In 2006, Outdoor Retailer Show celebrated its 25th anniversary. A
175,000 square foot expansion of the Salt Palace convention center’s
main exhibit space and a 12.4% increase in attendance confirmed the
show’s continuing vitality. In 2006, 967 exhibitors and 6,095 retailers
were present.  Preliminary retailer attendance numbers announced
by Outdoor Retailer’s show management exceeded 6,500 in 2007,
presenting a 7% increase over 2006.

This year, the number of exhibits and retailers in attendance continued
to rise. A record 1,051 exhibitors displayed their products over
421,000 square feet of exhibit space. Over 150 new exhibitors were
listed in the official show guide.

Frank Hugelmeyer, president of the Outdoor Industry Association,
commented in the September issue of Outdoor Business, “I think the show
is healthy, the market is healthy and we have a lot going for us right
now.  The trade show reflected that.”

A previously announced plan to shift future Outdoor Retailer Summer
Market show dates failed to generate any real controversy among vendors
or retailers (see August issue of Outdoor Business magazine). Some
retailers, however, note that the objective of attending OR has shifted
from making initial buying decisions to finalizing purchase agreements.

Bill Bartee, owner of Jesse Brown’s Outdoors in Charlotte, NC said, “We
skipped the Summer Market because most of our business was done or
could be finished at our regional working show (EORA).  It’s good
that they are moving it earlier next summer to increase its overall
relevance.  The early apparel deadlines that are being put out by
our suppliers make June and July our true buying months not August.” He
added, “We used to go to Summer Market in preparation for the “hot” new
thing.  A lot of that is being brought to us before the show or
it’s coming from other categories.”

While sales conversations dominated much of the conversation between
vendor and retail buyer, environmental sustainability themes continue
to spread quickly through the vendor, retailer and media companies
present. Signally a formal industry wide commitment to sustainability,
the OIA’s Eco-Working Group left the show with formal mission
statements in place.