Business Journal
ArchiveThe newest survey data from the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable show a positive change in sales and employment at outdoor companies for the first time since April
With lofty goals to be more inclusive, the outdoor industry is at a crossroads. Some say the key is lower-priced gear
In the outdoor industry, it’s especially important to pay respect to the land and the Indigenous who are part and parcel of it
Today’s consumers expect complete transparency from the companies they support. Sometimes, that means being so honest it hurts
10 ways to make outdoor specialty shops more welcoming to all people, regardless of race, size, gender identity, or expertise
If you’re serious about sustainability, nothing is more eco-friendly than products that don’t need replacing
A healthy trade organization is key to a healthy industry. How has the pandemic affected Outdoor Industry Association, and how will OIA fare in the future?
A partnership with the platform NuORDER will make buying and managing inventory much easier
The coronavirus is wreaking havoc on the outdoor industry’s typical timelines—and “normal” looks to be a long way off. Here’s how the domino effect will change the manufacturing and retail calendar for years to come
Most brands require reps to pay for their sample lines, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Is it fair?
The group released a new digital tool called Make a Plan to Vote this week
This hybrid survival-outdoor store opened its doors in the middle of a global pandemic. The timing might have been perfect
On September 4, the queer outdoorsman will begin his Run Across Minnesota, promoting diversity in outdoor culture and his ϳԹ Safe Space initiative
Like nature, the outdoor industry needs change, renewal, and adaptation—and disruptors to challenge and supplant the way we do things. Here’s a peek into what’s coming around the bend. Because under the law of evolution, if you don’t adapt, you don’t survive
The best products of next season, ranked.
Is it time to upgrade your B2B system with something more modern? This quick quiz will show if it’s time to consider updating your system.
Between coronavirus and the national push for social justice, the world has changed—and the outdoor industry along with it. Focusing solely on retail doesn’t cut it anymore
After a pandemic-prompted trial run, the retailer will deconstruct the traditional idea of "headquarters" in favor of remote, flexible work
Sit in on a video conversation about how independent retailers are coping with the pandemic, new Grassroots Outdoor Alliance tools designed to support retailers and brands, and why pro deals proliferation is killing our local gear shops
The pandemic shutdown devastated the world’s manufacturing center—and many of the companies that rely on it. And there were already plenty of reasons to get out
Are pro programs a legitimate perk for industry professionals or a discount sales channel run amok? Some insiders are calling the whole scene a complete farce. Here's why
OBJ's new parent company has committed itself to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion. Entrepreneur, philanthropist, and former NFL linebacker Dhani Jones has joined the board
For more than a decade, Miho Aida has been an outspoken advocate for equity, inclusion, and diversity in the outdoors
The landmark conservation bill guarantees $900 million per year for the Land and Water Conservation Fund
Satkiewicz was a gifted athlete, an inspiring and passionate leader, a champion of women, and mentor to many
Throughout the pandemic, outdoor brands have slashed their marketing budgets for fear that tough times are still ahead. Scott P. Kaier, PR director at Formidable Media, explains why that might not be a smart move.
This little shop got its start out of the back of a truck. In just four years, it's become a local treasure that brings outdoor lovers together all year round.
Confronting racism in the outdoor industry starts at home
One of the country's oldest and most important environmental laws faces grave threats. The Winter Wildlands Alliance and the American Alpine Club have joined forces with 18 other groups to bring the fight to the courts
HydraPak’s RECON is the world’s first bottle made from 50 percent post-consumer recycled plastic
This year, the industry’s leading trade show went completely virtual for the first time. Just how successful was it?
Last week, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, turned up the spotlight on workplace discrimination against women, and in the process, gave us a master class on how to respond
The bill now heads to the President's desk
Recent announcements from REI, MEC, and Bass Pro Shops have people asking: What's going on with all these staff changes?
Unless you do the work, you’re just contributing to the problem. Start here
Next spring, in collaboration with the group Unlikely Hikers, the Salt Lake City brand will release 20 products aimed at plus-size outdoor enthusiasts, with new marketing efforts to match
After significant layoffs and furloughs earlier this year, REI plans to further reduce its nationwide staff
As customers resume in-person shopping, two outdoor brands are going above and beyond to help retailers deal with safety
The addition of 10 new members brings the organization to a count of 83 retailers in 45 states
"I believe that a run, a climb, a hike, or a day skiing can change your day and change the world"
Data from the guide booking platform 57Hours paints a bleak picture of an industry in crisis
Inclusion has come a long way, but we still have a long way to go
We all know outdoor companies are way too white. But the numbers don’t lie: Data shows that by diversifying leadership and workforce, they stand to become more profitable
A woman paralyzed in a hammock-related accident in 2017 is seeking damages from the North Carolina-based manufacturer of ENO products
The ϳԹ Travel Trade Association has collaborated with the Cleveland Clinic and dozens of outdoor experts to produce the most comprehensive set of travel safety guidelines the industry has seen yet
How media is evolving through the pandemic and recession
REI, Patagonia, The North Face, and others have committed to halting ad spends on the platform to protest the tech giant's tolerance of hate speech
Sit in on a video conversation about the surge in interest in Baker's Outdoor CEO Diversity Pledge, how it could reshape the outdoor industry, and how your company can lean in
If signed into law, the bill will permanently finance the Land and Water Conservation Fund and address maintenance backlogs on federal public lands
The marketing veteran joined Merrell's leadership team last week. She's already thinking about big things to come
Four outdoor industry professionals discuss how they feel about the amount they're paid
Serious about DEI? Stop expecting interns to work for free
Google and the World Wildlife Fund Sweden are collaborating on a new platform to bring environmental transparency to fashion industry supply chains
After leading the company for 12 years, Marcario decides it's time to pass the torch
The June 23-25 show in Denver was cancelled due to the coronavirus. OR just announced a digital substitute
A 31-year veteran of the outdoor industry offers a personal history of race relations in the action sports business and considers whether current activism is setting the stage for lasting change
The Cleveland Outpost, a gear shop offering new and used goods, opened its doors this week. Even in the middle of a pandemic, it's been smooth sailing so far
The company will also double match any employee donations to anti-racism nonprofits
Grassroots Outdoor Alliance has released a free platform called Connect Hub to make the upcoming buying cycle a little less chaotic
In response to the murder of George Floyd, outdoor leaders have released statements condemning racial injustice and institutional violence against the Black community in the United States. Here's a running list
Gear sales have gone topsy-turvy since the crisis began, with some sectors up and others disastrously down. But through it all, bikes have soared
Sit in on a video conversation that covers sell-through in the wake of coronavirus, creative ways brands are marketing new products, trade shows, and pajama pants
In 128 years, the organization has never elected a Latinx person as its leader—until now
Even if your brand can’t conduct essential business face to face, it is critical that you find ways to move forward
Here are three ways a rep can positively impact a retailer’s season, and how to enable your reps
Use these best practices to tailor your content marketing program for each part of the season
Learn what retailers need from brands in season to ensure mutual success
Learn about the modern tools and services that you can utilize to create long lasting retail relationships
What happens when an outdoor company stops making outdoor goods to focus solely on PPE? Flowfold sees the transition as a natural move
As consumer demand rises for comfortable face masks, outdoor companies are innovating new products
An apparel company founder discusses the waste and headache of spec inventory, and why quick-response production is the way of the future
Nate Porter, co-owner of Salida Mountain Sports in Colorado, discusses how we can use the pandemic to create a more sustainable, functional industry
As stores open their doors and welcome customers back, everyone—staff and shoppers alike—face a new normal
Allforth and Lithic will cater to customers who need guidance breaking into outdoor recreation
Situated on the edge of Cuyahoga Valley National Park, this Northeastern Ohio shop has been a community stalwart since 1988
Three industry nonprofits—Camber Outdoors, Protect Our Winters, and Access Fund—discuss adjusting to the new normal
Google's latest response to competition from Amazon is a potential windfall for small, independent shops
In these unprecedented times, the issue of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the outdoors has never been more relevant
National parks will likely resume operations in coming weeks, but there's more to consider than merely opening the gates