OGE Is Coming to Essex: Your Questions, Answered

Grand Opening Event November 11-12!

Click here for more details. We get it. People have questions. Lots of questions. Well, we’ve got answers for you. Let's dispel some of the myths that have cropped up since we first announced that we’re opening a second Outdoor Gear Exchange store in the Essex Experience shopping center. Jump to the questions below if you need your answers in a hurry. First and foremost: Just because we’re opening a new location doesn’t mean we’re closing our downtown store! Outdoor Gear Exchange has had a presence in Burlington for over 27 years, and we aren’t going to change that now. Our Church Street location will remain open for the foreseeable future . We will be opening a brand new, second OGE location in Essex this November. We are thrilled and excited to be able to serve a larger part of our Vermont community by becoming an integral part of the up-and-coming Essex Experience cultural hub. We have already received a resoundingly positive public response to this proposal. Our top priority has always been to provide excellent outdoor equipment for a diverse, dynamic customer base. Opening this second location will allow for greater ease and accessibility for a wider group of people. Conveniently located, with ample, free parking, the Essex Experience is exactly what some of our customers have been hoping for for years. We can’t wait to see you there!

Your Frequently Asked Questions:

Is OGE's Burlington location closing?

Heck no! We're committed to staying in downtown Burlington in what will now be known as our flagship location.

Why is OGE opening a second location outside of Burlington?

We want to better serve our customers. Our customers comprise a widely diverse cross-section of the Vermont and out-of-state population. We have observed a need for a second location which will allow easier access to our wonderful gear, thanks to the ample, free parking available, as well as the suburban location outside of town.

Will consignment continue at the Burlington location?

Absolutely. It's just moving upstairs.

Will I be able to consign my gear at the Essex location?

Not right away. We're planning on rolling out consignment intake at the Essex location in early 2024.

When does the Essex location officially open?

We'll have a soft opening on the weekend of November 4th-5th October 28th! Keep an eye on our social channels for announcements. Our Grand Opening event will be on the weekend of November 11-12th, 2023 .

What kinds of products will the Essex location carry?

We'll be carrying most of the same products that you'll find at our Burlington location, including outdoor apparel and accessories, kids' apparel, climbing equipment, bikes and bike accessories, ski and snowboard equipment, and a selection of consigned gear and apparel.

Will the Essex location carry Patagonia products?

...Maybe.

Will I be able to use my OGE store credit at the Essex location?

Yes, you will.

Does the Essex location have free, convenient parking?

Yes, and plenty of it.

Will the Essex location allow customer dogs into the shop?

Absolutely! Well-behaved dogs will be, as ever, welcome at OGE.

Will the Essex location have as many sweet deals on gear as the Burlington location?

Yes, definitely.

What will the store hours be for the Essex location?

• Monday - Saturday: 11 am - 7 pm
• Sunday: 11 am - 6 pm

Will there be ski tech services at the Essex location?

We'll be opening with limited ski tech services in Essex. See detailed answers below.

What about bike tech services?

The Essex store will have very limited bike building and flat tire repair services. At least initially, that will not include any in-depth bike services or tunes. We won't have any bike services available in Essex at first, but stay tuned. Our downtown Burlington location will continue to offer an extensive menu of bike repair services.

Can I drop off my skis in Essex to get them tuned at OGE Burlington, then pick them up in Essex?

Yes. We plan to provide a drop off/pick-up service for customers' skis/snowboards that need to be tuned at our downtown shop. It will add a bit of lead time to the tuning schedule, so make sure to plan ahead if you are taking advantage of this service.

Can I bring in my bike to Essex to have it tuned in Burlington?

It's a little trickier to transport bikes than skis, so no—at least not at first.

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If I buy skis or a snowboard at the Essex location, can I get them mounted with bindings on the spot? Yes, our limited ski tech services at Essex will include mounting bindings onto skis and snowboards.

Will the Essex location carry paddling equipment?

Not at first. We are planning to bring PFDs and other paddling accessories to Essex in spring '24, but most canoe, kayak, and SUP products will remain at the downtown Burlington location only.

Will the Essex location carry hunting or fishing equipment?

No, there is no current plan to carry any hunting or fishing-specific equipment beyond our all-purpose outdoor clothing, footwear, packs, and camping gear.

Will the Essex location carry extended and plus-sized apparel?

Yes. We have extended/plus size clothing and packs at our Burlington store and we'll bring an array of these to the new Essex store.

Is OGE going to open more locations elsewhere, besides Burlington and Essex?

We're not planning to open any additional locations at this time. We are currently concentrating on our downtown Burlington shop, the new Essex store, and our newly-opened satellite bike and ski shop in Waitsfield, Rider’s Outpost. Have more questions about OGE's Essex location? Send us a message on social!