Word to the Outdoor Stores: Sherpa Mountain Shop

How has the market changed since you started? Have consumer expectations and demands changed?
The market has changed a lot, with the digitalisation of the market people are much more informed and prepared; they can see and compare prices independently from their smartphones. Honestly, we are certainly not the cheapest, but customers recognise our expertise and experience, which over time has become trust.

What does the word Outdoor mean to you?
Freedom

Can you tell me when and why you decided to call the shop Sherpa?
From my love for the Sherpa people, who are almost always mistakenly associated with the image of high-altitude bearers, but in reality they are a nomad people who live between Nepal and Tibet. That is why for me Outdoor means freedom, because the Sherpa people are a free people.

The desire to explore and get in touch with nature is growing stronger and stronger, and the outdoor market is on the rise. What are your feelings?
It’s true, it’s a market that is constantly growing and there is a need to train, educate and raise user awareness, both in terms of safety and respect for the delicate mountain ecosystem.

The brand that best represents Sherpa’s values?
I don’t feel like naming just one brand. I have personally selected the brands I offer, following criteria such as sustainability and quality.

What product surprised you the most in 2022 and why?
I was impressed by the Diract Voice from Ortovox, the first talking avalanche transceiver. I think it’s important in times of potential panic to transmit a sense of calm and this device allows you to do that. Another product that caught my attention was the Ferrino tent that you can put together according to your needs.

There has been a lot of “greenwashing” in the outdoor world lately, what do you think?
I think that environmentally friendly products could be the next frontier. My hope is that it won’t be seen as a marketing stunt or a fad – which it already is – because otherwise it will die. But I want to be hopeful.

How important do you think a local outdoor shop is to the community and to local mountain enthusiasts?
It is fundamental and I hope it will always remain so, I believe that the economy of relationships is a value to be defended. The human relationship is always an added value.

How important is it to give the right advice to the consumer in the outdoor world?
Advice is our plus. No matter how long it takes a customer to buy a product, he has to leave convinced, satisfied and knowing that he has got all the information he needed. It’s not an easy task, but so far it has paid off.

Your services also include a repair and maintenance lab for skis and snowboards. People often decide to replace rather than repair, what is your advice?
Everything can be fixed as far as possible and sometimes even more. Of course, if the equipment starts to get a bit older, this is no longer feasible.

In addition to mountain equipment, you have a showroom dedicated to work products. What do the two worlds have in common? How important is safety in both areas?
The common denominators between the two worlds are altitude and safety. For example, treeclimbing, a sector represented mostly by small professionals, requires a type of material that is quite similar (in concept) to the outdoor world, as do workers at height.

Giovanni, we know that you are a great mountain enthusiast. Which outdoor activity do you and your employees enjoy the most? How important is it for the shop?
True. The activities we enjoy most are trekking, climbing, ski touring and classic mountaineering. After all, experience pays off in knowledge.

Team Sherpa: your favourite local spot?
We are Sherpa-People, we always like to discover new places!

Would you like to visit Sherpa Mountain Shop? Below you will find all the necessary information