Q: What is the name of the business and where are you located?
A: Duluth Gear Exchange, 510 E. 4th Street in Duluth.

Q: Contact information?
A: duluthgearexchange.com
Phone: 218-481-7270

Q: How long have you been in business?
A: Duluth Gear Exchange (DGE) has been a part of the local outdoor scene since 2019. Originally founded as Great Lakes Gear Exchange, we transitioned to our current name in 2021 under new ownership.

Q: What products/services do you provide?
A: We specialize in selling quality, pre-loved gear and technical clothing designed to get folks out on the trails, the water and the snow. Our inventory is community-powered through a consignment sales model; we’re stoked to help neighbors and out-of-towners alike give their gear a second life, and maybe help them find their next favorite piece of equipment along the way.

In the back of the shop we also have a repair loft where the “Zipper Fixer” works on gear and clothing repairs. While he specializes in zipper repair, the Zipper Fixer, Nils, can also assist with some tent repairs and shock cord replacement for tent poles. Check out our repair services at duluthgearexchange.com/zipper-fixer.

Q: What efforts do you make to be good environmental stewards, i.e. recycling, reusing, energy efficiency, waste reduction?
A: Re-sale is inherently filled with sustainable advantages. By finding new homes for used gear, we keep functional items out of landfills and reduce the demand for new manufacturing. This lowers the overall carbon footprint by reducing the raw materials, water and energy required for production and global shipping.

In a world of “fast fashion,” we’re committed to slowing things down, keeping high-performance gear in circulation, and ensuring every product is used to its fullest potential.

Q: In what ways can the community support your efforts?
A: The best way to support DGE is to shop the impressive selection of inventory our community has helped curate — or better yet, become a consignor yourself!
We regularly update our website and social media with our current “Looking For” items, making it easy for you to know exactly which categories of gear and clothing we are needing.

Q: Anything else you think is important for readers to know?
A: Our region is home to some of the most versatile outdoor enthusiasts! Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a total beginner looking to try a new hobby, we’re here to help you get geared up without the “new gear” price tag.

Q: Please provide a short biography of the manager/owner, including background information, experience, etc.
A: Before owning Duluth Gear Exchange, Nils Anderson worked a variety of outdoor-related jobs including teaching Environmental Education, canoe/sea kayak guiding, working in outdoor retail and doing sewing repair on outdoor gear/clothing. Besides brief stints teaching in Homer, Alaska, Yosemite National Park, and the Twin Cities, Nils has called the North Shore home his whole life. He loves fixing zippers, riding bikes and hiking with his best buddy/shop dog, Filbert.