Last week, Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2010 wrapped up a successful week of product demos, meetings, finalized sales, seminars and celebrations. The bounce back in business from 2009 was felt across the show's many events and was tangible in all corners of the Salt Palace Convention Center.
Attendees, exhibitors and show management agree that the high-quality demo, powerful seminar schedule, nearly record participation from manufacturers along with a double digit-increase in the percent of attending buyers and represented stores, all set the stage for a busy and vibrant expo.
“Although still cautious, there is no denying the industry's genuine enthusiasm and improved morale at this year's Summer Market,” said Kenji Haroutunian, Outdoor Retailer group show director. “Product innovation, marketing collaborations, networking events and the hum of business were apparent from every aisle of the convention center. From the innovative products at the outdoor demo to the face-to-face interactions on the show floor, this year's results affirm Outdoor Retailer to be the outdoor industry's must-attend trade event of the year.”
Outdoor Retailer Summer Market began on August 2 at Open Air Demo, a hands-on product testing event, held at Jordanelle State Park in Heber City, Utah. The new location offered an improved layout for exhibitors along with a better beachfront and water experience for attendees demoing paddlesports products.
“I've heard nothing but positive feedback on the Open Air Demo and the Expo. This show is just all about the new products,” said Chet Howard, a retailer from Orem, Utah. “It is interesting to see the emerging trends such as the number of minimalist products and, of course, the standup paddleboards.”
Following the Demo event, participants moved into the Salt Palace Convention Center to navigate a completely sold out show floor, brimming with the latest outdoor recreation hard goods, apparel and accessories.
“There's no other place where a retailer could find this many new and innovative products,” said Jim Mealey of Ely Surplus and Outdoor. “You could come do the show and walk around it one way, but if you turned around and walked it another way you would find a whole bunch more.”
As evidence of the show's efforts to be more inclusive of relevant peripheral markets, first-time exhibitor, O'Neill Wetsuits, felt warmly received by Summer Market retailers.
“We had so many people coming out of the woodwork to tell us that they love our products and were excited that we were here – in fact their attitude was – it's about time!,” said Marc Prefontaine, marketing manager for O'Neill Wetsuits. “The submarket of stand up paddle initially attracted us to Outdoor Retailer but we've discovered this audience is using our products for a number of situations where they need UV protection and warmth.”
According to Prefontaine, Founder Pat O'Neill was so happy with the value of the show, he demanded the company double their booth footprint at next year's Summer Market.
Brands pleased with the value and number of qualified attendees also included Outdoor Retailer Legacy Partner, Merrell.
“Outdoor Retailer always offers us the opportunity to show all of our wears in the environment we compete in,” said Michael Bohnsach, director of Merrell Retail. “It is our biggest show of the year and we see the most customers here of any show we attend.”
To view photos, video and industry conversations about Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2010, please visit the Outdoor Retailer Facebook page, Twitter feed, the OR Show Live web page and OR Inside blog.
The next Outdoor Retailer Summer Market will begin with Open Air Demo, to be held on Wednesday August 3, 2011, followed by the indoor portion of the show at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, August 4-7.
