When sporting goods retailer evo ships ski boots ahead of the winter season, some will be delivered to the company’s competitors — who will then help evo customers be sure the boots are a good fit. “We’ve reached out to the best independent shops and asked, can you offer the same service to our customers using your store and your expertise?” says Bryce Phillips, co-owner of Seattle-based evo, which has an online business and stores in Seattle, Denver and Portland, Oregon.