Pando Refitters, a used-first outdoors shop in Downtown Provo, combines affordability and sustainability to make outdoor adventuring more accessible to the Wasatch community.
On Friday, Oct. 11, Pando Refitters held their winter season opening event to kick-off the start of winter weather activities. The event had live music, free pizza and multiple deals to get customers amped-up for the seasons beginning.
The shop specializes in affordable, gently used outdoor gear and new, sustainably sourced products, aiming to make outdoor activities accessible to all.
“We're trying to be like a really high end, really nice outdoor retailer," Ellis Atwood, owner and founder of Pando Refitters, said. “But when you come in here, most of the stuff happens to be used and affordable and accessible, especially with all the students here.”
Supporting students and sustainability
Utah County is filled with college students and many of the students in the area appreciate Pando Refitters for both its affordability and focus on environmental sustainability. For Hannah Errington, a UVU student, the shop’s values resonate with her own.
“I know that it’s going to a good cause,” she said. “Even as a small business, they still do that here. And (they’re) affordable price, secondhand, being sustainable and stuff; especially in like our world right now, it's super important to me.”
Atwood explained that affordability and environmental impact are central to the shop’s mission.
“We really pride ourselves on having expert staff who will take the time to walk you through and get you everything you need to get started,” he said.
Community-focused initiatives
Atwood told shoppers the company is environmentally motivated and actively contributes to conservation efforts in the Western United States, donating $1 from every purchase to support local environmental groups.
“We measure our success by asking ourselves, "Are we still in business, and what impact are we having?'” Atwood said.
Pando Refitters also offers a consignment option, allowing customers to donate used gear, with the proceeds going directly to these nonprofit organizations.
“We exist to raise funds for conservation groups,” Atwood said.
Accessibility for new outdoor adventurers
For college students such as BYU junior Scott Harrison, Pando Refitters makes outdoor activities financially achievable.
“It’s really nice to be able to have affordable gear,” Harrison said. “It’s more welcoming than other big stores.”
Harrison also said he appreciates Pando Refitters’ approachable atmosphere. “It feels like a community here,” he said, adding that it’s “more like a friend helping you versus just a salesperson.”
Atwood echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the store’s commitment to quality customer service. “We’re here to make sure you’re successful with whatever you get from us,” he said.
Reflecting on the unique role that Pando Refitters plays in Provo, Atwood noted, “We started this as a place where anyone could store their outdoor gear and share it with the community.”
This vision of shared resources and sustainability continues to guide Pando Refitters as it grows, serving not just as a retailer but as a gathering space for like-minded outdoor enthusiasts.