Eastern Mountain Sports was founded in
1967 in Wellesley Massachusetts by two rock climbers who
had become dissatisfied with the poor selection of climbing
equipment they found in existing stores. In addition to
selling climbing gear, they added a selection of camping
equipment in hopes of making money from the hobby that
had turned into a viable business. From this small store
outside Boston Massachusetts, EMS has grown into one of
the nation's leading outdoor specialty retailers, with
more than 80 retail stores, as well as a formidable online
presence. The company is now based in Peterborough, New
Hampshire