A Legacy of Love for Nature

On the corner of Aspen Avenue and San Francisco Street, inside the historic Babbitt Building, Babbitt’s Backcountry Outfitters stands as a modern expression of a legacy that began in 1886. Built from locally quarried red Moenkopi sandstone by David Babbitt, the building once housed the Babbitt Brothers Trading Company, supplying ranchers, homesteaders and trading posts across Northern Arizona.

Today, the building remains a commercial anchor in downtown Flagstaff – and one of its most visible tenants carries that heritage forward through outdoor gear, rentals and community engagement.

“It’s the best space in town,” said Keith Harris, longtime owner of Babbitt’s Backcountry Outfitters.

Building on the Edge

“Babbitt’s Corporation purchased The Edge, a sporting goods store that was located next to Monte Vista in 1986,” said Harris. “They used The Edge name until the early 90s.”

Harris worked for Jim Babbitt, who relocated the store downtown and renamed it Babbitt’s Backcountry Outfitters, tying it more directly to the family’s history. “I purchased it from Jim in 2011. I had worked for Jim for so long, between him and [Babbitt Ranches President and General Manager] Billy Cordasco, they just made it happen for me to purchase the business.”

Success Begins with Culture and Family

“I think creating a good work culture, which makes for positive employee satisfaction and productivity, has been very important,” said Harris. “I feel like we are all a team working toward the same goal. Babbitt’s Backcountry would not be here without great employees. Also, raising my two daughters [Leah and Aubrey] here in Flagstaff is a top accomplishment. My wife, Becca, and I believe that buying Babbitt’s from Jim is one the greatest decisions we ever made.”

That team spirit extends beyond the stone walls. “Babbitt’s Backcountry is very committed to the local community. We sponsor many events, from film festivals to Grand Canyon Youth, pet adoptions and sporting events, just to name a few. It is awesome to be able to give back to our community.”

Social Media as a Game-Changer

Across the decades, Harris has seen the retail landscape transform. “Social media is a large part of some of the many changes. When we started, we didn’t even have a website. You didn’t have anything online. These days, a website, Instagram and Facebook are all very important to the success of any business. That’s how people find you. Also, we try to make carrying local companies’ products a priority, as well as smaller companies that we can form a relationship with and grow together.”

Challenges, Costs, Competition

“One of the greatest challenges has been the cost of doing business always going up,” he said. “The pandemic was challenging at the time, but it ended up helping business in the long run. Also, it will always be a challenge competing with online sales and big-box stores.”

Carrying Babbitt Family Values Into The Future

Fueled by a legacy of values and a commitment to community, Harris says Babbitt’s Backcountry Outfitters is committed to being here for many generations to come.

“The Babbitt family has always been passionate about community,” he said. “It’s incredible what they have given back. It’s all about the land, the ethics, the animals and the connection to the whole community, beyond just making money.” FBN

Babbit’s Backcountry Outfitters,
12 E Aspen Ave, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
(928) 774-4775, www. babbittsbackcountry.com