to sell the building is another reason the place was never sold."

Which I think was probably the financially smart play. That real estate has to be worth far more than the business. Now he can liquidate at his own pace, no landlord breathing down your throat, and when it’s all set he still owns the building. He got to rub the business his way til the end, not many get that piece of mind.

I for one will miss the shop. Didn’t have an issue with the location personally.

thegildedgopher: "

Frenchy19: "

Zulu: "Sad to see it go. I’ll miss the tarp demonstrations on the grassy knoll during the Expos.
It was reported Rod is not selling the building anytime soon and plans on holding outdoor themed events there. I’m hoping that may mean presentations or demonstrations.
I wish Rod and Sharon and all employees the best in moving forward."

His unwillingness to sell the building is another reason the place was never sold."

Which I think was probably the financially smart play. That real estate has to be worth far more than the business. Now he can liquidate at his own pace, no landlord breathing down your throat, and when it’s all set he still owns the building. He got to rub the business his way til the end, not many get that piece of mind.


I for one will miss the shop. Didn’t have an issue with the location personally."

Agree with all you said-especially the location piece.

thegildedgopher: "

Frenchy19: "

Zulu: "Sad to see it go. I’ll miss the tarp demonstrations on the grassy knoll during the Expos.
It was reported Rod is not selling the building anytime soon and plans on holding outdoor themed events there. I’m hoping that may mean presentations or demonstrations.
I wish Rod and Sharon and all employees the best in moving forward."

His unwillingness to sell the building is another reason the place was never sold."

Which I think was probably the financially smart play. That real estate has to be worth far more than the business. Now he can liquidate at his own pace, no landlord breathing down your throat, and when it’s all set he still owns the building. He got to rub the business his way til the end, not many get that piece of mind.


I for one will miss the shop. Didn’t have an issue with the location personally."

Really good take/points.... thanks for sharing as that is interesting to me...

T

The location was great for me. Closest outdoor shop to where I live and had the best selection of everything. Went there today to grab a tee-shirt. Gonna miss that place, almost as much as I miss Seven Corners Hardware in St. Paul.

Minnesotian: "
The location was great for me. Closest outdoor shop to where I live and had the best selection of everything. Went there today to grab a tee-shirt. Gonna miss that place, almost as much as I miss Seven Corners Hardware in St. Paul. "

I’ll add the original Joe’s Sporting Goods store in Saint Paul to the list.

Even though I no longer live in the Twin Cities, this news saddens me. I logged a lot of hours and spent a lot of $ there. Always good service and quality merchandise. Plus, in the pre-cellphone days, the comfy chairs and coffee table with a phone, free for use, in the map section. Came in handy when I blew into town on occasion and needed to contact friends/family. Gosh, I've boughten everything from skis to tents, shoes, ..... Back in about '89 or so, I was preparing for my first trip (solo) to Isle Royal .... I bought a bunch of energy or protein bars of some kind - some of the first to hit the market. I still recall the cashier saying to me, "lady - these look the same going in as they do coming out!" That gave me pause :)

Fwiw, there is currently about an hour wait to get in the door. Some people walking out with some big purchases

Checkout line is over an hour.

Cricket67: "Checkout line is over an hour.
"

Closer to two. We got there at 12:30, waited for about 30 minutes to get into the store and there was nothing worth waiting in line for. All CCS gear was gone as were any decent tents (looking for a daughter). Clothing was really picked over as well.

Complaints about the location have me giggling: The store catered to those trying to go places the masses or the meek would not. Perhaps this store was not intended for those who thought the location inconvenient.

OCDave: "Complaints about the location have me giggling: The store catered to those trying to go places the masses or the meek would not. Perhaps this store was not intended for those who thought the location inconvenient.


"

Agree. Especially since they have a dedicated lot behind the store and validated parking. I guess if you are only going there during their Expos, ok, then parking is a bit of a hassle. And if you are worried about getting mugged, shot or beaten, well, then avoid all large cities.

Frenchy19: "

OCDave: "Complaints about the location have me giggling: The store catered to those trying to go places the masses or the meek would not. Perhaps this store was not intended for those who thought the location inconvenient.



"

Agree. Especially since they have a dedicated lot behind the store and validated parking. I guess if you are only going there during their Expos, ok, then parking is a bit of a hassle. And if you are worried about getting mugged, shot or beaten, well, then avoid all large cities."

Love that response mark…

I’ve delivered canoes there. Easy peasy… they always had pretty good people there. If someone didn’t know how to answer a question they’d find someone who could!

First of all I love the place…it’s unique. I personally think it’s different than other retailers and love the MPLS vibe.

But come on it’s 100% easier to go to REI or Cabelas or most other alternatives …it’s not always easy to get MWMTN…if there a convention going on …Gophers, Vikings, Concert, Twins, Wolves going on…getting stuck for 30-90 minutes in traffic is a killer for some people…I’m a local I know when to go and when not too…but a store can’t rely on everyone being savvy and knowing go at 2pm instead of 3pm…or when to leave.

If you don’t pick and choose your times the parking can be a nightmare.

The last 3 years have been a nightmare for MPLS businesses for many reason…not a politics statement it’s just a fact.

There is an old saying on why business work or fail…Location…Location…location…

T

timatkn: "First of all I love the place…it’s unique. I personally think it’s different than other retailers and love the MPLS vibe.


But come on it’s 100% easier to go to REI or Cabelas or most other alternatives …it’s not always easy to get MWMTN…if there a convention going on …Gophers, Vikings, Concert, Twins, Wolves going on…getting stuck for 30-90 minutes in traffic is a killer for some people…I’m a local I know when to go and when not too…but a store can’t rely on everyone being savvy and knowing go at 2pm instead of 3pm…or when to leave.


If you don’t pick and choose your times the parking can be a nightmare.


The last 3 years have been a nightmare for MPLS businesses for many reason…not a politics statement it’s just a fact.


There is an old saying on why business work or fail…Location…Location…location…


T"

Of course it is easier to park at REI in Bloomington; who is arguing that it is isn't? My point is that parking at MM was NEVER a hassle, and to argue it was when the Vikings were playing 8 days each year is on you! Come on!

And the location, location, location argument? Nope; if it were that simple, crap holes like Ruby Tuesday would never die because they live in the burbs and the Burnsville Center would be thriving.

Finally, the "it's not a politics statement" is flat out bs; why need to state it if it isn't part of your argument? You want to say that the last three years in Mpls has been really hard on retailers, then say it without the qualification.

I’ll qualify the last 3 years for MWMTN or any MPLS business. It’s not their fault…COVID shut downs hurt cities more than small towns. It hurt businesses in Cities more than suburbs. That’s just reality. It wasn’t politics because it doesn’t matter where you stand on it…it is just a fact. Many business moved to working from home. Many still are. In addition students were doing distance learning. There is simply not as much foot traffic in the area. Less people less business.

On top of COVID, there was Civil unrest in the area. Once again not politics but that doesn’t make people want to visit the area no matter what. Less people going into the area.

In 2020 and 2021 violent crime went up significantly. Thefts went up significantly in MPLS. Murders went up by almost 60%, Carjackings in MPLS went up more than 500%…2022 was still bad but improved. It was all over the news locally and nationally. I don’t have cable news so please don’t make me into a leftist or or far right. I don’t have MSNBC or FOX. Unless you live in a cave…everyone knows that…it hurts business. It hurts foot traffic. A business needs volume to survive.

The Twins have 81 home games, the Vikings have 10-14 (preseason and playoffs) , gophers (60 or more per year Hockey, Football, Basketball), Wolves 41, there are over a 100 concerts in MPLS each year. I am sure I am missing stuff but we are already at approximately 75% of the days taken with major traffic events. With an even higher percentage of those occurring in the evenings and weekends (when working people with money can actually shop).

From 2020-2022, Unprecedentedly 1400 business left just the downtown area. The MPLS mayor just announced there are 1/3 less people working and coming to MPLS compared to pre 2020…that’s a 1/3 less people shopping/buying stuff. That’s a BIG deal!

If you have never had an issue with parking or traffic then you are better than me. I was just there a week ago…got stuck in random traffic jam for 20 minutes trying to get there…then another 30 minutes leaving. Spent more time in traffic than shopping. Their parking has been full for me at least 5x…I go there a lot…it’s annoying…trying to back out with a traffic jam behind you and then find an alternative. I am willing to endure this…but most 1x and they are done!

Once again this isn’t politics. I don’t blame a specific party…but it’s a nightmare for business.

MPLS will recover…but not anytime soon and will have many casualties.

I said it isn’t politics because everyone seems to make EVERYTHING about politics and I was hoping to avoid that… but I guess I was wrong. But if people think the last three years has been status quo for MPLS businesses…I have a bridge in Brooklyn for sale :)

Why oh why would you add Ruby Tuesday to the mix? as of 2016 only 4 existed in MN due to poor management…apples/oranges—now none exist. Burnsville Center has been in trouble for over 5 years. My company was approached in 2018 to take it over…hardly the same situation as Midwest…Midwest was thriving until 2020… Ruby and the mall are widely regarded in the business world as examples of what not to do and as poor business decisions for failure. I’d hardly compare Midwest to them and I cannot in good conscience blame poor decisions on Midwests failure.

T

I'd wager that the closing has far less to do with the location, a location that has been successful for decades, than with a business owner no longer wanting to do in his 70's what he needed to do for to make the business profitable in his 20's, 30's,40's, 50's and 60s.

Rod Johnson built and ran a business that relied on his own passion for it's success. It is OK for Rod and his wife to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Closing his business has 0% to do with his location.

OCDave: "I'd wager that the closing has far less to do with the location, a location that has been successful for decades, than with a business owner no longer wanting to do in his 70's what he needed to do for to make the business profitable in his 20's, 30's,40's, 50's and 60s.


Rod Johnson built and ran a business that relied on his own passion for its success. It is OK for Rod and his wife to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Closing his business has 0% to do with his location.
"

So Rod just mailed it in the last few years and that’s why his business failed? Really? 0% on location… He has increased advertising heavily, he got more creative with events to bring people into the store, I get more marketing from him than I ever have. He increased security, he changed his inventory, he cut his employees/expenses by 60%…Rod has been working really hard to make this work the last few years. This is so insulting to Rod…

T

timatkn: "

OCDave: "I'd wager that the closing has far less to do with the location, a location that has been successful for decades, than with a business owner no longer wanting to do in his 70's what he needed to do for to make the business profitable in his 20's, 30's,40's, 50's and 60s.



Rod Johnson built and ran a business that relied on his own passion for its success. It is OK for Rod and his wife to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Closing his business has 0% to do with his location.
"

So Rod just mailed it in the last few years and that’s why his business failed? Really? 0% on location… He has increased advertising heavily, he got more creative with events to bring people into the store, I get more marketing from him than I ever have. He increased security, he changed his inventory, he cut his employees/expenses by 60%…Rod has been working really hard to make this work the last few years. This is so insulting to Rod…


T"

In no way an insult; rather it is high praise. Rod attempted to hand off this business but, no one but he himself would be able to maintain its success.

It is OK if you find visiting this location uncomfortable. The store is closing so you can do all your shopping on-line or in the suburbs in the future.

OCDave: "I'd wager that the closing has far less to do with the location, a location that has been successful for decades, than with a business owner no longer wanting to do in his 70's what he needed to do for to make the business profitable in his 20's, 30's,40's, 50's and 60s.


Rod Johnson built and ran a business that relied on his own passion for it's success. It is OK for Rod and his wife to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Closing his business has 0% to do with his location.


"

It may? have something to do with the location. Coincidentally, last Friday afternoon I was talking to the NorthStar rep., Bear, about a claim I currently have. It was after the Strib article but before I got the email. He knew the store was closing.

He told that one big issue with selling/passing on or whatever term you want, was the exceptionally high value of the property. Even a wealthy buyer would be unlikely to continue operating the store. The profit needed to pay the mortgage would be impossible.

He also mentioned Rod’s age and the amount of work he still puts in. If I remember correctly, he wasn’t going to sell the property in the near-term. Bear also told me that Rod tried to open a store in St. Paul in the 80’s, and thought the lack of success there, might be somewhat related to the different vibe of the Minneapolis location.

Take this all with a grain of salt, but I would think a significant vendor could have some inside info.

Fritty

Exceptionally high property value? Sounds like this must be a highly desirable location. ;)

I don't know Rod Johnson and am only surmising why he changed course from giving away his store to closing it down.

I also accept that I must be wrong: Clearly if timatkn is uncomfortable with the location they aren't the only one. There are certainly others who avoid coming into the city.

Personally, I enjoyed that this store didn't share a parking lot with a PetSmart, a Best Buy and a Costco. I liked that the floors were uneven and the walls mismatched. MWM felt like the main street shops of my own home town. I guess my new favorite store will be the Lake Superior Trading Post but then again, the location ;(

Well…sorry we are arguing a lot of grey area. In the end it doesn’t matter…one of our favorite unique stores is closing and it’s sad. Obviously all of the above arguments are an issue/factor.

For the record OCDave…I personally love the location—for the same reasons many mentioned already…Unfortunately that’s not what most people tell me when I tried to send them there…or what others said that I know who stopped going.

Where else can ya park in the hotel ramp and walk to the Expo with Cliff Jacobsen and Kevin Callan listening to them argue about food and bears :) Priceless….


T

No idea why they are closing, but 4 straight years of 35W construction, plus the pandemic, must have cost SOME Minneapolis businesses SOME money.

I don't think it's just an urban thing - I wonder how much business Cabelas in Rogers lost to Scheels in Eden Prairie - forever - due to all the I-94 road construction up in Rogers.

People change their habits, and they aren't going to change back if they have to check a traffic app for 10 minutes everytime they leave the house.

Frenchy19: "

OCDave: "Complaints about the location have me giggling: The store catered to those trying to go places the masses or the meek would not. Perhaps this store was not intended for those who thought the location inconvenient.



"

Agree. Especially since they have a dedicated lot behind the store and validated parking. I guess if you are only going there during their Expos, ok, then parking is a bit of a hassle. And if you are worried about getting mugged, shot or beaten, well, then avoid all large cities."

I avoid large cities. And I stay out of bars. And I get off the streets before 10 pm. And my SOP when in the great state of WI is pants on, gun on. One more: I seldom take my dog to the dog park, but when I do, I also carry mace. Too bad the MWM is closing, places like that are becoming less and less common.