Grassroots Outdoor Alliance (GOA), announced the addition of Oboz Footwear, Mystery Ranch and HydraPak to its national vendor partner network.
Debuting as new members during GOA’s November buyer’s meeting, the addition increases the group’s vendor membership to 64, joining its nationwide network of 89 independent retailers with 192 retail locations in 46 states.
Grassroots vendor partners receive direct access to the GOA retailer community with the opportunity to engage on numerous levels including learning events, regular planning meetings, participation in specialty outdoor-specific Switchback data management system, and an invitation to Grassroots Connect, the group’s twice-yearly buying show scheduled for each June and November.
“Through all the challenges of 2020, one of the bright spots in the outdoor industry has been the foundation of strong business relationships that’s keeping things together and moving forward,” said Rich Hill, GOA president. “For new Grassroots vendors, joining the group opens the door to more familiar and more productive relationships throughout the country.”
“Specialty retail has always been a cornerstone of Oboz’s business. At the core of doing business in a ‘true to the trail’ manner is being true to our community of retail partners,” said Amy Beck, Oboz President. “We are excited to engage with Grassroots and its passionate members as a vendor partner and work together to continue to grow and strengthen specialty retail.”
“We were invited to exhibit at the Connect show in our brand’s infancy and were exposed to an incredibly effective trade show experience. We’ve decided to become a vendor partner in the interest of improving our commitment to the very best specialty retailers in the U.S. and to focus our efforts on continuous improvement with these strategic partners. As we evolve out of a Covid dominated landscape, specialty retail and supporting small businesses is more important than ever to rebuild our economy,” said Ben Noble, Mystery Ranch North American sales manager.
“It is an honor for HydraPak and our stable of brands, including Polar Bottle and Bottle Bright, to be supported by the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance as a new vendor partner, “said Matt Patterson, HydraPak director of sales. “We align with the Grassroots focus on the specialty retailer being the heartbeat of the Outdoor Industry and appreciate their creation of a profitable roadmap for players small and large.”
