Photo: Emma Friedman/WBZ NewsRadio
Somerville, MASS (WBZ NewsRadio) — A new rock climbing store is opening up in Somerville in the next few weeks.
Summit Bound Outfitter will sell climbing shoes, specialty gear and other apparel, with a staff consisting of climbing experts.
Colin Maneval, the creator of SBO, wanted to open a store that made it easier for local climbers to shop for gear and find out important information from experts.
“The closest thing you've got is either retail shops within gyms that some have some don't or a place like REI or one of the big box retailers,” Colin said. “Our goal is to have a great selection and employees that really know the market and the details of how that product works for the individual.”
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He also mentioned that there has been an increased interest in climbing in the Boston area, so having a local place to shop will cater to that interest.
“Over the last 10 years climbing has blown up across the country and globally and in Boston there are over a dozen climbing gyms within the 95 loop,” Maneval said.
Ryan Strout, the assistant manager of the store, is an example of this, as he is an outdoor climbing and ropes instructor.
“We want our store to be a place where people can come get products get the tools that they need but also get the information that they need,” Ryan said.
WBZ NewsRadio’s Emma Friedman (@EmmaFriedmanWBZ) reports: