Outdoor Retailer closed another Winter market this afternoon after a revised calendar shifted the show to a Saturday through Tuesday format. While there was much discussion in the aisles about weaker traffic levels, it appeared to BOSS that the show had as much energy as we have seen at a Winter Market. Another increase in exhibitors, the first OR Fashion Show, and an expanded seminar format made for a very productive show for exhibitors and retailers alike.

Total attendance was up 3.3% versus Winter Market last year, and up nearly a third since Winter Market 2002. There were 740 exhibiting companies, up 25 companies from last year. Early figures from OR reported a total of 4,764 buyers representing 2,236 stores, up about 5.3% from last year’s Winter Market, and up nearly 47% from the 2002 show.

Outdoor Retailer closed another Winter market this afternoon after a revised calendar shifted the show to a Saturday through Tuesday format. While there was much discussion in the aisles about weaker traffic levels, it appeared to BOSS that the show had as much energy as we have seen at a Winter Market. Another increase in exhibitors, the first OR Fashion Show, and an expanded seminar format made for a very productive show for exhibitors and retailers alike.

Late numbers received this evening indicate that total attendance was up 3.3% versus Winter Market last year, and up nearly 33% since Winter Market 2002. There were 740 exhibiting companies, up 25 companies from last year. Early figures from OR reported a total of 4,764 buyers representing 2,236 stores, up about 5.3% from last year’s Winter Market, and up nearly 47% from the 2002 show.

Look for a full show review in next week’s issue.