Out&Back Outdoor, a marketplace to buy or sell new and used outdoor gear, acquired gear exchange company The Locals Sale.
Out&Back said in a release that the acquisition positions it to continue expanding its offerings that support sustainability and affordable pricing while challenging the way consumers typically shop and sell secondhand. Terms were not disclosed.
Founded in 2019 by Barruch Ben-Zekry, Out&Back’s platform reportedly “delivers a seamless experience for outdoor enthusiasts to sell and buy secondhand gear in one convenient place.”
The Locals Sale, founded by Jake Cohn, has reportedly built a cult following by curating gear from pro athletes, outdoor brands and industry insiders to provide the public with an opportunity to find affordable ski and snowboard gear. The Locals Sale now becomes a portfolio company of Out&Back. The acquisition includes ownership of its website, inventory, warehouse space, and branded The Locals Sale events.
“The Locals Sale uniting with Out&Back marks a milestone for both companies,” said Ben-Zekry. “I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Jake over the years and seen firsthand how influential he’s been in making outdoor gear more accessible to all. We look forward to having him and his team join Out&Back, bringing their fresh perspective and knowledge of our industry, and are excited about the growth that will come from this acquisition.”
“This new relationship with Out&Back allows The Locals Sale to access the resources needed to advance our businesses and continue our mission of gear recycling while making outdoor activities more affordable,” shared Cohn. “Winter sports come with a hefty price tag and often pose a significant entry barrier. I’ve always held the belief that when more individuals can afford the sports they love, it increases the chances of safeguarding our precious outdoor spaces. Having access to quality gear in a manner that minimizes waste in the outdoors is a win for the planet and consumers’ wallets.”
In tandem with the acquisition, Out&Back will operate out of a new hybrid office and fulfillment center located near downtown Denver in the York Street Yards. The 3,500-square-foot space includes a cleaning and repair facility. All orders through The Locals Sale and Out&Back will be processed between the company’s two centers in Denver and Salt Lake City.
Out&Back and The Locals Sale have started consolidating inventory through in-person ski and snowboard gear pop-up shops in Salt Lake City, UT and Boulder, CO, in October. While a large part of Out&Back’s inventory is soft goods, this acquisition increases its hard goods offerings. Starting online today, customers can shop over 2,500 pairs of skis and snowboards, boots and snow accessories, including goggles, gloves and new helmets.
As a part of the merger, all The Locals Sale employees will transition to Out&Back employees.
Cohn will also join Out&Back as director of winter sports business development and events, overseeing Out&Back’s fulfillment center and building out the company’s winter supply business development arm. Out&Back will also leverage Cohn’s connections with pro athletes to grow the business in the outdoor sports space.
Last year, Out&Back kicked off an in-store buy-back program with Dick’s Sporting Goods and specialty outdoor retailer Public Lands and will continue its partnership. The program has since expanded to Out&Back’s headquarters in Denver, where potential sellers can schedule appointments to drop off gear at its office.
Photo courtesy Out&Back
