Walmart Launches Gear Site, Black Diamond Takes Legal Action

Could Walmart eventually be a formidable competitor to other outdoor retailers? Flickr photo.

Walmart continues to expand their horizons, most notably with their recent launch of an online outdoor gear store. According to the retailer’s website, the move was made after acquiring Moosejaw, an online outdoor gear retailer with several retail locations across the country. Moosejaw is thrilled to be joining forces with Walmart. Ultimately, they believe that the move will help take their business to the next level. Now they’re able to offer services like free two-day shipping, upgrade their website, and expand their reach to Walmart customers. Through this new store, they’re planning to step up their game by offering a new line of high-end gear from brands like First Ascent by Eddie Bauer, Gramicci, Jack Wolfskin, KLYMIT, LEKI, Stonewear and Tentsile.

A screenshot of Walmart’s Store before they pulled Black Diamond products. Mike Mozart Flickr photo.

Despite Moosejaw’s excitement, Walmart’s new store has already received backlash, particularly from Black Diamond (BD). The outdoor gear brand wasn’t too keen on Walmart using photos of its products on the new site and has issued a cease and desist letter to immediately pull them down. “We did not see or approve the statement which Walmart released Monday and have never sold to Walmart,” stated John Walbrecht, Black Diamond’s president in a press release from the company. “Black Diamond remains committed to our specialty retail partners and we do not plan on deviating from this strategy.”

Initially, the site had prominently featured Black Diamond’s products but has quickly removed any trace of them. Regardless of the snafu, the retailer still has a significant selection of brands to shop from.

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stash member Katie Lozancich

TGR Staff Writer and photographer. Fond of bikes, pow, and dogs. Originally from Northern CA, home for me has ranged from the PNW to a teepee in Grand Teton National Park.