Backwoods, the Austin-based outdoor retailer, launched
its newly redesigned website. The upgrade incorporates many of the community-building efforts customers gain at the store.

“We are thrilled to
launch our new website,” said Backwoods CEO Jennifer Mull. “Backwoods
stores have always been a place where customers hang out, talk about
their recent adventures and plan for their next one. With Backwooders,
The Muddy Hands Blog and the rest of our online community, our
customers can interact with us online in almost the same way they do in
our stores.”

The new and improved features of the website
include an enhanced online community with The Muddy Hands Blog and
Backwooders social network (based on the widely used social networking
platform Ning), streamlined navigation bars to ensure visitors can
quickly find exactly what they are looking for and the ability for
customers to rate Backwoods Adventures travel trips. Additionally, the
new website has an improved and expanded online store where products
are continually added and customers can search by department, activity,
brand, gear, gift ideas and sale.

Visitors can also sign up for Backwooders, a community overflowing with
adventure lovers, to learn about and share information on events,
travels, gear reviews and more. With the Muddy Hands Blog, RSS
feeds deliver updates from CEO Jennifer Mull and Backwoods staff on
their travels, gear tests and other adventures. They can also be sent updates on speakers, events, new gear and sales through their e-mail or follow  Mull and Backwoods on Twitter,
(@MuddyHandsBW and @backwooders, respectively) and join the Facebook
page(www.backwoods.com/facebook). Furthermore, www.backwoods.com
features screensaver downloads, unique photo contests and a weekly “quest,” which if found, will give access to special offers and free
items.

“In addition to the easier navigation and hassle-free
shopping, we really wanted the new website to have multiple ways for
BACKWOODS staff to interact with our customers,” explains Mull. “With
the enhanced editorial features, we look forward to providing timely
and topical information on every kind of adventure.”

Founded in 1973 in Wichita, KS, Backwoods currently operates nine retail
locations in Austin, Fort Worth, Norman, Oklahoma City, Omaha, Overland
Park, St. Louis, Tulsa and Wichita.