A Tucson landmark for outdoor enthusiasts is saying goodbye. After 55 years, Summit Hut is closing its doors, a victim of shifting retail landscapes and rising costs. This iconic store, a hub for hikers and campers, is starting its liquidation sale soon. What will you miss most about shopping at Summit Hut?
Tucson’s beloved Summit Hut, a cornerstone of the Tucson outdoors community for over five decades, is set to close its doors permanently. This significant retail closure marks the end of an era for many hiking & camping enthusiasts, driven by a confluence of rising operational costs, intense competition from larger retailers, and a fundamental shift in consumer shopping habits towards online platforms.
The decision was not made lightly, according to Dana Davis, who co-owns the Tucson business with her husband, Jeremy Davis. Having dedicated 27 years of her life to Summit Hut, she described the closure as an incredibly difficult choice, acknowledging the profound impact it will have on both employees and loyal customers.
Davis elaborated on the dramatic change in consumer behavior post-COVID-19. She observed a marked decrease in customers visiting physical stores to browse and “touch, see and feel” products. Instead, shoppers are now predominantly engaging with products electronically, through online reels and digital platforms, representing a “significant shift” in the landscape of outdoor gear sales.
Further exacerbating the challenges for the local economy, Davis noted that Summit Hut’s customer base has also been affected by broader economic anxieties and the escalating cost of goods. To mitigate the closure’s impact, a “going out of business sale” offering substantial discounts will commence on Friday, August 29, including 30% off all items, even those already reduced.
The story of Summit Hut began in 1967, a venture between teenage friends Jeff Conn and David Baker. Their initial concept was to provide a specialized order service for Tucson residents seeking backpacking and mountaineering equipment, a niche that quickly grew into a full-fledged outfitter for a wide range of outdoor adventures.
Over its 55-year history, Summit Hut prided itself on fostering close relationships with its customers and establishing itself as a regionally relevant store for Southern Arizona. This commitment to personalized service and community engagement is a key aspect many hiking & camping aficionados will sorely miss, as highlighted by long-time customer Trapp.
Trapp, an avid trail runner and hiker, expressed deep sadness over the retail closure, emphasizing that Summit Hut had always been her “go-to” for packs, shoes, and all types of outdoor gear. She underscored the irreplaceable value of physically trying on products and receiving expert advice from knowledgeable staff, an experience often unattainable through online purchases.
The human element of this Tucson business winding down is palpable. Davis herself confessed that after 27 years, she will need to “brush up my résumé,” reflecting on the profound personal and professional investment in the company. She aims to take time to reflect on Summit Hut’s legacy and the positive impact it has had on countless individuals.
The permanent closing of this cherished institution at 5251 E. Speedway is more than just a retail closure; it represents a significant void in the Tucson outdoors community. As another pillar of the local economy succumbs to modern market pressures, it leaves many wondering about the future of specialized, community-focused businesses.
