Wilderness Exchange and Black Diamond Equipment Collaborate to Launch New Partner-Run Mountain Shop

The Denver outdoor community’s beloved Wilderness Exchange has entered a new chapter in its 25-year history by partnering with Black Diamond Equipment, a leader in climbing, skiing, and mountain sports gear. This collaboration marks the launch of their first partner-run mountain shop in North America, transforming Wilderness Exchange’s legacy retail location at Platte and 15th St.

“Black Diamond Equipment is the iconic North American climb, ski, and mountain equipment brand with deep roots in the history of these sports. For many outdoor specialty retailers, it’s the #1 brand in their shop” said Don Bushey, owner of Wilderness Exchange Unlimited. “The vision for the Black Diamond store in downtown Denver is to create something beyond the standard mono-brand store. This will be a full-service specialty mountain shop, with other complimentary brands that complete the kit. This partnership ensures that we will be able to even better serve the Denver mountain sports community for years to come."

The shop will close on Sunday October 27 for renovations and will re-open in early January 2025. A storewide Renovation Sale kicks off Labor Day Weekend.

Wilderness Exchange’s renowned used and consignment shop will expand at its current location and continue its mission of making the outdoors more affordable and accessible for the Denver community. Its online store, www.wildernessx.com, will continue to serve its loyal customers near and far with the best deals on outdoor gear anywhere, and will offer next-day local pick-up. This transformation of the business model combines the best elements of community-based outdoor retailing with meeting the customer where they are today.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Don Bushey to bring together the best of Wilderness Exchange and Black Diamond in a modern format that is true to the rich heritage of both brands,” said Neil Fiske, brand president for Black Diamond Equipment. “Don has long been a pioneer in the industry, and we believe this next evolution of retail will prove as innovative and groundbreaking as his original concept.  This partnership also highlights our strategic priority of working even more closely with the specialty channel to grow and evolve with the outdoor consumer.”