2nd Tracks Sports specializes in selling gently used sports gear on consignment, which allows consumers to purchase goods at a price much lower than the cost of new gear.
“We’ve been open for four years,” said Katie Jackson, one of the shop’s owners. “The hard economic times created an opportunity for us. People were struggling financially, and we were able to provide good quality ski gear for a reasonable price.”
The high cost of winter mountain sports may place them out of financial reach for many students.
“Students who are really into skiing and snowboarding have to invest a lot of money in order to go,” says Greg Phillips, a University of Utah student. “It’s hard to do that and make the rent.”
While the price range for adult season tickets is between $500 and $1,200, a brand new pair of skis can also cost anywhere from $300 to $1,200.
In contrast to retail stores, at 2nd Tracks Sports, prices for skis range from $40 to about $600.
“Students need to come check out our deals,” said Dan Bye, a salesman and gear repairman at 2nd Tracks Sports. “This is the place to go for top of the line gear at a low price. We do our research on the cost of the equipment and we undercut everyone, even eBay.”
On top of their normal deals, 2nd Tracks Sports also offers a Deal of The Day on their website to attract new buyers trying to save a buck.
Some SLCC students have already visited the shop and are excited about what they see.
“Hitting the slopes is really expensive,” said SLCC student Parker Martin. “I would love to get into it more, but I can’t afford to spend $700 on skis. 2nd Tracks Sports makes it so I can go skiing and not break the bank.”
2nd Tracks Sports gets its inventory primarily from consigners. Taking in most of their gear on consignment allows them to keep their prices low.
“Our buyers sell us gear, a lot of gear,” said Jackson. “We will also go and buy a lot of overstocks and closeouts for skis and snowboards.”
Students at SLCC don’t have to travel far in order to get these deals. One of the two 2nd Tracks Sports stores is located at 2927 E. 3300 S. in Millcreek.
“People can’t afford new ski or snowboarding gear every year, but they want it,” said Bye. “We can help them out with that.”
Photos by Michael R. Gault
