A manufacturer must protect its retailers. I took a tour of the Napa Valley, but stopped at the Liquor Barn on the way back to the hotel to buy the wine. It was cheaper at the Liquor Barn than the winery. Retailers will NOT SELL a competitor's products.

Pepsi had to spin-off Pizza Hut, KFC and Taco Bell because Burger King and McDonalds would not buy soft drinks from a competitor.

If Western Mountaineering wants to move to the next level then it must discontinue its retail business. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Western Mountaineering customers are retailers - NOT consumers. Do they provide good support to their retailer's?