Outdoor Retailer, the largest U.S. tradeshow and premier business event for the outdoor industry, wrapped up a successful first Outdoor Retailer Summer Market in Denver.
Over five event days, from July 22-26, the show welcomed more than 26,000 attendees and nearly 1,400 global brands to the Mile High City. From the Demo Experience at Confluence and Commons Parks to the packed Colorado Convention Center, Outdoor Retailer Summer Market provided a first look at new designs, materials and trends throughout the outdoor industry.
“It was great to be back in Denver for Outdoor Retailer Summer Market,” said Marisa Nicholson, vice president and show director for Outdoor Retailer. “Brands and retailers embraced our first summer in Colorado and utilized the show to make quality connections to support their businesses. The week also offered an opportunity for everyone to collaborate, discover and be inspired. We’re looking forward to coming back in November to launch the winter outdoor season.”
Outdoor Retailer Summer Market occupied all three floors of the Colorado Convention Center–over half a million net square feet–and was the largest tradeshow held at the venue. The week opened with the Demo Experience, the first outdoor demo held in Denver and nearly 300 new brands exhibiting throughout the show.
Exhibiting brands, sales representatives and retailers recognized the breadth of products and impactful meetings, as well as the new Denver location, as factors contributing to their overall show experience.
“This year’s Outdoor Retailer Summer Market was Adidas Outdoor’s 16th Outdoor Retailer show, and it was clearly our best show to date, surpassing all of our expectations,” said Greg Thomsen, managing director, Adidas Outdoor USA. “A big shout-out to the talented and extremely helpful Outdoor Retailer team for managing a great week. The move to Denver is a welcome change of scenery, and we are looking forward to an even better November show.”
“Outdoor Retailer is the only place where the outdoor industry can all get together to interact, make connections and embrace each other,” added Nathan Dopp, president of Louisville, CO-based Fjällräven North America. “We had a great week full of amazing meetings and good conversations, and the days are as much about forming relationships as they are about showing product. Everyone is in one place, and we’re all in Denver; the city is a fantastic host, and you really feel that everybody loves and appreciates the show.”
“The show was amazing. Outdoor Retailer is a show that always has buzz, which makes it incredibly inspiring,” said Mike French, sales representative at Nau. “For myself and all at Nau, we had great meetings and greeted a lot of new people, which is very important for us as a small company.”
“If you are interested in anything outdoors, you go to the Outdoor Retailer shows,” said Jordan Lauterstein, general manager for Good Sports Outdoor Outfitters in San Antonio, TX. “From the small brands to the giants, you’re able to see everything the outdoor industry has to offer. As an independent retailer, we find that the Outdoor Retailer shows are also great for discovering new brands that can be good to cultivate in our brick-and-mortar stores.”
During the week, attendees also joined education sessions and workshops. From The Camp to the Ranger Station in Venture Out to the Trend + Design Center and daily breakfasts, discussion topics covered sustainability, diversity, merchandising and technology, among other things.
New features and events grabbed the attention of attendees. The new freestanding climbing boulder in The High Altitude Den was a popular attraction for climbers, providing the perfect spot to test the latest climbing gear and to get belay certified with the American Alpine Club. The Night of Stoke presented by 5Point Film Festival was open to the public and showcased a selection of inspirational adventure films.
Outdoor Retailer returns to Denver in November to kick off the winter season. Outdoor Retailer Winter Market runs November 8-11 at the Colorado Convention Center and will highlight innovation. The show is co-located with Grassroots Outdoor Alliance’s Grassroots Connect fall show. Registration and housing are now open for the November event.
“Now positioned at the front of the winter buying season, Outdoor Retailer Winter Market will be a strong opportunity to get a jump on product launches and emerging trends,” added Nicholson. “In November, we will celebrate the start of the winter outdoor season and highlight innovation in our industry. We will also do what we do best–make meaningful connections to support each other and our businesses, and to further growth in the outdoor industry.”
Outdoor Retailer Summer Market was the second of three shows hosted by Outdoor Retailer this year in Denver. In January, the Outdoor Retailer Snow Show was the first event in Denver, and the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market takes place in November. Beginning in 2019, the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market moves to June.
