Outdoor Retailer Show 2014 - Recap from Day Two

While Day One's focus was all about the upsurge of the outdoor market during the last year, Day Two was a focus on expanding the outdoor industry's approach to engaging youth.  Secretary of the Interior and former REI CEO, Sally Jewell, spoke on building a public-private partnership with companies to ensure the future of our public lands be improving accessibility to our new generations.  Her presentation entitled "The Future of Recreation, Conservation and Youth Engagement," talked about her ambitious plan to create volunteer, work, and educational programs within the national park system geared towards the age group 18-33.

The statement that our generation is tech-savvy is a great understatement.  But the emphasis on bringing diversity into the outdoor industry and the desire to bring relevancy to nature, is Jewell's focus for the new year.  With a third of the employees within the Department of the Interior eligible to retire in the next five years, Jewell is stressing the importance of reaching out to the generation of politicians, spokespersons, and policy makers.  It's the "Civilian Conservation Corps 2.0."

Sally Jewell has high hopes for her plan to reach over ten million children and open up 100,000 jobs by 2017.  She struggled through the budget cuts and the shutdown, calling it "absurd and wasteful" with the government losing $76 million per day in visitor spending.  Her message?  For companies within the outdoor industry to come forth and financially back her plan.  American Eagle pledged $1 million, so only $19 million more to go.  Making outdoor education and opportunity a priority in children's lives is what will make all the difference.

Day Two Highlights:

• Controversy over OIA award for Utah Governor Herbert causes a stir among outdoor advocates.  The governor has only recently been on the defensive for the outdoor industry, even providing money to keep parks open during the shutdown.  But before his change of heart, his politics caused dismay in the industry.  So being awarded for his services to the industry seemed like a tall order.  But the chair of the OIA board, Jennifer Mull, made a good point.  "This is not a lifetime achievement award.  It's an award for what we see as some really positive movement."  The future for Herbert's governorship seems bright, with his push to halting drilling on public lands and the appointment of a director of outdoor recreation.
• The Outdoor Inspiration Awards takes our outdoor hero worship to the ultimate level.  "Who is your outdoor idol?"  Mine is probably Osprey and Nature's Valley.  The Lifetime Achievement Award went to Jeff Lowe, pioneer of climbing.  The finalists are:
• Company:  Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, Timbuk2, and United by Blue
• Group: Himalayan Stove Project, Kids in Training, Inc., and NOLS: Expedition Denali
• Individual: Midy Aponte executive director of the American Latino Heritage Fund, John Long avid climber and explorer author of 96 books, and Timmy O'Neill, world-renowned climber and philanthropist
• Small Band Pioneers:  USA Colab group, composed of 15 companies, including Voile, has made it a priority to produce small business comforts and made at home personality to the Utah area.  Backed by the governor's Office of Economic Development, they are helping winter stay fun and stay home bound.  Made in the USA is cool once again.
• New Product Zone at the ORShow has really stepped up and opened an area to treat buys with all the creature comforts of browsing and purchasing.  See a new piece of gear?  And it to your buyers list.  Browse the options at the super booths!
• With names like Grace Potter, Michael Franti, Spearhead, and Macklemore, who could follow that act for this year's music extravaganza?  Capital Cities, of course!
• The Winter Sales Floor is heating up with gear not traditional to the current season.  Yoga gear, paddleboards, and running shoes are just a few of the highlighted activities this year.  Yes it's winter, but outdoor enthusiasts are accepting the warmer winters and exploring other avenues of activities.  Instead of flocking to the ski resorts because of the economic decline, people have been relying on local haunts to fulfill their adventurous desires.  Hiking and overnight camping has flourished in the off season.  People are also utilizing time differently; the lunch break has become to new weekend.
•  Who are the new consumers?  Outdoor Retail of the Future initiative started in 2013 and is supporting industry companies to expand their marketing strategies.  So with the start of 2014, the OIA "will help identify which segments within the market aligns best with brand and business strategies."

Gear Trends:

•  Puffies!  Dri Down, Turbo Down, PrimaLoft - it's all the rage!
• Shells have become more sport-specific... Hopefully this doesn't mean spending more money.  Versatility used to be a huge factor.
• Fall Fashion trends: knits and leggings, sweaters and skirts.  Time to make the American-women back into the phenomenal woman.  "She's a career woman, a full-time mom, a traveler, an adventeress and a bike commuter."  Making gear fashionable and useful.
• The fashion trends for the gentlemen?  Gentlemanly.  Khakis, sweaters, and army jackets are bringing classy back.  Time to be a "dapper dude."
• Base layers turned day wear.  Hip designs are making this cozy pieces desirable for everyday clothing.
• You can't have enough socks and some companies are taking them to the next level.  Stylish and highly-functional.  Checkout the Icebreaker Ski Sock for a comfortable and ready to play!
• Source Vagabond Hydration systems are challenging themselves to break into the US market.  The Israeli based company prides itself in their glass-like bladders and liners that prevent bacterial growth: two things we look for in our hydration bladders.
• New collection of Woolrich Footwear/Portland Product Werks says it's all about the wool!