Author: Eugene Buchanan

With Aspen, CO’-based Ute Mountaineer’s recent agreement to purchase long-running Boulder, CO-based retailer Neptune Mountaineering, it brings together two independently owned marquee Colorado retailers under one umbrella. SGB Executive caught up with both owner and seller to hear their thoughts about the acquisition.

Many of today’s paddlecrafts are made from plastic and/or resins that aren’t exactly good for the planet. But more companies in the category are embracing Mother Earth and are weaving sustainability initiatives into their products, from using eco-friendly materials to better manufacturing and shipping practices.

With VF Corp recently selling adventure luggage company Eagle Creek to Travis Campbell, its former president of emerging brands, the new owner has big plans for a brand whose doors were shuttered just a few months earlier.

The Big Gear Show, held August 3-5 in Deer Valley, UT, debuted this year as the industry’s first invitation-only, all-outside, multi-category trade event for the paddlesports, cycling, climbing, and camping markets. SGB Executive caught up with Haroutunian to see how the show went, how they managed COVID protocols, what’s up for the future and more.

The outdoor tradeshow industry is in the midst of one of its more memorable years as organizers implement pandemic protocols while staging their shows.

With the pandemic leading to growth in participation in paddlesports, no category has seen more uptick than SUP sales, especially inflatables. But those in the business are also having to deal with production, distribution and pandemic-related supply and shipping delays at a cross-current with unprecedented demand.

Apres and skiing and riding go hand-in-hand. A growing number of craft ski and distillery brands are taking advantage of that connection by partnering on everything from products to educational programs to increase brand awareness among consumers.

Hydration systems are doing more than keeping their users hydrated on the trail and road. They’re also helping retailers’ bottom lines, with improvements targeting a wide range of outdoor consumers.

Southlake, TX Solo Stove recently acquired Chubbies Shorts, Oru Kayak and ISLE SUPs under its new Solo Brands banner. SGB Executive spoke with CEO John Merris before the announcement to learn more about the acquisitions and its direct-to-consumer business model.

There has been a changing of the guard of sorts in the paddlesports category in the past few years, with new CEOs and companies behind such venerable brands as Hobie, Jackson Kayak, Confluence Watersports Kokatat, MTI/Ocean Kayak, and more. But what do these new owners think of the industry and its future, and what are their plans for their brands? To find out, SGB Executive canvased the companies and retailers to shed light on this new wave of ownership coming to the watersports world.

YKK goes high-tech, producing a zipper pull with a digital component, Touchlink, allowing consumers to interact with brands and brands to engage their consumers, creating a digital footprint of every purchase. SGB Executive catches up with Brian La Plante of YKK USA’s global marketing group for more on the innovation and how brands are receiving it.

Smartwool, now owned by VF Corp., continues its long-held practice of sustainability. Lately, however, with its environmental ethos emboldened by VF’s push for product circularity in its brands, the company has stepped up its game. In speaking with its Sustainability and Social Impact Senior Manager, Alicia Chin, SGB Executive learned about recent initiatives that continue the brand’s commitment to being a steward for the planet.  

With the Canadian government opening its borders to U.S. tourists on August 9, after being closed since March 2020, outfitters north of the border are rejoicing, but is it enough to save a second straight season of losses? SGB Executive checks in with Canadian outfitter Madawaska Canoe Centre to get its outlook on the outdoor industry amid the pandemic.

Recently adding Ocean Rodeo and MTI to its brand portfolio, Mustang Survival is enjoying a growth spurt. SGB Executive caught up with Josh Horoshok, recreation division vice-president, to discuss its recent acquisitions when other companies are downsizing and bringing its offshore safety role into new markets.

Shuttering its doors in late 2017 after 20 years in business, merino wool apparel brand Ibex is back up-and-running under GM and mountain athlete Bonie Shupe, who spoke with SGB Executive on the struggles in relaunching the brand during the pandemic and plans to make it relevant once again.