Gadgets galore: Outdoor industry counts on innovation to spur growth

The sluggish economy has had an impact on just about every industry imaginable.

And, despite a robust list of exhibitors and attendees at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, the industry is feeling pinched by the reduced revenue stream.

Still, the industry is strong and using innovation to create growth while giving dedicated customers what they want.

"During the show it was more apparent than ever that we, as an industry, have a strength and resilience in numbers, Outdoor Retailer show director Kenji Haroutunian said. "Despite market conditions, the industry showed its innovative side, both in creative, cost-effective booth treatments and emphasis on value to the dealers."

More than 900 exhibitors — ranging from small one-man shops to industry giants such as North Face and Columbia — packed the show floor at the Salt Palace peddling wares and getting their goods in the eyes of store owners and hopefully into the hands of the folks who love to hike, paddle and bike their way around the world.

An estimated 18,000 people walked through the Salt Palace doors to sell, buy and drool over the latest clothing, equipment and gear.

With the global economy beginning to rebound, according to many reports, the outdoor industry used the Outdoor Retailer show as a chance to take advantage of any upswing.

"It is virtually impossible to compare the world in the summer of 2009 to any other past years, the whole world, including the outdoor industry, has gone through a great deal of economic change and upheaval," said Joe Flynn, group vice president for the Nielsen Sports Group. "This being said, I am thrilled that the overwhelming feedback from our retailers and exhibitors is that ORSM 2009 was a huge success and demonstrated the strong backbone of our industry."

Columbia, a giant in the field, used the show to reaffirm its position among other brands. After spending a few shows in dedicated rooms apart from the main floor, the clothing and gear company took a prime spot amid other vendors this year.

"OR provided a great venue for Columbia Sportswear to engage with specialty retailers from around the world and to showcase our new technologies that address the needs of their outdoor consumers," said Mick McCormick, executive vice president of global sales and marketing for Columbia Sportswear. "Columbia's return to the main floor at OR was symbolic of our commitment to lead the industry through this difficult macro-economic period using our strong outdoor brand, our strong balance sheet and our ground-breaking product innovation."

The 2010 show is set for July 21-25, with the winter retailer show returning to the Salt Palace Jan. 21-24.

email: jeborn@desnews.com