Outdoor Retailer has released key findings from the Outdoor Retailer 2009 Retailer Survey. The online survey aimed to gauge the thoughts and feelings of retailers in relationship to their overall trade show experience and included topics like reasons for attending Outdoor Retailer, popular product categories and retail buying habits.
“Now, more than ever, it is necessary for us to maintain lines of communication with our buyers and attendees,” said Kenji Haroutunian, Outdoor Retailer show director. “The results of our most recent survey brought to light ways we can continue to evolve the show and ensure attendees see the most innovative supplies, technologies and products. Responses also confirmed we are on the right track with established events and programs that help attendees network and strengthen industry relations.”
The Outdoor Retailer 2009 Retailer survey was conducted over a six week period and was managed by Lifeboat Solutions, an event management, sales and marketing firm that provides consulting services to companies within the recreational sporting goods industry. Conducted in collaboration with the Outdoor Industry Association, the survey elicited responses from past Outdoor Retailer registrants, attendees and prospect retailers. The results provided important insights into how Outdoor Retailer can continue to provide buyers with the highest return on investment and increase value points for the entire Outdoor Retailer audience.
Key findings are summarized below:
Top 10 Reasons for Attending Outdoor Retailer
1. See new products
2. Find new suppliers/manufacturers
3. Establish/build business relationships
4. Find new product segments
5. Industry networking
6. Outdoor community and cultural experience
7. Plan marketing and co-op strategies
8. Write and close orders
9. Attend educational business seminars
10. Find closeout products
Product Categories
The top four categories of product carried by respondents were apparel, footwear, camping and backpacking. These categories were followed closely by the running and instruction categories. Popular write-in categories included travel, fishing and hunting.
Retail Buying Habits
Of those participants who did attend Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 08:
87% of retailers found new suppliers
76% wrote orders on site at the show
34% wrote orders on site with five or more exhibitors
52% wrote orders on site of $10,000 or more
82% of those that placed orders wrote for the same amount or greater than 2007
Other Key Findings
91% of attending respondents indicated they were very satisfied or satisfied with their show experience
Late July through mid-August predominant ranked as the best time window for holding Summer Market by all respondents
Nearly 28% of attending buyers went to Open Air Demo 2008
80% of those who attended Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 08, plan to attend Summer Market 09
41% of those who did not attend Summer Market 08, plan to attend Summer Market 09
More than 1,500 retailers participated in the survey and 85% listed owner, buyer or manager as their primary job title. Other noteworthy participants included co-owners, partners, assistant managers, VP of operations and multiple merchandising titles. Sixty-three percent of the survey respondents had attended Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 08 while 37% did not attend.
