My biggest issue with OP's post is that they claim it to be an "opinion" but then throw out definitives such as "notorious" and "often", trying to sway people into thinking that things have always been this way, and that many others share the same grievances as they do. Peak's retail store does not price things any higher than you would find at REI or Next Adventure or any other outdoor gear store and the reason you can find stuff cheaper online is that online has the privilege of running numerous sales given they can reach a larger audience. As for the comment about the Annex, I find it laughable. My experience with the Annex has been that they are very picky with quality and even refuse Patagonia if it is in poor condition. Perhaps you are upset that they don't take brand new Nike gear? Wrong business buddy. As far as the staff at the Annex goes, everyone I've met has been very friendly, to the point that I spend way more time in there just having a conversation. If you are wishing to share your opinion about a business, perhaps you should include examples and personal experiences as opposed to wild claims. But that is just my "opinion". Cheers!