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[LastDayScout]

Would I not buy a Scout if they partnered with REI? I'm not sure. It would definitely factor in my decision. That was my original point. Why risk alienating any potential customers?

Good point. It is a fun exercise to think of tie ups and partnerships. But, I am not sure it makes sense for Scout. At least not at the beginning. While not exactly the same market, I wonder how successful the Subaru/LL Bean editions were?

 

[Chuckles]

Good point. It is a fun exercise to think of tie ups and partnerships. But, I am not sure it makes sense for Scout. At least not at the beginning. While not exactly the same market, I wonder how successful the Subaru/LL Bean editions were?

That collaboration lasted 8 years. Subaru made it sound like they were happy with it but wanted to expand their brand to other warm weather parts of the country where the LL Bean name wasn't as meaningful.

https://www.cars.com/articles/subaru-and-l-l-bean-part-company-1420663278853/

 

[cyure]

Good point. It is a fun exercise to think of tie ups and partnerships. But, I am not sure it makes sense for Scout. At least not at the beginning. While not exactly the same market, I wonder how successful the Subaru/LL Bean editions were?

Okay well now I have a question. I always do you know.

Has anyone purchase a special trim vehicle that was tied to a company specifically because of the trim. We have not.

A couple examples I can think of off the top of my head, the Disney Ioniq 5 trim, the Hyundai Kona had an Ironman trim that was the colors of Ironmans suit.

Anyone purchase anything specifically because of the company collab? And if so what was it about that collab that tipped the scale for you to purchase?

 

[Chuckles]

Okay well now I have a question. I always do you know.

Has anyone purchase a special trim vehicle that was tied to a company specifically because of the trim. We have not.

A couple examples I can think of off the top of my head, the Disney Ioniq 5 trim, the Hyundai Kona had an Ironman trim that was the colors of Ironmans suit.

Anyone purchase anything specifically because of the company collab? And if so what was it about that collab that tipped the scale for you to purchase?

My issue with a lot of branded trims is they're often strictly cosmetic. They don't offer any anything worthwhile. I always liked the Ford Eddie Bauer trims in Bronco s and Explorers, but I could never see myself paying extra just because it has embroidered trees on the seats and two-tone paint. Extra capability or more power would make something worth the extra cost.

 

[R1TVT]

I have one pair of Filson work pants that are essentially made of burlap (like Carharts). They are indestructible but also the most gawd awful pants in terms of comfort... I also own a Filson Jackshirt that is stained and ruined from doing improper things in it. I like Filson (the brand) but would NEVER want to own a Filson-Edition vehicle of any sort (even Scout).

Scout is more than enough on its own, IMHO but thats just me - I like the simplicity of things, including branding. I'm considering debadging the silver RIVIAN letters from my tailgate actually.

I often wonder if OEM's that do this might be trying too hard to compensate for something...

Just my 02 cents.

 

[OleScout]

A lot of good debate here- I honestly didn’t expect this post to gain as much traction as it has. Collaboration and branding in the auto industry goes way back; I previously posted about Levi’s partnering with Jeep back in the ‘70s.

That said, I do think branding is still a pretty niche market. I appreciate originality, but sometimes these collaborations feel like a stretch to create a “new” version of a vehicle when the changes are often limited to interiors, trim pieces, and decals that ultimately drive up the cost. With that said, I think SM has the perfect opportunity to revive its legacy as it's done with the model names Terra and Traveler-looking forwards to what else is in store on this front!

 

[J Alynn]

Its funny, b/c Rivian got associated with Patagonia - which makes sense. They are a company with a very direct ethos around the environment and conservation. They stand behind their products. They are 100% ethical when it comes to labor. They re-use their products and protect the landfills. They remove dams so salmon can spawn. They want to preserve America's parks and open lands. Their warehouses are LEED certified. Hell, they even grow their own food for employees and treat them like gold. Rivian has a similar set of values.

In terms of an ethos - that is all stuff that Scout could 100% be aligned with. But, Patagooch stuff is more expensive (for a reason). They are sort of "premium" when it comes to pure price, but in terms of VALUE, they are very hard to beat - and stand 100% behind their products.

REI carries Patagonia, as well as other brands and their own stuff, so slightly different model - but great ethos and model with their dividend model.

Personally, I think Scout is sort of a combo - (like YETI, Patagonia, Grundens, Birdwell Beach Britches & Carhartt all mixed together). They have a bit more ruggedness about the brand. Scout seems a little rowdier and maybe slightly more irreverent, but still cares for the great outdoors & the planet. Maybe Scout is a renaissance brand.

What about Duluth trading? Don’t know much about their fundamentals but the image they project appeals to me though most of their merch is overpriced and if you believe $20 boxer shorts are a good value I would LOVE to understand why-I must be missing something?

 

[J Alynn]

Maybe we are splitting hairs, but what you are saying is a business decision not a stance on an amendment. Just so it is clear, I am not anti 2nd amendment. I am anti assault rifle and high capacity magazine. I am sure to catch some flak, but that is my stance. When I was taught to shoot and hunt I was told you only need one shot. Of course, there is a lot of deep meaning in that statement and situations may vary.

Since we are discussing this, there is an interesting point to put out to you and the entire group. Would you shun Scout if they partnered with REI or another company that has made stances you disagree with? I ask because Scout does read this forum. I think they would find it very insightful to know what companies would and would not be well received.

I think a small point of argument over REI is minimal to me but if Scout suddenly chose the company that owns/sells bump stocks and similar items to convert standard weapons to assault weapons would certainly turn me off. And I’ll climb on your platform as I am of same belief when it comes to fire arms. But I digress as this will quickly become a political debate which isn’t my intent. I guess I can (to some degree) separate myself from a supplier of multiple goods vs a manufacturer but then again maybe not as I can think of other stores that carry tons of products and I don’t agree with their ethics/outlooks.
And with that said-I’m OK with Chick-fil-a being closed on Sundays for religious reasons but DAMN, everytime I get hungry for their chicken or I fly it’s on a Sunday and it kills me