I don't buy climbing stuff there any more. I shop at small shops were you are dealing with the person that orders the gear and they rember youur face. You may pay more, but in the long run their personal touch pays off This is hard to do in big company with low wages and high turnover. (I have worked several low paying dead end jobs- why care if you know you are going to quit soon?) Looks like REI is feeling the compatition from the small stores and the internet. Good luck Jules- hope to see you at a pub club soon.