Grassroots Outdoor Alliance (GOA) announced the cancellation of its spring Connect buying show, originally scheduled for June 7 to 10.
The cancellation is based on business factors that remain impacted by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic including, but not limited to, safety and attendees’ ability and interest to travel.
“This an unfortunate but is the wholly correct decision. We’re now honed in on our fall Connect show in Kansas City (November 8-11, 2021) as a time where our community can once again gather, reunite and move forward together,” said Rich Hill, president, Grassroots Outdoor Alliance.
Previously, GOA canceled both its June 2020 and November 2020 Connect shows. Despite the cancellations, and the business challenges of 2020, GOA topline sales are down just 0.25 percent for the calendar year, with close to 30 percent of the group recording double-digit growth. The news is brighter considering the shelter-in-place shutdown of March 2020, which reduced the total annual operating hours of most retail businesses by 10 percent to 20 percent.
In the absence of the spring 2021 Connect show, GOA is encouraging retailers and vendors to stay engaged through Grassroots’ free digital support tools, including Grassroots ConnectHub that supports the remote buying process, and NuOrder, an online platform that enables buyers to visualize their assortment by any data point.
Grassroots organizers are also encouraging member retailers and exhibitors to consider participation at nearby local or regional sales events through the spring and summer including 360 Adventure Collective or the Western Winter Sports Rep Association.
“In a year with an unprecedented spike in virtual tools, Zoom calls and other digital band-aids, we’re recognizing more than ever the importance of personal engagement to our retailers, our vendors and the rest of the specialty outdoor community. Depending on where you are in the country, a regional sales event has the ability to not require air travel or even a hotel stay and can more quickly and accurately respond to local realities,” said Hill.
