Turns out our industry is about as divided as the rest of the country around which Presidential candidate is best qualified to steward our country. Late last week, SportsOneSource queried subscribers asking how the election of John McCain or Barack Obama will impact the industry. The question stirred very passionate responses from across the market, demonstrating just how serious the business community sees this election and the severe challenges facing the economy. The responses were about 50/50 for each candidate. Due to the fervent nature of political discussions, BOSS kept all responses anonymous, except for Amy Roberts at OIA. Here’s a few:
“The investment community hates uncertainty, so the election will definitely ease a certain amount of “apprehension” in the overall marketplace. That impact, coupled with the mass realization that our current President is FINALLY leaving office will create a sense of optimism, regardless of who the winner in November is. If it happens to be Obama, I think that bodes particularly well for the outdoor industry in the long term. His sensitivity to environmental issues would help energize a generation of outdoor-active, environmental stewards. If it happens to be McCain, I still think it’s a positive step for the economy, but not as positive for the outdoor sector as an Obama victory would certainly be.
Regardless of who is elected, the trade climate in Washington will focus more on how companies doing business overseas are adhering to environmental and labor standards. Regarding recreation, both Obama and McCain support more funding for close-to-home recreation and have committed to tackling climate change in their Administrations. Senator Obama also supports the reinstatement of the Roadless Rule while Senator McCain has not addressed this issue.”
– AMY ROBERTS, VP GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS, OIA
“McCain would be better for our industry. McCain would not increase taxes to suppliers and retailers. Obama would increase taxes for business and business owners. Without the added tax burden Obama would levy, it would allow for investment in new products and industry expansion to happen. If Obama puts more restrictions on imports from China, it will only mean higher prices and more inflation than we are seeing now.”
– HEAD BUYER, FULL-LINE SPORTS/OUTDOOR CHAIN
“I believe the election of Barack Obama will be a positive thing for our industry. I believe he will pursue sound environmental and sustainability policies. That’s a key reason why my wife and I, and almost everyone we know, are supporting Senator Obama. It seems respect and honor for the environment can only increase participation in outdoor recreation and thereby strengthen the outdoor retail industry.”
– CO-OWNER, OUTDOOR RETAIL SHOP
“I believe Obama is the better choice — but only slightly — because he has the ability with his rhetoric to raise people’s spirits. Words move people.”
– PARTNER, ADVERTISING AGENCY
“The impact of this election will be felt by small business owners, who will likely pay significantly higher taxes on business profits (if there are any) under Obama. My guess is that there will be significantly more regulation and NAFTA and other trade agreements will be weakened or killed under Obama.”
– PRESIDENT, CLIMBING ACCESSORIES SUPPLIES
“McCain would be disastrous, with no coherent plan for the economy and basically anti small-business. Not to mention an airhead for VP. Obama would have a more positive impact, but the government cant control 100% what the economy will do.”
– ANONYMOUS
“Should Obama be elected, the damage from a “new American socialism” will ripple through our economy like a plague, hurting businesses from the established giants to struggling entrepreneurs. New job growth will be choked off, employment costs will soar, and unemployment levels will rise as companies try to stay profitable. As more workers fall off payrolls, more go on the dole, and up go taxes. You think it’s tough now!”
– SALES SUPPORT, OUTDOOR CATALOG
“After 8 years of George Bush policies I am hopeful for a change in our country’s direction. The Republican Party seems to have a very short sighted view on energy and the environment. For retailers that promote the outdoors what can be more important than the air and water? Barrack Obama is far better qualified to bring our country together to solve our economic problems and to end the war in Iraq. It is time to put money into the U.S.A. than rebuilding Iraq. This is probably the most important election and it is good to see the youth mobilized to make effective change.”
– OWNER, SKI/BIKE SHOP
“I do not believe Obama will be good for the economy with his tax proposals. McCain has not really laid out much of a plan, but that may be good in that government’s function is not retail business – that’s our function as business owners. The exciting part is Palin; she is active, her husband is active, so just due to this and their images it could be good for action retail.”
– OWNER, BOARDSHOP
