The Patagonia Outlet Store in Dillon, Montana
After months of roaming around beautiful mountain towns in Idaho, it was time to head to the Patagonia outlet store in Dillon, Montana. In the past, this has been one of my favorite Montana stops.
However, things were a little different this visit.
The Patagonia outlet store in Dillon, Montana, was still focused on being an environmentally sustainable and inclusive store:
located in a historic building
restored into an energy-efficient space
utilizing recycled materials, including recycled wooden floors
with motion-sensing lighting
keeping history intact with the old Dillon Cash Grocery sign out front
providing a shower for employees who run or ride their bikes to work
functional, durable, repairable, guaranteed clothing
clothing made from organic, hemp, and recycled materials
embracing social causes that are so important to humanity
As Patagonia says, they’re a business “started by … climbers and surfers … the minimalist style they promoted … making the best product … for saving the planet … consuming less energy, wasting less water and creating less trash.”
All of this feels especially sweet since this is not yet the norm in small towns across the USA.
And I appreciate that Patagonia is also honest about the reality of production and consumerism—acknowledging the desire to cause no harm and that there is still much work to get there:
“Our business activity—from lighting stores to dyeing shirts—is part of the problem … we work steadily to change … and share what we’ve learned … but we recognize that this is not enough … we seek … to do less harm … more good.”
“We aim to use the resources we have—our voice, our business and our community—to do something about our climate crisis.”
“We’re part of a movement for change … from supporting youth fighting against oil drilling to suing the president … action on the most pressing environmental issues facing our world.”
“Patagonia’s self-imposed Earth tax, 1% for the Planet, provides support to environmental nonprofits working to defend our air, land and water around the globe.”
“We’re linking sports with activism … to drive positive social and environmental change.”
“Connecting individuals with Patagonia grantees … on the most pressing issues facing the world today.”
But while I’ve never arrived at this outlet store during one of Patagonia’s epic President’s Day, Memorial Day, or Labor Day outlet sales, in the past there were always a lot of price tags offering really low outlet prices—amazing items, super affordable.
That was not the case this visit (except for one or two tiny clothing racks). During this visit, nearly all clothing appeared to be listed at regular retail prices. Oh my gosh, I was sad.
I’ll definitely continue to cheer Patagonia. But to be ecological, if (in the future) I want to visit the Patagonia outlet store in Dillon, Montana, I’ll first call them to verify their prices at that time…
Is this still an outlet store?
What are the outlet prices—50% off retail?
How much stock is available at outlet pricing?