Gear Re-store Inc

What Gear Re-store Inc does

Gear Re-store Inc, founded in 2012 by Russell McPherson in Calgary, Alberta, and acquired in June 2025 by Jesus Wong, is a North American technical gear repair, cleaning, and lifecycle services company operating three repair centers in Calgary (Canadian headquarters), Thornton/Denver, and Folcroft/Philadelphia. The company processes approximately 70,000 to 80,000 units annually and holds GORE-TEX Authorized certification at three of only six such facilities in North America. It serves both enterprise brand partners — including Patagonia, Arc'teryx, Canada Goose, Helly Hansen, The North Face, Columbia, Norrøna, Burton, Mammut, KJUS, VF Corporation, and Gore — and D2C consumers via mail-in and drop-off repairs across the U.S. and Canada.

The product set includes technical repairs (zipper replacement, seam sealing, patching, GORE-TEX and eVent membrane work), industrial DWR reapplication using Grangers products on customized Nikwax/Alberta Laundry Systems equipment, and Gear Tracer — a proprietary RFID-based tracking platform priced at $2 per repair that is also licensed to enterprise customers such as Vail Resorts for inventory, lifecycle, and shrinkage management. These services sit inside the re-Markably re-Sponsible Program, a nine-service circular economy platform covering re-Work, re-Pair, re-Fresh, re-Sell, re-Build, re-Purpose, re-Move, re-Use, and re-Cycle, supplemented by sustainability consulting and integrations with recommerce platform Archive and warranty provider Extend.

The business runs a hybrid go-to-market: enterprise field sales drive warranty fulfillment and uniform fleet management contracts (notably Vail Resorts' 25,000-piece Spring Tune-Up and Gear Tracer deployment across 18 Vail properties), D2C mail-in repair operates at 4–6 week U.S. turnaround, and event presence at Outdoor Retailer/Snow Show and KORE Outdoors Summit supports brand development. Pricing is quote-based with administrative intake fees, optional RFID tracking, and managed-service contracts for uniform fleets and end-of-first-life (EO1L) programs. The company was recognized as one of Canada's Top Growing Companies by The Globe and Mail in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025, with 142% three-year revenue growth reported from 2021 to 2024.

Name

Gear Re-store Inc

Legal name

Gear Re-Store Inc

Website

https://gearrestore.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2012

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Gear Re-store Inc provides technical repair, DWR reapplication, and RFID-based lifecycle tracking services for outdoor and technical gear, serving 70+ enterprise brand partners including Patagonia, Arc'teryx, Canada Goose, and Vail Resorts across three North American repair centers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Outdoor Gear Repair & Restoration Services

NAICS

Footwear and Leather Goods Repair (811430)

SIC

Services-Miscellaneous Repair Services (7600)

akta.pro primary industry

Specialty Repair (Elastic, Drawstrings, Straps, Hardware) (HSAJAFAO)

Keywords

• Outdoor gear repair
• Warranty fulfillment services
• DWR reapplication
• Technical apparel restoration
• RFID gear tracking

Headquarters

HQ city

Calgary

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Technical Repair Services: Core business providing technical repairs for outdoor gear, tactical equipment, and apparel. Services include zipper replacement, seam sealing, patching, reinforcement, and membrane repairs. Pricing based on type of repair with administrative fee structure.
2. DWR Reapplication: Durable Water Repellent restoration service using Grangers products and specialized industrial cleaning equipment. Additional fee on top of repair services.
3. Gear Tracer RFID Licensing: Licensing and software sales of proprietary Gear Tracer RFID technology to organizations including Vail Resorts and other brand partners. Available for $2 per repair tracking.
4. End-of-First-Life (EO1L) Services: Sustainability services including upcycling, downcycling, and responsible disposal of gear that has reached end of first life. Includes trade-in programs and recommerce solutions.
5. Uniform Fleet Management: RFID-based uniform management services for large organizations like Vail Resorts, including lifecycle monitoring, reordering, and non-return tracking.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Gear Re-Store provides technical repair, industrial cleaning, and DWR reapplication services for outdoor apparel, tactical gear, and technical equipment, operated through three North American repair centers. The company serves as an authorized warranty repair partner for 70+ outdoor brands and operates Gear Tracer, a proprietary RFID-based tracking platform that it also licenses to organizations such as Vail Resorts for uniform fleet and lifecycle management.

Product overview

Gear re-Store is an outdoor gear repair and restoration company operating as a single integrated platform with three core service lines: Technical Repairs (zipper replacement, seam sealing, patching, reinforcement for outdoor apparel, tactical gear, and accessories), Gear Washing and DWR Reapplication (industrial cleaning and durable water repellent restoration), and Gear Tracer (proprietary RFID-based tracking software). Overarching these is the re-Markably re-Sponsible Program — a nine-service circular economy platform covering repair (re-Pair), cleaning (re-Fresh), resale (re-Sell), upcycling (re-Build, re-Purpose), recycling (re-Cycle), debranding (re-Move), reuse/donation (re-Use), and rework (re-Work). The company also offers warranty management services as a brand partner benefit and sustainability consulting. Gear re-Store operates three North American facilities (Calgary, Denver/Thornton, Philadelphia/Folcroft) and processes approximately 70,000–80,000 units annually across repair and cleaning.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Gear Tracer: Proprietary RFID-based repair tracking software that tracks items throughout the repair process and provides real-time updates via text or email.
• re-Markably re-Sponsible Program

Products and services

• Technical Repairs

Quantifiable outcome

• 142% three-year revenue growth (2021-2024)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers16 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

39 partnerships are on record, tiered secondary, minor and core.

• KORE OutdoorssecondaryStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 December 2024Grassroots nonprofit in Kootenay region focused on building craft outdoor gear makers and innovators through workforce development and industry networking. Gear re-Store donated to support their mission.
• FOESA - Friends of Environmental Stewardship AlbertasecondaryStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 December 2024Volunteer-driven nonprofit stewarding campgrounds and forest recreation areas in Alberta's Eastern Slopes with 2,700+ members. Gear re-Store donated to support their conservation work.
• Tomahawk PerformancesecondaryStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 December 2024Tactical gear brand repairs including rugged field packs and heavy-duty outerwear.
• StrikersecondaryStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 December 2024Tactical gear brand repairs for Striker brands products.
• CEDC / Circular ColoradominorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Collaborating on waste reduction initiatives in Colorado.
• PLAEXminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Company transforming plastic waste into concrete alternatives. Collaboration on circular future for outdoor gear.
• LAVA RubberminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Repurposing rubber materials into innovative sustainable products. Collaboration on circular future for outdoor gear.
• Galvin GreensecondaryStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 October 2023North American warranty repair partner for premium waterproof golfwear, supporting their North American expansion.
• KORE Outdoors SummitsecondaryGTM or Marketing Partner · 13 October 2023Presented at 2023 Kootenay Outdoor Recreation Enterprise Summit on sustainability and circularity.
• Durston GearsecondaryStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 September 2023North American repair partner for ultralight backcountry gear designed in Canadian Rockies.
• FjällrävensecondaryStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 September 2023Warranty repair services for U.S.-based customers. Swedish outdoor clothing and equipment company known for Kanken bags.
• Alps & MeterssecondaryStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 September 2023Warranty repair services for U.S.-based customers. Alpine apparel brand focused on authentic alpine sport.
• HalfdayssecondaryStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 August 2023North American repairs for snow jackets, pants, and lightweight jackets. Brand focused on women in outdoor culture.
• KJUSsecondaryStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 May 2023Warranty repair services for U.S.-based customers. Swiss-founded provider of ski, golf, and lifestyle products.
• KlättermusensecondaryStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 May 2023Warranty repair services for winter outerwear customers in both Canada and U.S. Swedish mountaineering equipment maker.
• Arc'teryxcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 May 2023Three-year service agreement for warranty and off-warranty repair services for U.S.-based customers. High-performance outdoor equipment company known for climbing, skiing, and alpine technologies.
• ArchivecoreTechnology or Integration · 21 May 2023Complete circularity, resale, peer-to-peer, takeback platform partnership. Gear re-Store provides full logistical support including receipt, assessment, grading, repairing, cleaning, photographing, posting, warehousing, and fulfilment.
• Head USAsecondaryStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 March 2023Warranty repair services for winter outerwear customers.
• 1% for the PlanetcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 February 2023Environmental membership donating 1% of annual revenue to vetted environmental nonprofits. Partners include KORE Outdoors and FOESA.
• Crua OutdoorssecondaryStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 January 2023Canadian warranty repair partner for insulated temperature regulating camping tents and hammocks. Also refers off-warranty customers.
• Vail ResortscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 October 2022Formalized service agreement providing technical laundry, uniform repair, RFID technology (Gear Tracer), and end-of-first-life (EO1L) uniform management. Expanded from previous 3 resorts to 18 total Vail resorts using Gear Tracer. Partnership formalized after 6+ years working together.
• ExtendsecondaryTechnology or Integration · 24 October 2022Extended warranty and protection plan partnership. Gear re-Store provides technical repair services to Extend's merchant partners who have sold extended warranty packages for active lifestyle gear.
• REV'IT!secondaryStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 December 2021Warranty repairs in both Canada and U.S. for premium European Sport, Touring and Adventure Rider brand based in Holland.
• NEMO EquipmentsecondaryStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 October 2021Warranty repairs in Canada for outdoor gear maker focused on exploring uncharted paths.
• BUCK N' BASSsecondaryStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 August 2021Warranty repairs in both Canada and U.S. Technical apparel for bass anglers.
• TerraceasecondaryStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 June 2021Warranty repairs in both Canada and U.S. Cold weather gear inspired by Nor'Easters.
• Goldbergh Luxury SportssecondaryStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 March 2021Warranty repairs in both Canada and U.S. Women's luxury ski and sports apparel brand.
• Jones OuterwearsecondaryStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 January 2021Warranty repairs in both Canada and U.S. Environmentally minded technical gear brand.
• Rab EquipmentsecondaryStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 February 2020U.S. aftermarket repair partner for Rab outdoor equipment.
• TOBE OuterwearsecondaryStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 February 2020Warranty repairs for U.S.-based customers, extending previous Canadian partnership.
• Canada GoosecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Selected to perform all U.S.-originated warranty repairs since January 2020. Relationship thriving and exploring further collaboration opportunities.
• NikwaxsecondaryTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2020Industrial cleaning equipment partnership for environment-friendly cleaning products.
• Alberta Laundry SystemssecondaryTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2020Partnership to tailor industrial cleaning machines for peak performance in technical gear cleaning.
• GrangerssecondaryTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2020Products used for professional laundering and DWR reapplication on outdoor gear.
• PatagoniacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2016Long-standing authorized repair partner for Patagonia warranty and off-warranty repairs.
• Helly HansencoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2016Category Managing Director Oliver Flaser testimonial; performs uniform tune-ups and repairs including for Vail Resorts.
• The North FacecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2016Authorized repair center for The North Face brand repairs.
• ColumbiacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2016Authorized repair center for Columbia Sportswear repairs.
• NorrønacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2016Expanded partnership to U.S. customers in 2023. GrS and Norrøna have been working together in Canada for 7+ years. Norwegian brand founded in 1929.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Others

• I:CO (SOEX Group): I:CO (part of SOEX Group) is a global take-back and circular-economy platform for apparel and footwear, used by major brands to manage end-of-life products. It is an adjacent infrastructure/ecosystem participant that competes for the same brand circularity budgets that fund services like Gear re-Store's.
• Recovo: Recovo is a B2B marketplace for surplus and deadstock fabrics that connects textile waste with brands seeking circular materials. It operates in the adjacent circular-fashion ecosystem where Gear re-Store's re-Build, re-Purpose, and re-Cycle services also play, making it a thematic peer and potential downstream partner.
• Archive: Archive (formerly Trove) is a technology/resale platform that powers brand circularity programs including take-back, peer-to-peer resale, and recommerce. It is a current technology partner of Gear re-Store, supplying the platform layer that brands can use instead of building circular operations directly, and an adjacent enabler of the same end markets.

Broad incumbents

• VF Corporation: VF Corporation is the parent company of The North Face, Timberland, Vans, and other outdoor/lifestyle brands and has been added as a Gear re-Store brand partner. As a broad incumbent, VF both supplies warranty volume to Gear re-Store and operates in-house circular programs across its portfolio, making it a structurally important counterpart rather than a direct peer.

Direct peers

• Filson: Filson operates a well-known lifetime repair service for its outdoor/heritage apparel and gear and is itself a brand partner in the outdoor segment. It represents a brand-owned alternative to Gear re-Store's third-party repair offering and competes for the same high-end technical outerwear customer.
• The Renewal Workshop: The Renewal Workshop was a third-party circular textile company that provided repair, cleaning, grading, and resale services for brand partners — the closest pure-play operating analog to Gear re-Store. It wound down operations in 2024 but represented the canonical model that Gear re-Store continues to execute in the technical/outdoor category.
• Eileen Fisher Renew: Eileen Fisher Renew is one of the most established brand-owned take-back, repair, and resale programs in apparel, repairing and reselling used garments. While focused on women's apparel rather than technical outdoor gear, it is the closest operating analog to Gear re-Store's 're-Markably re-Sponsible' circular platform and validates the service-plus-recommerce business model.
• Patagonia (Worn Wear program): Patagonia's Worn Wear program is a brand-owned repair, trade-in, and resale platform for technical outdoor apparel. It is the most prominent in-house alternative to Gear re-Store's third-party authorized repair model, addressing the same target customers (technical outerwear owners) with overlapping services (repair, cleaning, resale) and competing for the same pool of warranty and post-warranty volume.
• Norrøna (rewoolution program): Norrøna operates rewoolution, a circular/repair program for its premium Norwegian outdoor apparel. Gear re-Store has been Norrøna's Canadian repair partner for 7+ years and now handles U.S. warranty volume — rewoolution is the in-house brand alternative whose strategic direction directly affects contract continuity.
• The North Face (Renewed program): The North Face's Renewed (xPLR 'Renewed') program takes back used TNF apparel and footwear for repair, cleaning, and resale, often via partner-operated facilities. It directly parallels Gear re-Store's enterprise warranty and re-Sell services and represents an in-house brand alternative for one of Gear re-Store's largest contracted customers.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/GearReStore
• Instagraminstagram.com/gearrestoreyyc
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/gear-re-store

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Gear Re-store Inc