Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, which represents some of the most iconic independent outdoor specialty retailers in the country, named Wes Allen as its new president.
Allen has worked in the outdoor industry or 18 years, including as national sales manager for Chaco both before and after it was acquired by Wolverine World Wide. Prior to Chaco, he was director of sales for Ulu Footwear, which he joined after a 10-year career at REI, where he managed or opened stores in six markets. He is currently a co-owner of Sunlight Sports in Cody, WY, but will relinquish ownership interest and all management duties at there prior to starting at Grassroots on Sept 1.
“Wes brings the rare combination of a background in both manufacturing and specialty retail, as well as a genuine passion for independent outdoor specialty,” said outgoing Grassroots President Roanne Miller. “I have great confidence that by focusing on community, culture and sustainability, Grassroots Outdoor Alliance will continue to provide a unified voice to keep independent outdoor specialty vibrant and strong.”
Grassroots members said they were looking for someone who understands the challenges specialty retailers face as more outdoor brands ramp up their direct-to-consumer operations and expand distribution into new channels, including Amazon.com and big box retailers such as Cabela’s, Gander Mountain and Dick’s Sporting Goods. Under Miller, Grassroots urged all its vendors to adopt minimum advertised pricing policies and ban the sale of their products on Amazon.com and other third-party, online market places.
“I believe strongly that independent, specialty retailers – and the brands that have the vision to partner with them in truly meaningful ways have a bright future,” Allen said last week. “Grassroots retailers have always set the benchmark when it comes to really connecting with core customers in a retail setting. The brands that are part of Grassroots are a who’s who of companies that care about our communities and focus on doing well by their customers.”
Now in its 20th year, Grassroots provides purchasing and other services for 51 independent outdoor retailers with more than 100 doors in 28 states. In 2013, its members generated sales of about $225 million.
