Alpine Shop Blog

RIP Gert Boyle
Chairman of the Board
Columbia Sportswear

by Lisa Hollenbeck, Alpine Shop Co-owner

“The outdoor industry has lost One Tough Mother. Gert Boyle, Chairman of the Board (she hated the term “chairwoman”) and former CEO of Columbia Sportswear, died on Sunday, November 3, 2019, at the age of 95.” reported SNEWS.

I want to be like Gert.

Seriously, in so many ways.

I met Mrs. Boyle in person on two occasions.

The first was at the Ski Show, during Columbia’s One Tough Mother campaign, which made fun of Mrs. Boyle’s reputation of being One Tough Mother while demonstrating her commitment to the quality of the brand.

Columbia Sportswear provided free lattes in the mornings at the Show. I stopped by one morning early and was the first in line. As I waited for the barista to arrive, I noticed a couple people browsing the racks.

I turned the other way and saw Mrs. Boyle walking down the aisle from the back showrooms. She stopped dead in her tracks and pivoted.

“Hey!” she yelled, toward the back toward. “We have customers out here!” Just like in the ads.

The second time was when we were invited to a Premiere Dealer event at headquarters in Portland, as part of Columbia’s campaign to remind Specialty Outdoor Retail that we are important to them.

Mrs. Boyle appeared on stage in a dramatic entrance, and then addressed the group. She asked us to collaborate with her to improve the Columbia line. She invited us to talk to her right there if we had something on our minds.

I got up and walked over, a little nervous about addressing a luminary in our industry.

“I’d love to carry our Plus Sizes in our stores, but they don’t fit right. They give you bubble butt, which is the last thing we plus size women need,” blurted then-size-22 me.

She immediately called the head women’s design over, and asked her to talk with me. Talk about feeling heard!

There is a reason you are a legend, Mrs. Boyle. Thank you for the inspiration.

Lisa Hollenbeck
Alpine Shop Co-Owner

PS I received a text about Mrs. Boyle’s passing, while the women on our team were participating in the Women’s Luncheon here in Denver at the Grassroots Connect trade show.

I did not expect to be so overwhelmed with emotion that I shed a few tears as I shared the sad news. So many women in that room, young and old, had been inspired by Mrs. Boyle.

Raise your hand if you’re a last-minute costume shopper. 

We get it. We’ve found ourselves looking up costume ideas a week – or even a day – before Halloween, too. While it’s tempting to buy a cheap plastic costume that will get tossed immediately after Halloween, we have a better idea. 

We have plenty of costume ideas that will serve you well for trick-or-treating, and for the rest of the year, too! Read on for our top six out-of-the-box ideas for Halloween. You can find all of these items online or in our store. 

1. Who’s Your Teddy Bear? 

Do you have a toddler? Would you like a cute costume idea that will last your little one all winter long? Take a look! Your little teddy bear will look adorable in this hoodie! We have a beanie, too, for lasting warmth. 

2. The Wilderness Must Be Explored!

Sometimes, all it takes is a brown vest, a pair of hiking boots, and a just-right hat to win over your neighbors on Halloween. Dress your kiddo as a park ranger and include this hat as the perfect accessory! 

3. Hit the Slopes! 

Bundle up and pretend you’re taking on Everest with these ski goggles, your favorite puffy jacket, and a few other ski and snowboard supplies. A pair of cool snow goggles are easier to wear than a scary mask, and you may even use them again this winter! 

4. Lifeguard on Duty

Does your little one love the water? Consider dressing him or her up as a lifeguard or paddler, complete with a colorful life vest you can reuse in the spring! 

5. Go on Safari! 

Is your family wild about the zoo? Do you love animals and dream of going on Safari? With a vest, a pair of binoculars, and this hat, you can bring that dream to life, at least on Halloween. The best news? This hat is great for outdoor activities next summer, too! 

6. Big Lebowski Forever

Are you a movie lover? Channel the Big Lebowski in these socks … we think you’ll recognize the pattern!

Or, if you’re feeling really bold, get into the Lebowski spirit with this Pendleton coat! It’ll keep you cozy and warm all season.   

At Alpine Shop, There’s So Much More to Explore

While we may not be your traditional Halloween store, we’re definitely the store with the most to explore. You’ll find ideas for trick-or-treating and beyond. You may even find that new pair of hiking shoes you’ve been dreaming about, or the perfect cardigan for fall. Take a look at our online store, or stop in for a visit to see everything our one-of-a-kind shop has to offer!

Interested to know what Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital will do with funds raised by the Glennon Card? Take a look at this video from KSDK. (And check out the nice jacket from Alpine Shop at the end that’s 20% Off with a Glennon Card through Sun!)

If you’d like read the full article with the video, you can find it at the link below:

https://www.ksdk.com/article/entertainment/television/show-me-st-louis/glennoncard/63-1f72b03d-c7a6-4845-8b84-39dea65c2ae5