Marketing services firm Healthy Living and graphic design firm Studio 22 have joined forces to form Outdoors Connect to help outdoor brands connect with outdoor enthusiasts.
“We’ve spoken to many experienced Outdoor sales and marketing executives, and they all tell us that their brands and marketing activities are significantly challenged, due largely to further consolidation of outdoor retailers, the diminished reach and importance of specialty retail, and overall category commoditization,” said Ed Hinde, Partner with Outdoors Connect. “As a result, outdoor brands are finding it very difficult to reach and build relationships with end users of their products the very people who define the future success of their businesses.”
Leveraging integrated capabilities that include consumer insight, strategic planning, interactive design, creative development, content creation, direct response, and social media, Outdoors Connect clients will benefit from client experience from inside and outside the Outdoor Industry, including Timberland, Nike, Abbott Laboratories, PepsiCo brands, and Celestial Seasonings.
According to Eryn Willard, Principal of Studio 22 and Partner of Outdoors Connect, “our objective is to access and engage the end user of our client’s products. Given the way the industry is accustomed, manufacturers are typically blocked for one reason or another in creating and maintaining relationships with this so-important audience, and that spells real trouble for brands over time.”
Outdoors Connect is based in the Outdoor destination paradise of Mid-Maryland, an area that offers year-round access to trail, paddling, climbing, cycling and snow sports activity. Outdoors Connect is a member of the Outdoor Industry Association.
