SNEWS Qs, Retailer Edition: Cliff Lunsford, president and CEO, Green Life Outfitters

What are some of the most popular items in your store?

Tents, sleeping bags, packs, first aid and survival gear.

Of all the new technology coming out these days, what is your favorite and why?

Being that my focus is on green, eco-friendly products, that is what excites us the most. We love products that are great on the environment and manufacturers that have a desire to lessen their impact on the environment. We are in the process of creating our own Green Life brand of outdoor products as well.

What makes your shop different from all the other specialty outdoor retailers?

We offer many products, but our first focus is offering a great selection of eco-friendly outdoor products. Most retailers do not have this as their main focus. And as more and more outdoor enthusiast are preferring eco-friendly gear, we are just that retailer they are looking for. We want to offer customers the best products possible at an affordable price. And products that will be great products for our customers that will last.



What’s your philosophy on customer service?

We value our customers as they are the reason we are in business. We love the outdoors and love offering great outdoor products. We believe in building relationships, and being there for our customers. Oftentimes we will respond to an email on the weekend when we are technically not open. We know customers want quick responses to questions or comments. And we want to be that company they can contact and know they will be responded to in a timely fashion.

What do you think makes customers loyal to stores?

I think customers become loyal to stores where they have built lasting relationships with the owners, employees and other staff. And when they know the company will do whatever it takes to take care of them as a customer. Customers become loyal when you offer them more value in other things then just selling them a product.

–Compiled by Ana Trujillo