Recently a small group of us started the Peoria Backpackers Group through Meetup.com. This group specifically wanted to learn about backpacking techniques and eventually get out into the backcountry.
John Mullun from the Forest Park Nature Center (where we have our meetings) has even offered to speak at our meet ups and give us some useful information about map orientation and gear. Our thought process was to support our local Park District. However, most of the people that have signed up need gear. So I asked the owner of Bushwhacker for some assistance. I understand Bushwhacker is more into patio furniture now, and bicycling, but they also have backpacks, tents, and clothing. I called, and left messages several times to get the owner Rich Pestien to help us. I stopped in twice. Each time he was to busy to speak with me. Even if it was offering a special to the Peoria Backpacking Group, or to come out and talk about gear. We weren’t asking for much, just a little support to get our group off the ground. After all, we are the first and only backpacking club in Peoria.
Rich nor anyone else from Bushwhacker ever called me back. If they weren’t interested, they could have at least returned a call. Nothing. Not to mention, I personally have spent thousands at Bushwhacker. Just bought a Kayak from them last year. Not even a call back from a Customer?
This last weekend our group took a field trip to REI in Chicago. Members got fitted for backpacks, and we bought additional gear, and received a discount. All gear Bushwhacker sells currently. In total, we spend over $1,000. All that sales tax stayed in Cook County (Chicago). Ironically the Chicago Backpackers meet at the same REI. REI was all to ready to help them.
Thank you REI. We will see you soon.
I’m not sure why Bushwhacker snubbed us. But it’s their loss. We will take additional trips to REI. We have almost 50 members currently. That says a lot about our local business community.
REI Rocks! My daughter and her husband are rock climbers and swear by REI….
Shame on Bushwacker!
I have heard of simialr stories about Bushwacker’s unwilliness to help out local groups. I was very actively involved in the local chapter of the Nature Conservency some years ago and when asked to help with some advertising etc…was ignored as well. Not sure if it is the same owner, but I can not imagine why a locally owned and operated buisness would behave this way? REI is great but to give money to a national chain hurts a bit when there is a local buisness right in our own backyard.
So glad the group is thrieving and growing!
Bushwacker seems to make a habit with this attitude. I went in looking for a bike and encountered three employees standing around at the checkout area socializing. They somewhat acknowledged me with a glance but left me alone for a ridiculous amount of time. I finally asked for assistance, and the woman — apparently the resident bike guru — reluctantly obliged acting as if I had inconvenienced her. Funny thing is, I went to three other area retail competetors for pricing and was treated with total respect.
It is a wonder how Bushwacker has remained in business with their overpriced and limited selection.